Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Original Article

Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Korean adults: evaluation of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene, 2-naphthol, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 2-hydroxyfluorene using Second Korean National Environmental Health Survey data: Dong Hyun Hong, Jongwon Jung, Jeong Hun Jo, Dae Hwan Kim, Ji Young Ryu; Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e6. Published online March 24, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e6

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF PubReader ePub: Background
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are occupational and environmental pollutants generated by the incomplete combustion of organic matter. Exposure to PAHs can occur in various occupations. In this study, we compared PAH exposure levels among occupations based on 4 urinary PAH metabolites in a Korean adult population.
Methods
The evaluation of occupational exposure to PAHs was conducted using Second Korean National Environmental Health Survey data. The occupational groups were classified based on skill types. Four urinary PAH metabolites were used to evaluate PAH exposure: 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), 2-naphthol (2-NAP), 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (1-OHPHE), and 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-OHFLU). The fraction exceeding the third quartile of urinary concentration for each PAH metabolite was assessed for each occupational group. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for exceeding the third quartile of urinary PAH metabolite concentration were calculated for each occupational group compared to the “business, administrative, clerical, financial, and insurance” group using multiple logistic regression analyses.
Results
The “guard and security” (OR: 2.949; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.300–6.691), “driving and transportation” (OR: 2.487; 95% CI: 1.418–4.364), “construction and mining” (OR: 2.683; 95% CI: 1.547–4.655), and “agriculture, forestry, and fisheries” (OR: 1.973; 95% CI: 1.220–3.191) groups had significantly higher ORs for 1-OHP compared to the reference group. No group showed significantly higher ORs than the reference group for 2-NAP. The groups with significantly higher ORs for 1-OHPHE than the reference group were “cooking and food service” (OR: 2.073; 95% CI: 1.208–3.556), “driving and transportation” (OR: 1.724; 95% CI: 1.059–2.808), and “printing, wood, and craft manufacturing” (OR: 2.255; 95% CI: 1.022–4.974). The OR for 2-OHFLU was significantly higher in the “printing, wood, and craft manufacturing” group (OR: 3.109; 95% CI: 1.335–7.241) than in the reference group.
Conclusions
The types and levels of PAH exposure differed among occupational groups in a Korean adult population.; 한국 성인의 다환 방향족 탄화수소에 대한 직업적 노출: 제 2기 국민환경보건기초조사 자료를 이용한 요중 1-하이드록시피렌, 2-나프톨, 1-하이드록시페난트렌 및 2-하이드록시플루오렌 평가
목적
다환 방향족 탄화수소(Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, PAHs)는 유기물의 불완전 연소로 인해 발생하는 직업 및 환경 오염 물질이다. PAHs에 대한 노출은 대표적으로 석탄 가스화 공정 등 특정 업무 및 직업과 관련하여 발생하는 것으로 알려져 있지만, 그 외 다양한 직업들에서도 노출이 일어날 수 있다. 본 연구는 제2기 국민환경보건기초조사(2012-2014) 자료의 4가지 요중 PAH 대사 산물들을 이용하여 한국 성인 인구에서 여러가지 직업들에서의 PAH 노출 수준을 비교하였다.
방법
제 2기 국민환경보건기초조사에 참여한 성인 남녀 6,478명을 대상으로 PAHs에 대한 직업적 노출을 평가하였다. 직업군은 직능 유형을 기준으로 분류하였다. PAHs 노출에 대한 평가를 위해 요중 PAH 대사산물인 1-하이드록시피렌, 2-나프톨, 1-하이드록시페난트렌, 그리고 2-하이드록시플루오렌을 사용하였다. 각 직업군에서 각각의 요중 PAH 대사산물 농도의 제 3사분위수를 초과하는 비율을 구하였다. 이후 로지스틱 회귀 분석을 사용하여 "비즈니스, 행정, 사무, 금융 및 보험" 그룹과 비교해 각 직업군에서 요중 PAH 대사산물 농도의 제 3사분위수를 초과하는 비율에 대한 보정된 교차비를 구하였다.
결과
1-하이드록시피렌의 경우, "경비 및 보안" (교차비: 2.949, 95% 신뢰구간: 1.300–6.691), "운전 및 운송" (교차비: 2.487, 95% 신뢰구간: 1.418–4.364), "건설 및 광업" (교차비: 2.683, 95% 신뢰구간: 1.547–4.655), 그리고 "농업, 임업 및 어업" (교차비: 1.973, 95% 신뢰구간: 1.220–3.191) 그룹에서 참조 그룹과 비교하여 유의하게 높은 교차비를 보였다. 2-나프톨의 경우, 참조 그룹보다 유의하게 높은 교차비를 보이는 직업군은 없었다. 1-하이드록시페난트렌의 경우, "요리 및 음식 서비스" (교차비: 2.073, 95% 신뢰구간: 1.208–3.556), "운전 및 운송" (교차비: 1.724, 95% 신뢰구간: 1.059-2.808), 그리고 "인쇄, 목재 및 공예품 제조"(OR: 2.255, 95% CI: 1.022–4.974) 그룹에서 참조그룹에 비해 유의하게 높은 교차비를 보였다. 2-하이드록시플루오렌의 경우, "인쇄, 목재 및 공예품 제조" (OR: 3.109, 95% CI: 1.335–7.241)그룹에서 참조 그룹에 비해 유의하게 높은 교차비를 보였다.
결론
한국 성인 인구에서 PAH 노출수준과 노출되는 PAH의 종류는 직업군에 따라 달랐으며, 그에 따른 추가적인 평가 및 보호조치가 필요하다.

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Case Report

A case series of flight attendants at risk of COVID-19 in South Korea in 2020: Eunchan Mun, Young-Man Kim, Boksoon Han, Jinsook Jeong, Wonsool Kim, Changhwan Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2021;33:e1. Published online January 22, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2021.33.e1

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected many individuals worldwide. Individuals in contact with unspecified people during their work, may be at risk of occupational exposure. On June 22, 2020, 1,435 overseas patients were identified in the Republic of Korea. Considering the influx of overseas patients, aircraft-mediated COVID-19 transmission is a major concern.

Case presentation

We presented two flight attendants diagnosed with COVID-19 who shared the crew's resting area and ground transportation, and discussed the risks experienced by flight attendants.

Conclusions

Biosafety guidelines for cabin crews should be intensified, and their COVID-19 risks must be further investigated. Policymakers must consider comprehensive surveillance systems for workers with high risks of occupational exposures and transmissions, such as flight attendants.

Citations

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Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef

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Original Article

Estimated Occupational Injury Rate and work Related Factors Based on Data From the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Dal Young Jung, Hwan Cheol Kim, Jong Han Leem, Shin Goo Park, Dong Hoon Lee, Seung Jun Lee, Gee Woong Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(2):149-163. Published online June 30, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.2.149

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study used representative national survey data of Korean workers to estimate the occupational injury rate and to identify factors associated with occupational injuries.
METHODS
We analyzed data from the fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2007 to 2009 using the Complex Samples Frequencies procedure of the SPSS to estimate the occupational injury rate. Complex Samples Logistic Regression was performed to calculate a nationally representative odds ratios that reflects the likelihood of specific individual attributes and job characteristics being associated with occupational injuries. We did this while controlling for relevant covariates.
RESULTS
It was estimated that 3.5% of Korean workers have suffered at least one occupational injury and 1.9% of full-time employed workers have suffered occupational injuries which required more than 4 days of absence during the year. After adjustment for confounding variables, the experience of occupational injuries was related to several job characteristics, including exposure to hazards such as: air pollutants (OR=1.40; 95%CI: 1.05~1.85), noise (OR=1.31; 95%CI: 1.01~1.70), biological hazards (OR=1.60; 95%CI: 1.13~2.28), a difficult physical environment (OR=1.79; 95%CI: 1.33~2.41), and difficult ergonomic work (e.g. work involving awkward posture or heavy lifting) (OR=1.49; 95%CI: 1.11~2.00).
CONCLUSIONS
Using national survey data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate the occupational injury rate and to identify predictors of work-related injuries has several advantages. Futhermore, these results suggest that a hazardous work environment is associated with occupational injury.

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Original Article

Estimated Number of Korean Workers with Back Pain and Population-based Associated Factors of Back Pain: Data from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Ki Chul Nam, Soon Woo Jang, Hyung Joon Jhun, Jong Tae Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(4):365-377. Published online December 31, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.4.365

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
We estimated the number of Korean workers with back pain and evaluated the populationbased factors associated with back pain from a representative sample.
METHODS
The number of Korean workers who experienced back pain (back pain-experienced patients), those who had experienced back pain lasting for three or more months during the previous year (chronic patients), and those who were currently suffering from back pain (current patients) were estimated by analyzing the data from the fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2007 using the surveyfreq procedure of the SAS statistical package. Population-based odds ratios for being back pain-experienced, chronic, and current patient according to demographic (age, gender, and education), lifestyle (smoking, drinking, and exercise), and occupational (industrial class, employment status, occupation) factors were estimated using the surveylogistic procedure.
RESULTS
Among 19,076,186 Korean workers aged 20~69 years in 2007, 2,473,997(proportion, 13.0%; 95% CI, 1,976,779~2,971,216) were estimated to be back pain-experienced patients, 692,046(3.6%; 417,726~966,366) chronic patients, and 1,206,704(6.3%; 893,475~1,519,933) current patients. Each of the explanatory variables was significantly associated with at least one of the response variables for back pain.
CONCLUSIONS
Further efforts to investigate the epidemiology of back pain, evaluate the associated factors, and improve treatment outcomes are needed.

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Retraction Notice to: "Association between Job Stress and Alexithymic Traits" [Korean J Occup Environ Med 20(4) (2008) 295-301] and "Estimated Number of Korean Workers with Back Pain and Population-based Associated Factors of Back Pain: Data from the Four

Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2011; 23(3): 350. CrossRef

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Original Article

A Survey of Hepatitis B Virus Markers by EIA Method among Steel Manufacturing Workers: Jung Gu Kirn, Bbk Dong Nam, Sam Deug Bae, Myung Wha Ha, Doo Hie Kim, Seung Won Kang, Jong Young Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1996;8(2):249-257. Published online September 30, 1996; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1996.8.2.249

Abstract PDF: A study for seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus markers (HBsAg, Anti-HBs, HBeAg and Anti-HBe) by EIA method and the Liver Function Test(SGOT and SGPT) using kinetic method was carried :out from January; to October 1995 :among male workers of a .major iron and steel manufacturing company, located,,in Pohang. The results were as follows; 1. The distribution of hepatitis B virus markers showed that the proportions of HBsAg(+)/Anti-HBs (-), HBsAg(-)/Anti-HBs (+) 'and HBsAg(+)/Anti-HBs (+) were 8.1%, 60.5% and 0.1%, respectively. The positive rate of HBsAg in all subjects was 8.2% whereas that of anti-HBs was 60.6%. 2. The proportions of HBsAg(+)/Anti-HBs (-) and HBsAg(-)/Anti-HBs (+) increased significantly with age. While the distribution of hepatitis B virus markers exhibited no significant differences among the groups classified by educational background or work type. 3. The proportion of drinkers in HBsAg (+)/Anti-HBs (-) (73; 9%) was significantly lower than those of HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs (-) and HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs (+) (84.6% and 85.7% respectively). The proportions of smoking for the three groups of HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs(+),-HBsAg (+)/Anti-HBs (-) and HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs (-) were 54.3%, 53.7% and 53.0%, respectively (p<0.01). The proportion of the subjects with abnormal liver function test in HBsAg (+)/Anti-HBs (-) was 40.1%, whereas those in HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs (-) and HBsAg(-)/Anti-HBs (+) were 21.9% and 18.4%, respectively. 4. The distribution of e Ag markers among HBsAg (+) subjects showed that the proportions of HBeAg(+)/Anti-HBe(-), HBeAg(-)/Anti-HBe(+) and HBeAg(+)/Anti-HBe(+) were 31.3%, 55.0% and 1.6%, respectively. The proportion of HBeAg(+)/Anti-HBe(-) decreased significantly with age and those of HBeAg(-)/Anti-HBe(-) and HBeAg(-)/Anti-HBe(+) increased with age. The positive rate of HBeAg among HBsAg (+) subjects was 32.9%. In conclusion, as a screening method, EIA is. recommended to test hepatitis B virus markers, especially when examining Anti-HBs more sensitively. For the workers of the iron and steel manufacturing company studied, liver diseases caused by other than hepatitis B should be given a special care including an education avoiding alcohol drinking.

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