Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Case Report

Nickel dust-induced occupational contact dermatitis by welding and grinding work in shipyard workers: a report of nine cases: Daehwan Kim, A Ram Kim, Hanjun Kim, Sunghee Lee, Byeonghak Seo, Ho Seok Suh, Chang Sun Sim, Heun Lee, Cheolin Yoo; Ann Occup Environ Med 2022;34:e7. Published online March 24, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2022.34.e7

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF PubReader ePub

Background

Occupational skin diseases are skin conditions that occur or worsen in relation to work and known to be the second most common type of occupational disease affecting individuals in the United States. In Korea, epidemiological reports related to occupational skin diseases are rare. But, no cases of occupational contact dermatitis caused by welding and grinding work have been reported previously.

Case presentation

Nine male workers working in the production department for liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships in Ulsan complained of erythematous papules/patches and itching in various areas of the body after welding and grinding work. The work environment monitoring report revealed that the amount of nickel dust exceeded the time weighted average (TWA) and poor local ventilation status. Based on the symptoms and the overall results of surveys, several tests, and work environment monitoring report, the 2 workers who had positive patch-test reactions to nickel were diagnosed with nickel dust-induced allergic contact dermatitis. The other 7 workers were diagnosed that there was a high probability that they had nickel dust-induced irritant contact dermatitis. The 2 workers who had nickel dust-induced allergic contact dermatitis were recommended to switch their jobs.

Conclusions

Nickel is one of the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. In this case, the dust was assumed to be created by welding work with a high nickel content new welding rod and subsequent grinding work, and the concentration of this dust exceeded the time weighted average. Thus, it is thought that the nickel dust may have caused contact dermatitis through continuous contact with the workers' exposed skin in a poorly ventilated space. Currently, several domestic shipbuilding companies are manufacturing LNG tankers using a new construction method. Consequently, it is highly likely that similar cases will occur in the future, which makes this case report meaningful.

조선소에서 용접 및 그라인더 작업 중 발생한 니켈 분진에 의한 직업성 접촉피부염 사례 : 9 cases
배경
직업성 피부질환은 업무와 관련되어 발생하거나 악화하는 피부질환을 말하며 미국에서 직업성 질환 중 2번째로 흔한 질환으로 알려져 있다. 국내에서는 직업성 피부질환과 관련하여 역학적인 보고는 가끔 있었으나, 용접/사상 작업을 하는 근로자들에게서 니켈에 의한 직업성 접촉피부염이 발생한 보고는 없었다.
증례
울산 소재의 한 조선회사의 LNG선 생산부에 근무 중인 9명의 남성 근로자가 용접/사상 작업 후 여러 국소 부위에 발진 및 가려움을 호소했다.
작업환경측정 보고에 따르면 니켈 분진의 양이 한계 수준을 초과했고 국소 환기 상태가 불량한 것으로 나타났다.
직업성 피부염의 증상, 문진, 여러 검사 결과, 작업환경측정 결과 등을 고려하였을 때 우리는 니켈에 양성 반응을 보인 2명을 니켈 분진에 의한 알레르기접촉피부염으로 진단하였다. 다른 7명은 니켈 분진에 의한 자극접촉피부염 가능성이 높음으로 진단하였다. 니켈 분진에 의한 알레르기접촉피부염으로 진단한 2명에게 작업 전환을 권고하였다.
고찰
니켈은 직업 환경 및 일반 인구에서 피부에 노출 시 발생하는 알레르기접촉피부염의 가장 흔한 원인이다. 본 사례에서 높은 니켈함유량을 가진 새로운 용접봉을 이용한 용접작업 및 이어진 사상 작업으로 인해 고농도의 니켈 분진이 발생한 것으로 추정되며, 이 분진의 농도는 기준치를 초과했다. 따라서 환기가 잘 되지 않는 공간에서 니켈 분진이 근로자들의 노출된 피부에 지속적으로 닿아 접촉피부염을 일으켰을 것으로 생각된다. 현재 국내 여러 조선사들이 새로운 공법으로 LNG 탱크를 생산하고 있다. 결과적으로 우리의 사례와 유사한 여러 사례가 향후 발생할 가능성이 매우 높아 이를 보고하는 바이다.

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Research Article

Cogeneration plant and environmental allergic diseases: is it really an eco-friendly energy source?: Jinyoung Moon; Ann Occup Environ Med 2020;32:e38. Published online December 2, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2020.32.e38

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Background

Combined heat and power generation (CHP generation, also called ‘cogeneration’) is attracting public attention for its high thermal efficiency, without considering possible adverse environmental health effects.This study investigated the potential role of cogeneration plants in inducing 3 environmental diseases: asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.

Methods

From 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017, the towns (dongs) of South Korea in which a cogeneration plant started operation were selected as study sites. For comparison, a matched control dong with the most similar Gross Regional Domestic Product for each case dong was selected. The numbers of outpatient visits, inpatient admissions, and emergency visits provided by the National Health Insurance Sharing Service (NHISS) were analyzed using an interrupted time-series design. For air pollutants, the concentrations of 5 air pollutants from the AIRKOREA dataset were used.

Results

A total of 6 cogeneration plants in 6 case dongs started operation during the study period. For overall case dongs, the pre-CHP trend was 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.038–1.042), and the post-CHP trend was 1.248 (95% CI: 1.244–1.253). The intercept change due to the CHP plant was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.137–1.162). For overall control dongs, the pre-CHP trend was 1.133 (95% CI: 1.132–1.135), and the post-CHP trend was 1.065 (95% CI: 1.06–1.069). The intercept change due to the CHP plant was 0.888 (95% CI: 0.878–0.899). Only for CO and NO₂, the relative risk (RR) for overall case dongs was statistically significantly increased, and the RR for the overall control dongs was statistically insignificant.

Conclusions

Possible hazardous emissions, like CO and NO_2, from cogeneration plants could induce environmental diseases in nearby community populations. The emissions from cogeneration plants should be investigated regularly by a governmental agency, and the long-term health outcomes of nearby community residents should be investigated.

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Research Article

Association between green areas and allergic disease in Korean adults: a cross-sectional study: Hyun-Jin Kim, Jin-young Min, Hye-Jin Kim, Kyoung-bok Min; Ann Occup Environ Med 2020;32:e5. Published online January 22, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2020.32.e5

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Background

Although many epidemiological studies have reported the inverse associations between greenness and health outcomes, inconsistent associations in allergic diseases remain an issue. We aimed to identify associations between greenness and allergic diseases among Korean adults.

Methods

In total, 219,298 adults from the 2009 Korea Community Health Survey were included in this study. Individuals' allergy-related conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, were evaluated. To identify the amount of green areas (m²) per capita in each administrative region, we used the 2009 data for green areas from the Korean Statistical Information Service.

Results

The risk for atopic dermatitis in the highest quartile of green areas was significantly lower compared with that of the lowest quartile. Physician's diagnosis and current treatment of odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 0.82 (0.73–0.91) and 0.77 (0.64–0.92), respectively. Similarly, the association results for allergic rhinitis showed that the highest level of green areas was significantly associated with a decreased risk of allergic rhinitis in full-adjustment model quartiles. Physician's diagnosis and current treatment of OR (95% CI) were 0.94 (0.89–0.99) and 0.91 (0.82–1.00), respectively.

Conclusions

We observed inverse associations of green areas with atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis in Korean adults.

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Case Report

Dermal and neural toxicity caused by acrylamide exposure in two Korean grouting workers: a case report: Heeyun Kim, Sang Gil Lee, Jeongbae Rhie; Ann Occup Environ Med 2017;29:50. Published online October 9, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-017-0207-7

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Background

Peripheral neuritis caused by acrylamide is well-known, and many Korean grouting workers are frequently exposed to acrylamide in grouting agents that are injected into cracked concrete. We recently encountered two cases of dermal and neural toxicity in Korean grouting workers with exposure to grouting agents that contained a high concentration of acrylamide.

Case presentation

The first case involved a 44-year-old man with 8 years of waterproofing experience. The patient developed peeling skin on both hands while grouting, which progressed to systemic neurological symptoms, such as reduced sensory function and strength. The patient was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy caused by acrylamide exposure, and fully recovered after conservative treatment and withdrawal of exposure to the grouting agent. The second case involved a 34-year-old man with 10 years of grouting experience. The patient initially experienced weakness in both legs, which progressed to weakness in his arms and uncontrolled phonation. After being hospitalized, he was diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia and peripheral neuropathy caused by acrylamide exposure, and was discharged after conservative treatment. Our follow-up investigation revealed that both workers were recently exposed to grouting agents that contained higher concentrations of acrylamide, compared to the agents that they had previously been using.

Conclusions

Both workers had workplace acrylamide exposure through dermal contact plus inhalation of dust and vapor, which led to the neural toxicity and dermatitis. Therefore, government studies are needed to investigate the current status of workplace acrylamide use, and to protect workers from the hazardous effects of using acrylamide-containing grouting agents.

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Research Article

The Effect of Work Characteristics on Dermatologic Symptoms in Hairdressers: Pil Kyun Jung, June-Hee Lee, Ji Hye Baek, Jungho Hwang, Jong-Uk Won, Inah Kim, Jaehoon Roh; Ann Occup Environ Med 2014;26:13-13. Published online June 9, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-4374-26-13

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Objectives

Hairdressers in Korea perform various tasks and are exposed to health risk factors such as chemical substances or prolonged duration of wet work. The objective of this study is to provide descriptive statistics on the demographics and work characteristics of hairdressers in Korea and to identify work-related risk factors for dermatologic symptoms in hairdressers.

Methods

1,054 hairdressers were selected and analyzed for this study. Independent variables were exposure to chemical substances, the training status of the hairdressers, and the main tasks required of them, and the dependent variable was the incidence of dermatologic symptoms. The relationships between work characteristics and dermatologic symptoms were evaluated by estimating odds ratios using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among the 1,054 study subjects, 212 hairdressers (20.1%) complained of dermatologic symptoms, and the symptoms were more prevalent in younger, unmarried or highly educated hairdressers. The main tasks that comprise the majority of the wet work were strictly determined by training status, since 96.5% of staff hairdressers identified washing as their main task, while only 1.5% and 2.0% of master and designer hairdressers, respectively, identified this as their main task. Multiple logistic regressions was performed to estimate odds ratios. While exposure to hairdressing chemicals showed no significant effect on the odds ratio for the incidence of dermatologic symptoms, higher odds ratios of dermatologic symptoms were shown in staff hairdressers (2.70, 95% CI: 1.32 - 5.51) and in hairdressers who perform washing as their main task (2.03, 95% CI: 1.22 - 3.37), after adjusting for general and work characteristics.

Conclusions

This study showed that the training status and main tasks of hairdressers are closely related to each other and that the training status and main tasks of hairdressers are related to the incidence of dermatologic symptoms. This suggests that in the future, regulations on working conditions and health management guidelines for hairdressers should be established.

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Case Report

An Occupational Erythema Multifome Case of a Worker Exposed to Dichlone and 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine in a Dye Manufacturing Process: Jae Seung Yong, Jung Won Kim, Eun A Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(3):311-318. Published online September 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.3.311

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
In Korea, the only case of occupational erythema multiforme was found to be due to Bolivian rosewood, but there has been no case due to occupational chemicals in the manufacturing industry. Here, we report a case of erythema multiforme caused by dichlone and 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine(DCB) in a dye worker.
CASE
REPORT: We report a 43-year-old male worker manifesting erythema multiforme-like skin lesions during the DCB synthesis, The patient's dermatitis was relieved when he avoided the process, and it became aggravated when he restarted his work. Patch and prick tests confirmed positive irritant reactions to two chemicals.
CONCLUSION
This case was diagnosed as erythema multiforme based on clinical manifestations. Symptoms worsened upon exposure to chemicals while avoiding exposure improved symptoms. Skin test results showed that dichlone and 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine induced irritant reactions. We assume that erythema multiforme occurring in workers is an occupational skin disease likely caused by dichlone and 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine.

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Original Article

Work-Relatedness of Occupational Contact Dermatitis in a Tire Factory: Sora Choi, Han Soo Song, Chul Gab Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(4):354-364. Published online December 31, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.4.354

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study investigated occupational contact dermatitis in a tire factory, prompted by a long history of complaints of skin ailments by the factory workers.
METHODS
Participants (n=160) completed a questionnaire concerning job characteristics and skin symptoms, and received a medical examination. Fifty-four workers with suspected work-related contact dermatitis were chosen for a patch test of contact-related dermatitis.
RESULTS
The most frequent positive reactions of patch test were produced by diphenylguanidine, formaldehyde and cobalt. Twenty-one of the 54 individuals (38.9%) were judged to have work-related skin disease.
CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to natural and synthetic rubbers and additive materials pose a risk of contact dermatitis in a tire manufacturing environment. Improved sanitary work practices and public health awareness measures are suggested.

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Case Report

A Case of Allergic Contact Dermatitis Caused by Epichlorohydrin and tris-DMP in an Epoxy Resin Worker: Min Kim, Daehwan Kim, Seonwook Hwang, Juhong Park, Chunhui Seo, Seunghwan Shin, Jinhong Ahn, Jongtae Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(3):276-282. Published online September 30, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.3.276

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
Epoxy resin compounds are one of the common causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis. In Korea, most cases of allergic contact dermatitis from epoxy resin compounds have been caused by the epoxy resin itself. We report a rare case of allergic contact dermatitis which was caused by epichlorohydrin, an ingredient of epoxy resin and 2,4,6-tris-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol (tris-DMP), a kind of hardeners.
CASE
REPORT: A 43-year-old man, who had worked at the epoxy resin glue manufacturing factory since 1999, presented with mild and intermittent erythematous papules and rashes on his face, neck, trunk, and both arms. He was dealing with epoxy resin, epichlorohydrin, bisphenol A and hardeners. After a new hardener was added in August 2008, his skin lesions worsened from what he had experienced in the past. A skin patch test was performed to identify the causative chemicals of the skin lesion. Epichlorohydrin and tris-DMP elicited positive reactions after 48 hours and increased after 96 hours.
CONCLUSION
This case confirmed occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by epichlorohydrin and tris-DMP, an ingredient of epoxy resin and a hardener, respectively.

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Original Article

Case Series for Occupational Skin Disorders in Carbon Fiber Exposed Packing Workers: Hye Eun Lee, Chang Bum Byun, Sinye Lim, Seung Ho Jeon, Sang Yong Oh, Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Soon Choi, Domyung Paek, Mijin Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(3):199-208. Published online September 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.3.199

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
We report an outbreak of skin disorder in semiconductor packing workers. Through an evaluation of the degree of work-relatedness in this case, we aim to develop a method to overcome such health problems in the workplace.
METHODS
A questionnaire investigating the job characteristics and skin symptoms was administered to 51 packing workers working in a semiconductor production factory and 49 questionnaires returned. The 16 subjects in the exposure group and 12 in the non-exposure group underwent doctor's examination and patch test. Two of 28 subjects were excluded in patch test. We investigated the work environment and carbon fiber level which was the potential causative agent.
RESULTS
Forty-five (91.8%) of 49 packing workers complained of itching and stinging. Three of 14(21.4%) in the exposure group and 3 of 11 (27.3%) in the non-exposure group were positive at 48hr reading of patch test for carbon fiber and carbon fiber paper. None was positive at 96hr reading of patch test. Prominent carbon fibers were microscopically observed on the surface of the packing box and the fiber diameter, measured up to 6.0~7.5 micrometer, was likely to induce skin irritation to skin. To avoid worker's direct contact with to carbon fiber, carbon fiber paper box was substituted by a wax coated carbon fiber paper box was substituted for the original carbon fiber paper box, which caused and the workers' symptoms to of workers disappeared.
CONCLUSION
The probably cause of this outbreak of skin disorder was mild irritant contact dermatitis for carbon fiber. To prevent outbreaks of such occupational skin disorder like this, workers should avoid direct contact with carbon fiber.

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Case Report

Case Series for Occupational Dermatosis in a Factory Treating Liquid Waste Mixtures: Sue Kyung Park, Hyun Sul Lim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(3):336-351. Published online September 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.3.336

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
A dermatologic outbreak occurred in a factory usingliquid waste mixtures at Gyeongju. We conducted this study to identify causative factors.
METHODS
We conducted a questionnaire interview composed of general andjob characteristics. A dermatologist carried out medical examination, European standard patch test and 'as is' patch test. We evaluated the cases with over 5 criteria of Mathias's 7 definitions of occupational dermatologic diseases.
RESULTS
Seven of 9 workers were diagnosed with dermatosis and 3 subjects (cases 2, 4 and 6) with Mathias's 7 criteria were confirmed as having occupational dermatologic diseases and were diagnosed as irritant contact dermatitis. Two subjects (cases 1 and 9) with over 5 criteria were evaluated as suspicious status. The remaining 2 subjects (cases 3 and 5) were not compatible with those criteria. The main sources of this outbreak were suggested to be the wasted solvents in the factory of car accessories and aluminum products because the subjects (cases 2, 4, 6, 1 and 9) had the positive skin reaction against those sources in 'as is 'patch test. Furthermore, 4 of the 5 subjects cases 2, 4, 6 and 9) had some skin reactions against the waste solvents of chemical material in 'as is'patch test.
CONCLUSION
This outbreak occurred by direct skin contact of liquid waste mixtures of a factory making car accessories and aluminum products. The cutting oils and metal working fluids in those liquid waste mixtures were estimated as the most suspected materials. In addition, this outbreak may have been caused by the hazard effect of mixed waste organic solvents of manufacturing of chemical materials.

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Case Report

Occupational Allergic Contact Dermatitis Like Erythema Multiforme Induced by Bolivian Rosewood: Joo Youn Shin, Yun Chul Hong, Jong Han Leem, Shin Goo Park, Jee Na Lee, Hwan Chul Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):220-226. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.220

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
Woods are capable of causing allergic or irritant contact dermatitis which typically occurs on exposed areas. Because Bolivian rosewood exclusively contains the strong sensitizer R-3,4-dimethoxydalbergione, an increasing number of cases of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis has been reported.
CASE
REPORT: A 49-year-old, male, wood worker, who handled a variety of woods, developed allergic contact dermatitis. A patch test confirmed a positive reaction to one of the exotic woods, Bolivian rosewood. Allergens found in Bolivian rosewood caused this patient's dermatitis, which cleared when he avoided this wood.
CONCLUSION
Exotic woods such as Bolivian rosewood can induce occupational contact dermatitis. Measures to lower the incidence of work-related dermatitis are needed in the workplace. Especially, when cutting or sanding woods, workers should wear proper personal protection.

Citations

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Occupational Skin Diseases in Korea
Yeon-Soon Ahn, Min-Gi Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S46. CrossRef

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Case Report

Exfoliative Dermatitis and Toxic Hepatitis Associated with Occupational Exposure to Trichloroethylene: Hong Jae Chae, Seong Kwan Lee, Kang Jin Lee, Jong Youl Kim, Seung Chul Lee, Dong Hyeon Shin, Jai Dong Moon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(1):111-117. Published online March 31, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.1.111

Abstract PDF

A 28-year-old male began working as a degreaser. The solvent used in the degreasing operation was trichloroethylene. Over the next month the man experienced fever, chills, and an erythematous skin rash and itching. At that time he had a marked elevation in his liver enzyme, with cholestasis. Over the next few days the rash persisted then peeled. There was an elevation of Ig E, and a positive patch test reaction to trichloroethylene. His dermatitis and hepatitis were considered to be mediated by a hypersensitivity mechanism.

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Jong Hyun Hwang, Jung Il Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Trichloroethylene Hypersensitivity Syndrome: Should Be Considered When Diagnosing DRESS Syndrome
Young Joong Kang, Jihye Lee, Jungho Ahn, Soonwoo Park, Mu Young Shin, Hye Won Lee
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Late-onset trichloroethylene-induced hypersensitivity syndrome after intermittent exposure to low-dose trichloroethylene
Seung Yun Lee, Se Hwan Oh, Hyuck Jae Choi, Woo Young Choi, Jee Young Han, Hong-Lyeol Lee, Cheol-Woo Kim
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease.2016; 4(2): 145. CrossRef
Follow-up assessment of two cases of trichloroethylene hypersensitivity syndrome: A case report
Yong-Shun Huang, Han-Lin Huang, Qi-Feng Wu, Li-Hua Xia, Ming Huang, Xin-Xiang Qiu, Shan-Yu Zhou
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine.2016; 12(2): 895. CrossRef
Trichloroethylene Hypersensitivity Syndrome Is Potentially Mediated through Its Metabolite Chloral Hydrate
Yongshun Huang, Lihua Xia, Qifeng Wu, Zifang Zeng, Zhenlie Huang, Shanyu Zhou, Jiachun Jin, Hanlin Huang, Edda Fiebiger
PLOS ONE.2015; 10(5): e0127101. CrossRef
Severe acute hepatitis in a printing company worker: A case study
Shoji Kubo, Koichi Matsuzaki, Toshihito Seki, Masahiko Ohsawa, Shinji Kumagai, Ginji Endo
Journal of Occupational Health.2015; 57(1): 87. CrossRef
Trichloroethylene Hypersensitivity Syndrome: A Disease of Fatal Outcome
Hyun Gul Jung, Hyung Hun Kim, Bong Gun Song, Eun Jin Kim
Yonsei Medical Journal.2012; 53(1): 231. CrossRef
Hypersensitivity syndrome due to trichloroethylene exposure: A severe generalized skin reaction resembling drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome
Hideaki WATANABE
The Journal of Dermatology.2011; 38(3): 229. CrossRef
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Yeon-Soon Ahn, Min-Gi Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S46. CrossRef
Occupational Hepatic Disorders in Korea
Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Tae Woo Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S36. CrossRef
Occupational trichloroethylene exposure as a cause of idiosyncratic generalized skin disorders and accompanying hepatitis similar to drug hypersensitivities
Michihiro Kamijima, Naomi Hisanaga, Hailan Wang, Tamie Nakajima
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.2007; 80(5): 357. CrossRef

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Original Article

Contact dermatitis surveillance system in Taejon city: Prevalence of contact dermatitis among the workers exposed to solvents and nonmentallic chemicals through an immediate health examination system in Taejon city: Seong Sil Chang, Sooyoung Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2000;12(2):227-234. Published online June 30, 2000; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2000.12.2.227

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
We tried to establish a Regional Occupational Surveillance System (ROSS) for estimating the prevalence and monitoring the trend of occupational dermatitis among 718 manufacturing workers exposed to organic solvents and nonmetallic chemicals in small and medium sized businesses of 1,2 industrial complex area of taejon City.
METHODS
Through the report from the nurses of Group Occupational Health Management System, we made a case referral and immediate health examination system with occupational medical clinics. We also performed a survey for detecting occupational dermatitis by a self-administered questionnaire. Case must meet 3 criteria; 1) He/She must have one or more significant cutaneous signs and symptoms. 2) The symptom should be changed by the work condition or caused by risk chemicals. 3) Dermatitis should be diagnosed by a doctor. Results Among the 131 workers(17. 7 %) with significant symptoms screened by the questionnaire, 4 workers(0. 6 %) met the case definition criteria. And among the 45 workers (6. 3 9o) referred to the immediate diagnosed system, 14 workers (l. 9 %) were Strongly suspected to have occupational dermatitis.
CONCLUSIONS
These prevalence rates were quite underestimated because of deficient recognition of the disease severity among the workers, reversibility of the target diseases, and life-threathening mood due to nationwide economic crisis and the socioeconomic withdrawal of each business. Ultimately, harmonized activities of government, industry, labor unions, volunteer organization and academy relating to occupational health in a community should be encouraged to do creative, consistent efforts for evolution and development of this first trial of ROSS.

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Work-relatedness of lung cancer by smoking and histologic type in Korea
Young-Il Lee, Sang-Gil Lee, Dong-Mug Kang, Jong-Eun Kim, Young-Ki Kim, Jong-Han Leem, Hwan-Cheol Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupational Skin Diseases in Korea
Yeon-Soon Ahn, Min-Gi Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S46. CrossRef

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Original Article

Radiodermatitis from Occupational Exposure to 192Ir: Kea Jeung Kim, Jae Hak Yoo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(1):128-135. Published online February 28, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.1.128

Abstract PDF

Portable gamma radiography for nondestructive testing with 192Ir is commonly used in various industrial fields to defect possible internal defects of metals in pipelines, tanks, bridges, ships and so forth in Korea. Compared to the numerous researches about biologic effects and potential risks of radiation, only a Jew papers were reported about radiodermatitis from occupational exposure to 192Ir. In this study, we investigated six patients with occupational radiodermatitis with developed during portable gamma radiography for nondestructive testing with 192Ir. All six patients had developed radiodermatitis on their hands and fingers. They noticed painful swelling, erythema, and bullae on their fingers or palms 1 to 2weeks after exposure. Three patients suffered from chronic fibrosis and recurrent ulcerations. We also discussed about the working situation of our patients and reviewed the literatures about the radiodermatitis from occupational exposure to 192Ir. In conclusion, we think ionizing radiation, though it is a useful tool in industry, must be carried out in accordance with radiation protection rules and regulations.

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Acute radiation syndrome in a non-destructive testing worker: a case report
Ji-Sung Ahn, Jai-Dong Moon, Wonyang Kang, Hyeong-Min Lim, Seunghyeon Cho, Dae-Young Lim, Won-Ju Park
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Ionizing Radiation-induced Diseases in Korea
Young-Woo Jin, Meeseon Jeong, Kieun Moon, Min-Heui Jo, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S70. CrossRef

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Original Article

Phototoxic Dermatitis by Coal Tar Containing Paint: Yun Chul Hong, Eun Hee Ha, Hye Sook Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1997;9(2):267-274. Published online June 30, 1997; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1997.9.2.267

Abstract PDF

Many workers who used coal tar containing paints in shipyard industry have dermatitis, but the etiology is not known well. Our research is to fond out the etiology of the dermatitis and to provide proper management. Methods of this research are comprised of 3 steps. First, we diagnosed dermatitis by questionnaire and dermatologic examination and evaluated air level of coal tar pitch volatiles in workplace. Second, we confirmed coal tar phototoxicity by in vitro cell experiments. Third, we evaluated the effects of intervention. The results were as follows ; Questionnaire survey showed that the lesions of dermatitis were mainly on the sun exposed area and the symptoms were strongly associated with season, weather, and time. Air levels of coal tar pitch volatiles in workplace were higher than NIOSH standard (0.1 mg/m(3), cyclohexane solubles). Inhibitory effects of cellular proliferation by coal tar containing paints and UVA (365nm) exposure showed coal tar phototoxicity. Intervention was done by UV barrier cream(BPF 30) and 72.7% workers who applied UV barrier cream improved after 2 months later. Conclusively, the etiology of dermatitis of shipyard workers who used coal tar containing paint was coal tar phototoxicity, and this dermatitis would be protected by UV barrier cream.

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Overview of occupational cancer in painters in Korea
Jun-Pyo Myong, Younmo Cho, Min Choi, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef

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Original Article

Occupational Contact Dermatitis in Patch Test Clinics of General Hospitals: Hee Chul Eun, Bong Koo Lee, Kea Jeung Kim, Hyung Jai Kang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1989;1(2):160-167. Published online November 30, 1989; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1989.1.2.160

Abstract PDF

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis cases who had visited the patch test clinics of Seoul National University Hospital(1984-1988) and Koryo General Hospital(1982-1988) were analyzed in this study. Patch test was performed with either Hollister-Stier standard battery or European standard battery in addition to the patients own materials and other commercially available antigens. Patch test was peformed according to the recommendation of International Contact Dermatitis Research Group. The result is summarized as follows. 1. Out of 946 cases 65 (6.9%) were suspected as having occupational dermatoses clinically and 35 (3.7%) were diagnosed as occupational allergic contact dermtitis after patch test. 2. Sixteen (45.7%) out of the 35 patients were male and 19 (54.3%) were female. Twenty one (60.0%) patients were in the age of 20 to 40 years. 3. The occupational distribution of 35 patients were medical personnels (8), cement workers (7), industrial workers (5), hair dressers (5), farmers (3), merchants (3), cooks (2) and painters (2). 4. Potassium dichromate, nickel sulfate and rubber chemicals were the most common occupational allergens. We also reviewed the Korean literatures related to the occupational dermatoses.

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Allergic contact dermatitis of both eyes caused by alcaftadine 0.25%: a case report
Jae Hyuk Kim, Hyun Joon Kim, Sun Woong Kim
BMC Ophthalmology.2019;[Epub] CrossRef

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