Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Original article

Association between serum iron levels and low-frequency hearing loss in Korean females: Inho Jung, Seunghyeon Cho, Sunjin Jung, JiHwan Kim, Won-Ju Park; Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e28. Published online September 2, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e28

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF: Background
This study investigates the association between serum iron levels and frequency-specific hearing loss in Korean female population, a topic previously unexplored in auditory health research.
Methods
This study enrolled Korean female participants from the general population. Serum iron levels and hearing thresholds at low (1 kHz) and high (4 kHz) frequencies were assessed, adjusting for potential confounders. Participants were stratified into quartiles based on serum iron levels.
Results
The mean age of the study population was 51.1 ± 10.1 years. Among the 2,987 participants, 344 (11.5%) had abnormal low-frequency hearing thresholds, and 719 (24.1%) had abnormal high-frequency thresholds. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant negative association between serum iron levels and low-frequency hearing thresholds (β = –0.012, p = 0.017), whereas no significant association was observed with high-frequency thresholds (β = –0.006, p = 0.352). In a stratified analysis using 50 years (the average menopausal age) as a cutoff, no statistically significant association was identified in participants younger than 50 years. However, in those aged 50 years and older, the negative association between serum iron levels and low-frequency hearing thresholds remained statistically significant.
Conclusions
This study is the first to identify an association between serum iron levels and low-frequency hearing loss in females aged 50 years and older, underscoring the potential role of iron in auditory function. These findings highlight the importance of further research in diverse populations to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and broader clinical implications.; 혈청 철분 수치와 한국 여성의 저주파 난청 간의 연관성
배경
본 연구는 혈청 철분 수치와 특정 주파수 난청 간의 연관성을 조사하였다.
방법
일반 한국인 여성 집단을 대상으로 연구를 진행하였으며, 혈청 철분 수치와 저주파(1 kHz) 및 고주파(4 kHz)에서의 청력 역치를 측정하였다. 또한, 잠재적 교란 변수를 보정한 후 분석을 수행하였다. 연구 대상자는 혈청 철분 수치에 따라 사분위수로 분류하여 분석을 시행하였다.
결과
연구 대상자는 총 2,987명이었으며 평균 연령은 51.1 ± 10.1 이었다. 대상자 중 344명(11.5%)이 저주파 난청을, 719명(24.1%)이 고주파 난청을 보였다. 교란 변수를 보정한 후 선형 회귀 분석을 수행한 결과, 혈청 철분 수치와 저주파 청력 역치 간에는 유의한 역상관 관계가 나타났으나(β = -0.012, p = 0.017), 고주파 청력 역치와는 유의한 연관성이 확인되지 않았다(β = -0.006, p = 0.352). 평균 폐경 연령인 50세를 기준으로 층화 분석을 진행한 결과, 50세 미만에서는 통계적으로 유의한 연관성이 나타나지 않았으나, 50세 이상에서는 이러한 연관성이 유의하게 유지되었다. 이는 혈청 철분 수치가 50세 이상 여성의 저주파 난청과 특히 관련이 있을 가능성을 시사한다.
결론
본 연구는 혈청 철분 수치와 50세 이상 여성의 저주파 난청 간의 연관성을 최초로 규명하였다. 본 연구 결과는 청각 건강에서 철분의 중요성을 강조하며, 보다 다양한 집단을 대상으로 한 추가 연구의 필요성을 제기한다.

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Original Article

Association of weight and dietary habits with high blood mercury levels in Korean adolescents: data from the KoNEHS cycle 4, 2018-2020: Ji Hoon Kim, Minju Jung, Jaewon Mun, Dong-Jae Seo, Jong-Han Leem, Shin-Goo Park, Dong-Wook Lee, Hyung Doo Kim, Hwan-Cheol Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e5. Published online February 21, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e5

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material

Background
Humans are exposed to mercury primarily in its highly toxic form, methyl mercury, which is known to have adverse effects on various organs and systems. The negative impact of mercury exposure on the growth, development, and mental health of children, from infancy to adolescence, is well-documented. However, there are no internationally standardized safe limits for mercury exposure. This study investigated the impact of dietary habits and higher body mass index (BMI) on blood mercury levels in adolescents.
Methods
This study analyzed the data from the 4th Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) 2018–2020. The focus was on 825 middle and high school students aged 13–18 years, whose blood mercury levels were measured. A survey on dietary and lifestyle habits was also conducted. Blood mercury levels were categorized by geometric median values, and associations with overweight status and seafood consumption were examined using a generalized linear model.
Results
The geometric mean blood mercury level for the entire sample was 1.37 μg/L, with levels of 1.31 μg/L in normal-weight individuals and 1.43 μg/L in overweight individuals, showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups. After adjusting for other variables, blood mercury levels were significantly associated with overweight status (estimate: 0.084; p = 0.018; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.015–0.153), consumption of large fish and tuna more than once a week (estimate: 0.18; p = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.077–0.284), and consumption of fish once a week or more (estimate: 0.147; p = 0.004; 95% CI: 0.043–0.250).
Conclusions
In adolescents, a higher BMI and an increased consumption of large fish, tuna, and fish were associated with higher blood mercury levels. Notably, a stronger association was found between large fish consumption and blood mercury levels in the overweight group. These findings suggest the need to moderate seafood consumption and establish more proactive mercury exposure standards for adolescents.

한국 청소년에서 체중 및 식습관과 높은 혈중 수은 농도의 연관: KNHANES 제4기 데이터, 2018-2020
목적
수은은 독성이 강한 형태인 메틸 수은의 상태로 인간에게 주로 노출된다. 메틸 수은은 발달 및 정신건강측면을 포함한 인체 전반에 독성 영향이 있지만 현재 국제적으로 표준화된 수은 노출 기준이 없다. 특히나 영유아나 청소년은 발달이 아직 이루어지지 않아 성인에 비해 더 수은 노출의 위험도가 높다. 본 연구에서는 청소년의 식습관이나 과체중 여부가 혈중 수은 노출에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다.
방법
본 연구는 국립환경과학원에서 발간하는 제4기 국민환경보건 기초조사(2018-2020)를 활용하였다. 제4기 대상 중 혈중 수은 농도가 측정 된 13-18세의 중, 고등학생 825명을 대상으로 하였고 식습관이나 생활 습관에 대한 개인 설문을 활용하였다. 혈중 수은 농도 중위 값을 기준으로 구분하여 과체중 여부를 구분하여 각종 해산물 식습관과 혈중 수은 농도와의 연관성을 로지스틱 회귀 모델을 사용하여 조사하였고, 이 후 전체 연구 대상자를 대상으로 연관성을 조사하였다.
결과
전체 표본의 기하평균 혈중 수은 농도는 1.37 µg/L로, 정상체중 군은 1.31 µg/L, 과체중 군은 1.43 µg/L로 나타났으며, 두 군 간에 통계적으로 유의미한 차이가 있었다. 다른 변수들을 조정한 후, 혈중 수은 농도는 과체중 상태(추정값: 0.084; p-value: 0.018; 95% 신뢰구간[CI]: 0.015-0.153), 주 1회 이상 대형어류와 참치 섭취(추정값: 0.18; p-value: 0.001; 95% CI: 0.077-0.284), 주 1회 이상 어류 섭취(추정값: 0.147; p-value: 0.004; 95% CI: 0.043-0.250)와 유의미한 관계가 있었다.
결론
청소년에서 높은 BMI와 대형어류, 참치, 어류 섭취가 높은 혈중 수은 농도와 관련이 있었다. 특히, 과체중 그룹에서는 대형어류 섭취와 혈중 수은 농도 간의 강한 연관성이 발견되었다. 이 결과는 청소년을 위한 해산물 섭취 절제와 더 적극적인 수은 노출 기준 설정이 필요함을 시사한다.

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Association between complex exposure to cadmium and mercury and atopic dermatitis in elementary school students: analysis using data from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) Cycle 4
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Original Article

Differences of nutritional intake habits and Dietary Inflammatory Index score between occupational classifications in the Korean working population: Seung Hee Woo, Yangwoo Kim, Kyungho Ju, Juhyeong Kim, Jaechul Song, Soo-Jin Lee, Jeehee Min; Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e5. Published online March 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e5

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material

Background

Human nutrient intake is closely related to the conditions of their workplace.

Methods

This study used data from the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted between 2016 and 2020. The study population comprised individuals aged 19 to 65 years who were engaged in paid work, excluding soldiers (total = 12,201, male = 5,872, female = 6,329). The primary outcome of interest was the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score, which was calculated using dietary intake data. Generalized linear models were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Pink-collar workers had higher DII scores, indicating a potentially higher inflammatory diet than white-collar workers (mean: 2.18 vs. 1.89, p < 0.001). Green and blue-collar workers displayed lower levels of dietary inflammation (green: 1.64 vs. 1.89, p = 0.019, blue: 1.79 vs. 1.89, p = 0.022). After adjusting for sex, age, income, education, and energy intake, the sole trend that persisted was the comparison between white-collar and pink-collar workers.

Conclusions

DII scores and dietary patterns differed among occupational groups and genders.

한국 직장 인구의 직업 분류별 영양 섭취 습관과 식이 염증 지수 차이
목적
직장인의 영양 섭취는 그들의 직장 환경과 밀접한 관련이 있다.
방법
본 연구는 2016년부터 2020년까지 실시된 대한민국 국립건강영양조사(KNHANES) 자료를 사용하였다. 연구 대상은 19세에서 65세까지의 직장인으로, 군인은 제외되었다.(전체 = 12,201명, 남성 = 5,872명, 여성 = 6,329명) 주요 관심 대상은 식이 염증 지수(DII)로, 식품 섭취 정보를 사용하여 계산하였다. 통계 분석에는 일반화된 선형 모델을 사용하였다.
결과
핑크 칼라 직종 근로자들은 DII 점수가 더 높았으며, 이는 화이트 칼라 직종 근로자들보다 잠재적으로 염증성 식습관이 높을 수 있음을 나타낸다.(평균: 2.18 대 1.89, p < 0.001) 그린과 블루 칼라 직종 근로자들은 DII 점수가 낮았다.(그린: 1.64 대 1.89, p = 0.019, 블루: 1.79 대 1.89, p = 0.022) 핑크 칼라와 화이트 칼라 직종 근로자에서 DII 점수의 차이는 성별, 연령, 소득, 교육 및 에너지 섭취량에 대한 보정 후에도 지속되었다.
결론
DII 점수와 식습관은 직업군과 성별에 따라 다르게 나타났다.

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Research Article

Relationship between dietary factors and bisphenol a exposure: the second Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS 2012–2014): Jin-Soo Park, Seyoung Kim, Minkyu Park, Yeji Kim, Hyeeun Lee, Hyunrim Choi, Sinye Lim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2017;29:42. Published online October 18, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-017-0200-1

Abstract PDF

Background

This study was aimed at finding out the exposure level of bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known endocrine disruptor, in relation to dietary factors using a data representing the Korean general population.

Methods

This study was performed on 5402 adults aged 19 years and older based on the Second Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS 2012–2014). The data analyzed urinary BPA concentration in relation to socio-demographic variables, health behavior-related variables, and dietary factor-related variables. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated through a logistic regression analysis after dividing the participants into high BPA exposure group and low BPA exposure group based on the top 75 percentile concentration. The logistic regression analysis was carried out considering the appropriate sample weight, stratification, and clustering of the second KoNEHS sample design.

Results

The group drinking bottled water at home and the group using zip-top bags/plastic bags showed significantly higher urinary BPA concentration in female. OR tends to increase as the intake frequency of frozen food increased and OR of frozen food consumption of more than once a week was 1.48 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–2.24) for male and the group drinking bottled water showed significantly higher OR of 1.45 (95% CI 1.06–2.17) after adjusting the related factors for female.

Conclusions

BPA levels were high in female using bottled water and in male consuming frozen food, and therefore bottled water and frozen food need to be avoided to reduce BPA levels.

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Yeji Kim, Minkyu Park, Do Jin Nam, Eun Hye Yang, Jae-Hong Ryoo
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Research Article

The associations between blood mercury levels and shark meat intake among workers in Gyeongsangbuk-do: Gun Il Park, Young Seok Byun, Man Joong Jeon, Joon Sakong; Ann Occup Environ Med 2017;29:29. Published online June 27, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-017-0185-9

Abstract PDF

Background

Shark meat is used as sacrificial food in Gyeongsangbuk-do, and is a major source of dietary mercury. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of shark meat intake or the ritual of Jesa on blood mercury levels within workers living in Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Methods

This study was conducted from September 2016 to October 2016 in two cities of Gyeongsangbuk-do. To compare the differences between urban and rural areas, two workplaces each in Daegu as the urban area and Yeongcheon as the rural area were selected. General characteristics and characteristics related to shark meat consumption of the workers were acquired by personal interviews during their health examination. Blood mercury concentrations were analyzed by the gold amalgamation method using a direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80; Milestone Inc., Shelton, CT, USA).

Results

The shark consumption group had a higher blood mercury concentration than the non-consumption group. The levels of blood mercury increased with the frequency, annual intake, as well as most recent date of shark meat consumption. Moreover, the levels of mercury in blood increased according to the annual frequency of participation in Jesa (times per year) and the annual frequency of shark meat consumption during Jesa (times per year).

Conclusions

Shark meat intake and the ritual of Jesa contributed to an increase in the blood mercury levels of workers in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate dietary exposure, occupational as well as other factors that may influence blood mercury concentrations in workers during their health examination, particularly in regions with high mercury exposures.

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Original Article

The Effects of Diethyldithiocarbamate on the Metabolism and Hepatotoxicity of Trichloroethylene: Byung Sun Choi, Jung Duck Park, Yeon Pyo Hong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(3):257-269. Published online September 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.3.257

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the trichloroethylene (TCE) metabolism, acute toxicity, and the effects of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) on the acute toxicity in TCE-intoxicated rats.
METHODS
TCE was administered orally at doses of 600, 1,200 and 2,400 mg/kg of body weight following pretreatment with either saline or 500 mg/kg of DDTC. 12 hours after administration of TCE, the concentrations of TCE, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and trichloroethanol (TCEOH) in the blood and solid organs, and the histopathological changes in each organ were examined.
RESULTS
The level of CYP2E1 markedly decreased in the DDTC-pretreated groups. The CYP2E1 content in the TCE-treated rats increased in a dose-dependent manner. The concentrations of TCE and TCEOH were highest in the liver, and the level of TCA was highest in the blood. The DDTC-pretreated rats had a markedly increased level of TCE and decreased levels of TCA and TCEOH, than the rats pretreated with saline. These findings indicated that CYP2E1 was important in the metabolism of TCE. From the histopathological findings, centrilobular necrosis was observed in the livers of the TCE-treated rats, but no significant change was found in those rats pretreated with DDTC.
CONCLUSIONS
DDTC is considered to be effective in protecting TCE-induced hepatic damage because it inhibits the TCE metabolism.

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Case report of renal cell carcinoma in automobile manufacturing factory worker due to trichloroethylene exposure in Korea
June-Hee Lee, Inah Kim, Hongdeok Seok, Inhyo Park, Jungho Hwang, Jae-Oh Park, Jong-Uk Won, Jaehoon Roh
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2015;[Epub] CrossRef

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