Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Original Article

Association of heavy metal complex exposure and neurobehavioral function of children: Minkeun Kim, Chulyong Park, Joon Sakong, Shinhee Ye, So young Son, Kiook Baek; Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e23. Published online July 6, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e23

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background

Exposure to heavy metals is a public health concern worldwide. Previous studies on the association between heavy metal exposure and neurobehavioral functions in children have focused on single exposures and clinical manifestations. However, the present study evaluated the effects of heavy metal complex exposure on subclinical neurobehavioral function using a Korean Computerized Neurobehavior Test (KCNT).

Methods

Urinary mercury, lead, cadmium analyses as well as symbol digit substitution (SDS) and choice reaction time (CRT) tests of the KCNT were conducted in children aged between 10 and 12 years. Reaction time and urinary heavy metal levels were analyzed using partial correlation, linear regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), the weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and quantile G-computation analysis.

Results

Participants of 203 SDS tests and 198 CRT tests were analyzed, excluding poor cooperation and inappropriate urine sample. Partial correlation analysis revealed no association between neurobehavioral function and exposure to individual heavy metals. The result of multiple linear regression shows significant positive association between urinary lead, mercury, and CRT. BMKR, WQS regression and quantile G-computation analysis showed a statistically significant positive association between complex urinary heavy metal concentrations, especially lead and mercury, and reaction time.

Conclusions

Assuming complex exposures, urinary heavy metal concentrations showed a statistically significant positive association with CRT. These results suggest that heavy metal complex exposure during childhood should be evaluated and managed strictly.

소아 신경 행동 기능과 중금속 복합 노출의 관련성
목적
중금속 노출은 많은 국가에서 공중보건 관련해서 큰 과제이다. 중금속 노출에 따른 신경계의 영향을 보기 위한 과거 연구들 에서는 노출의 경우 단일 중금속에 대한 노출을, 노출에 따른 결과로는 임상적 징후 또는 질환의 진단을 중점으로 이루어졌다. 본 연구는 중금속 복합 노출과 준임상적 수준을 포함한 신경 행동 기능의 관계를 확인하기 위해 계획되었다.
방법
소변 중 수은, 납, 카드뮴 분석과 한국형 컴퓨터 신경행동검사중 부호 숫자 짝짓기 검사와 선택 반응 시간 검사를 211명의 10-12세의 소아들에게 시행한 자료를 바탕으로, 반응 시간과 소변 중 중금속 수치를 성별과 연령을 보정하여 편상관분석과 회귀분석으로 분석하였다. 그 중 유의미한 결과가 확인되는 항목에 대해 복합노출에 대한 분석을 Bayesian Kernel Machine regression, Weighted Sum Regression analysis, Quantile G-computation 기법을 활용하여 심층 분석하였다.
결과
부호숫자 짝짓기 검사의 경우 203건, 선택반응 검사의 경우 198건에 대해 분석을 수행하였다. 부호숫자 짝짓기 검사의 경우 단일 중금속과 편상관분석 및 다중회귀분석에서 유의미한 관련성이 보이지 않았다. 선택반응 검사의 경우 편상관분석상 개별 중금속과는 별다른 관계를 보이지 않았으나 다중회귀분석에서 수은 및 납과 유의미한 관련성을 보였다. 복합노출에 대한 분석방법인 Bayesian Kernel Machine regression, Weighted Sum Regression analysis, Quantile G-computation 기법에서 소변 중 중금속과 선택 반응 시간 검사의 반응시간 간에 양의 상관관계를 보였으며, 세 분석에서 비교적 일관되게 복합노출 시 수은과 납이 선택 반응 시간 검사의 반응시간에 양의 상관관계를 보였다. 카드뮴의 경우 뚜렷한 양의 상관관계를 보이지 않거나 그 기여도가 적었다.
결론
본 연구 샘플의 요중 수은, 납, 카드뮴의 범위는 임상적인 증상을 나타낼 수 있는 것으로 알려진 여러 기준 수준에 비해 매우 낮은 수준에 있으나, 그 범위 내에서도 선택 반응 검사와 중금속의 복합노출은 통계적으로 유의한 반응시간 차이를 보였다. 위 결과는 소아 중금속 복합 노출이 매우 낮은 농도 수준에서도 신경계에 영향을 미친다는 가능성을 제시하며, 이는 중금속 노출에 대한 더욱 민감하고 엄격한 관리가 필요함을 보여주는 결과이다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The impact of unfavorable and toxic environmental conditions on autonomic tone modulations while wearing N95 face masks
Valery Erkudov, Andrey Pugovkin, Kenjabek Rozumbetov, Azat Matchanov, Shanika Arachchi, Upaka Rathnayake
Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering.2024; 9: 100619. CrossRef
Association Between Multiple Heavy Metal Exposures and Cholesterol Levels in Residents Living Near a Smelter Plant in Korea
Sun-In Moon, Dong-Hyuk Yim, Kyunghi Choi, Sang-Yong Eom, Byung-Sun Choi, Jung-Duck Park, Heon Kim, Yong-Dae Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

341 View
2 Download
2 Web of Science
2 Crossref

Research Article

The effects of exposure to lead, cadmium and mercury on follicle-stimulating hormone levels in men and postmenopausal women: data from the Second Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2012–2014): Tae-Woo Lee, Dae Hwan Kim, Ji Young Ryu; Ann Occup Environ Med 2019;31:e21. Published online August 28, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2019.31.e21

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a gonadotropin secreted by the pituitary gland, is a representative secondary sex hormone and an important indicator of reproductive function. The effects of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury on humans have been studied, but reports on their effects on sex hormone levels are lacking. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between heavy metal exposure and FSH levels in Korean men and postmenopausal women.

Methods

A total of 4,689 adults (2,763 men and 1,926 postmenopausal women aged 50 years or over) who participated in the Second Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2012–2014) were included. We compared differences in serum FSH levels by demographic characteristics using the t-test and analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the blood levels of lead and mercury and the urine cadmium level, and serum FSH levels.

Results

On multiple linear regression analysis, lead exposure was positively associated with serum FSH concentrations in postmenopausal women (β = 2.929, p = 0.019). However, we found no significant association between serum FSH concentration and blood lead and mercury levels, or urine cadmium level, in men.

Conclusions

This study suggests that lead exposure can affect the FSH level in postmenopausal women. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of low-dose long-term exposure to heavy metals on sex hormones.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

ADAPTIVE REARRANGEMENTS OF STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS IN THE ADULT RATS’ ADENOHYPOPHYSIS AFTER LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO HEAVY METAL SALTS
N. B. Hryntsova, A. M. Romaniuk, V. I. Bumeister, K. O. Sikora
World of Medicine and Biology.2024; 20(87): 192. CrossRef
Hormonal profile changes under the influence of environmental factors in children residing in the Aral environmental disaster region
Valerii O. Erkudov, Kenzhabek Umar ugli Rozumbetov, Azat T. Matchanov, Andrey P. Pugovkin, Symbat N. Nisanova, Madina A. Kalmuratova, Andrey V. Kochubeev, Sergey S. Rogozin
Pediatrician (St. Petersburg).2024; 14(5): 51. CrossRef
Exposure to heavy metals and hormone levels in midlife women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
Xin Wang, Ning Ding, Siobán D. Harlow, John F. Randolph, Bhramar Mukherjee, Ellen B. Gold, Sung Kyun Park
Environmental Pollution.2023; 317: 120740. CrossRef
Association of Blood Mercury Level with Liver Enzymes in Korean Adults: An Analysis of 2015–2017 Korean National Environmental Health Survey
Jin-Wook Chung, Dilaram Acharya, Jitendra Kumar Singh, Joon Sakong
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2023; 20(4): 3290. CrossRef
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting metals and serum estrogen levels among US women
Anna Corry Gerald, Srividya Ganapathy, Jianmin Zhu, Yudan Wei
Reproductive Toxicology.2023; 118: 108392. CrossRef
A cross-sectional study of the association between heavy metals and pan-cancers associated with sex hormones in NHANES 1999–2018
Hai-ming Cao, Ya-zhu Yang, Bao-yi Huang, Yunzhe Zhang, Yu Wu, Zi Wan, Lin Ma
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2023; 30(21): 61005. CrossRef
Exposure to mixed chemicals elevated triiodothyronine (T3) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels: epidemiology and in silico toxicogenomic involvement
Hai Duc Nguyen
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2023; 30(38): 88803. CrossRef
The Association Between Heavy Metals Exposure and Sex Hormones: a Systematic Review on Current Evidence
Yasaman Rami, Karim Ebrahimpour, Mahboobeh Maghami, Bahareh Shoshtari-Yeganeh, Roya Kelishadi
Biological Trace Element Research.2022; 200(8): 3491. CrossRef
Follicle-stimulating hormone and blood lead levels with bone mineral density and the risk of fractures in pre- and postmenopausal women
Huixin Tong, Bo Su, Zhize Liu, Yongjie Chen
Frontiers in Endocrinology.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Adaptive morphofunctional rearrangements in the adult rats adenohypophysis after long-term exposure of heavy metal salts
Hryntsova Nataliia, Hodorova Ingrid, Romanyuk Anatoly, Kravets Alexander, Rybarova Silvia, Lovasova Kvetuse, Mihalik Josef, Pavliuk-Karachevtseva Andriana, Vecanova Janka, Kolesar Dalibor, Bolekova Andriana, Flesarova Slavka
Acta Medica Martiniana.2022; 22(2): 70. CrossRef
Association between blood cadmium and vitamin D levels in the Yangtze Plain of China in the context of rapid urbanization
Chi Chen, Hao-Jie Zhang, Hua-Ling Zhai, Yi Chen, Bing Han, Qin Li, Fang-Zhen Xia, Ning-Jian Wang, Ying-Li Lu
Chinese Medical Journal.2021; 134(1): 53. CrossRef
Indoor particulate matter and blood heavy metals in housewives: A repeated measured study
Dong-Wook Lee, Jongmin Oh, Shinhee Ye, Youngrin Kwag, Wonho Yang, Yangho Kim, Eunhee Ha
Environmental Research.2021; 197: 111013. CrossRef
Prenatal blood levels of some toxic metals and the risk of spontaneous abortion
Mohsen Vigeh, Masud Yunesian, Takehise Matsukawa, Mansour Shamsipour, Maryam Zare Jeddi, Noushin Rastkari, Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand, Mamak Shariat, Homa Kashani, Reihaneh Pirjani, Mohammad Effatpanah, Mahboobeh Shirazi, Ghazal Shariatpanahi, Katsumi Oht
Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering.2021; 19(1): 357. CrossRef
Independent and combined associations of urinary heavy metals exposure and serum sex hormones among adults in NHANES 2013–2016
Chengzhe Tao, Zhi Li, Yun Fan, Xiuzhu Li, Hong Qian, Hao Yu, Qiaoqiao Xu, Chuncheng Lu
Environmental Pollution.2021; 281: 117097. CrossRef
Effects of Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury on the Structure and Function of Reproductive Organs
Peter Massányi, Martin Massányi, Roberto Madeddu, Robert Stawarz, Norbert Lukáč
Toxics.2020; 8(4): 94. CrossRef

249 View
2 Download
13 Web of Science
15 Crossref

Research Article

Environmental exposure of heavy metal (lead and cadmium) and hearing loss: data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2010–2013): Gu Hyeok Kang, Jun Young Uhm, Young Gon Choi, Eun Kye Kang, Soo Young Kim, Won Oh Choo, Seong Sil Chang; Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:22. Published online April 17, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0237-9

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

Lead and cadmium have been identified as risk factors for hearing loss in animal studies, but large-scale studies targeting the general human population are rare. This study was conducted to investigate the link between heavy metal concentrations in blood and hearing impairment, using a national population-based survey.

Methods

The study participants comprised 6409 Koreans aged 20 or older, who were included in the Fifth and Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES 2010–2013). Hearing impairment was categorized into two types, low- and high-frequency hearing impairment, using pure tone audiometry. Low-frequency hearing impairment was defined as having a binaural average of hearing thresholds for 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz exceeding 25 dB, and high-frequency hearing impairment was defined as having a binaural average of hearing thresholds for 3, 4, and 6 kHz exceeding 25 dB. The blood levels of heavy metals (lead and cadmium) were classified into quartiles. Cross-sectional association between hearing impairment and the level of heavy metals (lead and cadmium) was examined in both sexes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Among men, the prevalence of low- and high- frequency hearing impairment was 13.9% and 46.7%, respectively, which was higher than the prevalence among women (11.8% and 27.0%, respectively). Regarding lead, the adjusted OR of high-frequency hearing impairment for the highest blood level group versus the lowest group was significant in both men (OR = 1.629, 95% CI = 1.161–2.287) and women (OR = 1.502, 95% CI = 1.027–2.196), after adjusting for age, body mass index, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and noise exposure (occupational, loud, firearm noises). No links were found between blood lead levels and low-frequency hearing impairment, or between blood cadmium levels and low- or high-frequency hearing impairment in either sex.

Conclusions

The present study findings suggest that even exposure to low-level lead is a risk factor for high-frequency hearing loss. A prospective epidemiologic study should be conducted to identify the causal relationship between human health and exposure to heavy metals, and efforts to reduce heavy metal exposure in the general population should continue.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Higher exposure to 1,3-butadiene is associated with more severe hearing loss
Sang-Yoon Han, Sang-Yeon Lee, Myung-Whan Suh, Jun Ho Lee, Moo Kyun Park
Scientific Reports.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupational Lead Exposure Ototoxicity Evaluated With Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions
Soledad Solis-Angeles, Luz María Del Razo, Guadalupe Aguilar-Madrid, Carmina Jiménez-Ramírez, Laura Coco, Alejandro Cabello-López, Cuauhtémoc Arturo Juárez-Pérez
Ear & Hearing.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Hearing Loss and Disorders: The Repercussions of Climate Change
Sue Sherratt
American Journal of Audiology.2023; 32(4): 793. CrossRef
The role of calcium, Akt and ERK signaling in cadmium-induced hair cell death
Jennifer Galdieri, Chloe Adams, María Padilla, Tamara M. Stawicki
Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience.2023; 124: 103815. CrossRef
Combined effects of multiple metals on hearing loss: A Bayesian kernel machine regression approach
Mingming Liang, Xianwei Guo, Xiuxiu Ding, Qiuxia Song, Hao Wang, Ning Li, Wanying Su, Qiwei Liang, Yehuan Sun
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.2022; 247: 114279. CrossRef
Metformin attenuates cadmium-induced degeneration of spiral ganglion neuron via restoring autophagic flux in primary culture
Qian Li, Liuqian Wang, Di Ji, Wei Yu, Yan Zhang, Yanghong Xiang, Chao Zhou, Liting Wang, Ping Deng, Huifeng Pi, Yonghui Lu, Qinlong Ma, Mindi He, Lei Zhang, Zhengping Yu, Anchun Deng
Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry.2022; 234: 111901. CrossRef
Effects of cadmium and high-fat diet on essential metal concentration in the mouse testis
Bin Zhou, Adrienne Gentry, Qian Xu, Jamie L. Young, Xiaofang Yan, Kelly Pagidas, Yu Yang, Walter H. Watson, Maiying Kong, Lu Cai, Jonathan H. Freedman
Toxicology Reports.2021; 8: 718. CrossRef
Metal Exposures, Noise Exposures, and Audiometry from E-Waste Workers in Agbogbloshie, Ghana
Krystin Carlson, Niladri Basu, Julius N. Fobil, Richard L. Neitzel
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(18): 9639. CrossRef
Mechanotransduction Activity Facilitates Hair Cell Toxicity Caused by the Heavy Metal Cadmium
Caleigh Schmid, Isabella Alampi, Jay Briggs, Kelly Tarcza, Tamara M. Stawicki
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Disruption of essential metal homeostasis in the brain by cadmium and high-fat diet
John C. Mazzocco, Rekha Jagadapillai, Evelyne Gozal, Maiying Kong, Qian Xu, Gregory N. Barnes, Jonathan H. Freedman
Toxicology Reports.2020; 7: 1164. CrossRef
Exposure to lead, mercury, styrene, and toluene and hearing impairment: evaluation of dose-response relationships, regulations, and controls
Ehsan Hemmativaghef
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2020; 17(11-12): 574. CrossRef
Association of Blood Cadmium with Cardiovascular Disease in Korea: From the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2013 and 2016
Jihyun Jeong, Sang-moon Yun, Minkyeong Kim, Young Ho Koh
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2020; 17(17): 6288. CrossRef
Environmental ototoxicants, a potential new class of chemical stressors
Lucia Fábelová, Christopher A. Loffredo, Jana Klánová, Klára Hilscherová, Milena Horvat, Juraj Tihányi, Denisa Richterová, Ľubica Palkovičová Murínová, Soňa Wimmerová, Renata Sisto, Arturo Moleti, Tomáš Trnovec
Environmental Research.2019; 171: 378. CrossRef
Association between cadmium exposure and hearing impairment: a population-based study in Korean adults
Da Jung Jung
Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine.2019; 36(2): 141. CrossRef

245 View
0 Download
16 Web of Science
14 Crossref

Research Article

Blood cadmium and volume of uterine fibroids in premenopausal women: Shinhee Ye, Hye Won Chung, Kyungah Jeong, Yeon-Ah Sung, Hyejin Lee, So Yun Park, Hyunjoo Kim, Eun-Hee Ha; Ann Occup Environ Med 2017;29:22. Published online June 22, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-017-0178-8

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

A number of studies have found associations between heavy metals and uterine fibroids, but the results are inconsistent. Here, we conducted this research to demonstrate the relationships between blood heavy metal concentrations and uterine fibroid volume as well as the rate of uterine fibroid presence.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, we collected data from 308 premenopausal women aged 30–49 years in Seoul; uterine fibroids are ascertained by past history of myomectomy and pelvic ultrasonography. In the analytic phase, we first analyzed the presence of the fibroids and the concentrations of heavy metals via logistic regression. In subgroup analysis, we used simple and multiple linear regression analyses to examine the associations between heavy metals and uterine fibroid volume.

Results

There was no connection between the heavy metal concentrations and the presence of uterine fibroids, but the odds of women having fibroids were higher with three particular metals. In subgroup analysis, the association between blood cadmium concentrations and uterine fibroid volume was statistically significant (adjusted beta coefficient = 2.22, 95% confidential interval: 0.06–4.37). In contrast, blood mercury and lead concentrations were not significantly associated with uterine fibroid volume.

Conclusions

Our findings are the first that we know to report the association of blood cadmium concentrations with the volume of uterine fibroids. We expect that our findings will be used as evidence for supporting policies to improve premenopausal Korean women’s health.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system
Jing Pan, Pengfei Liu, Xiao Yu, Zhongming Zhang, Jinxing Liu
Frontiers in Endocrinology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Association between the concentrations of some toxic metals and the risk of uterine fibroids among Nigerian women
Fatimoh Bukola Kareem, Mathias Abiodun Emokpae
Environmental Disease.2022; 7(4): 96. CrossRef
Prolonged Cadmium Exposure Alters Migration Dynamics and Increases Heterogeneity of Human Uterine Fibroid Cells—Insights from Time Lapse Analysis
Yitang Yan, Min Shi, Rick Fannin, Linda Yu, Jingli Liu, Lysandra Castro, Darlene Dixon
Biomedicines.2022; 10(4): 917. CrossRef
Uncovering Evidence: Associations between Environmental Contaminants and Disparities in Women’s Health
Jelonia T. Rumph, Victoria R. Stephens, Joanie L. Martin, LaKendria K. Brown, Portia L. Thomas, Ayorinde Cooley, Kevin G. Osteen, Kaylon L. Bruner-Tran
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(3): 1257. CrossRef
An Assessment of Metallothionein–Cadmium Binding in Rat Uterus after Subchronic Exposure Using a Long–Term Observation Model
Marzenna Nasiadek, Joanna Stragierowicz, Anna Kilanowicz
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2022; 23(23): 15154. CrossRef
Uterine Fibroids and Diet
Andrea Tinelli, Marina Vinciguerra, Antonio Malvasi, Mladen Andjić, Ivana Babović, Radmila Sparić
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(3): 1066. CrossRef
Combined Exposure to Multiple Endocrine Disruptors and Uterine Leiomyomata and Endometriosis in US Women
Yuqing Zhang, Yingying Lu, Huiyuan Ma, Qing Xu, Xiaoli Wu
Frontiers in Endocrinology.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Prolonged cadmium exposure alters benign uterine fibroid cell behavior, extracellular matrix components, and TGFB signaling
Yitang Yan, Jingli Liu, Arianna Lawrence, Michael J. Dykstra, Rick Fannin, Kevin Gerrish, Charles J. Tucker, Erica Scappini, Darlene Dixon
The FASEB Journal.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
“Metalloestrogenic” effects of cadmium downstream of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in human uterine fibroid cells
Linda Yu, Jingli Liu, Yitang Yan, Alanna Burwell, Lysandra Castro, Min Shi, Darlene Dixon
Archives of Toxicology.2021; 95(6): 1995. CrossRef
Environmental Factors Involved in Maternal Morbidity and Mortality
Abee L. Boyles, Brandiese E. Beverly, Suzanne E. Fenton, Chandra L. Jackson, Anne Marie Z. Jukic, Vicki L. Sutherland, Donna D. Baird, Gwen W. Collman, Darlene Dixon, Kelly K. Ferguson, Janet E. Hall, Elizabeth M. Martin, Thaddeus T. Schug, Alexandra J. W
Journal of Women's Health.2021; 30(2): 245. CrossRef
A nongenomic mechanism for “metalloestrogenic” effects of cadmium in human uterine leiomyoma cells through G protein-coupled estrogen receptor
Jingli Liu, Linda Yu, Lysandra Castro, Yitang Yan, Maria I. Sifre, Carl D. Bortner, Darlene Dixon
Archives of Toxicology.2019; 93(10): 2773. CrossRef

217 View
0 Download
11 Web of Science
11 Crossref

Original Article

Analysis of Korean Analytical Quality Assurance Program for the Special Health Examination from 1995 to 1999: Seong Kyu Kang, Jeong Sun Yang, Mi Young Lee, In Jeong Park, Ho Keun Chung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2000;12(1):139-147. Published online March 31, 2000; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2000.12.1.139

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVE: The accuracy of analytical results of blood and urine heavy metals came out to the main issue on occupational health from late eighties. The discrepancy of the results for same samples from different laboratories made the diagnosis for occupational diseases be unreliable. Therefore, a quality control program for analysis of samples taken from workplace had been introduced in Korea since 1992. This study aims to show the quality control program f'or analysis of blood and urine samples and its proficient rates from 1992 to 1999 and to know how they have been being used in occupational health.
METHODS
The quality control program runs twice a year with mandatory items of blood lead and urine hippuvic acid and voluntary items of blood cadmium and manganese and urine mandellic acid and methyl hippuric acid. Participant laboratories are receiving three levels for each items and two out of three samples have to be qualified for being a proficient laboratory for the item. The acceptable range of blood lead and urine hippuric acid is +/-15% and that of the others is within 3 SD(standard deviation) from the reference values.
RESULTS
The proficient rates of blood lead and urine hippuric acid was 89%, 90%, repectively, however those of the other voluntary items have been from 51% to 62%. The proficient rates of urine mercury and urine N-methylformamide(NMF), which are introduced since 1999, were very poor. Urine hippuric acid and blood lead were analyzed frequently for the purpose of biological monitoring conducting by special health examination organizations. Urine and blood manganese and urine metabolites of trichloroethylene, urine phenol, methylhippuric acid and cadmium were followed.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the quality control program for biological monitoring has dramatically improve the ability of analysing blood and urine samples and eventually contributes to diagnose occupational diseases and to prevent occupational poisoning. However, some biological monitoring data, such as urine manganese, mercury and NMF, have been still reported from laboratories that were not accepted as a proficient laboratory.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

External Quality Assessment Scheme for Biological Monitoring of Occupational Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Mi-Young Lee, Jeong Sun Yang, Seong-Kyu Kang
Safety and Health at Work.2011; 2(3): 229. CrossRef

58 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

Original Article

Plasma Malondialdehyde, alpha-tocopherol and Erythrocyte Superoxide Dismutase Activity with Blood Level of Heavy Metals in Welders: Won Jin Lee, Cheon Hyun Hwang, Soung Hoon Chang, Byung Chul Chun, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(2):240-250. Published online May 31, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.2.240

Abstract PDF: We investigated the association between the oxidative stress and the concentration of heavy metals in blood among welders. The study subjects were male manual CO2 welders(N=127) exposed to several heavy metals. The age distribution was from 20 to 63 (GM=33.7) and the geometric mean(GM) of work duration was 4.2 years. We analyze the level of blood lead, cadmium, managese and chromium which was related with the oxidative stress in the animal studies. Blood selenuim, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma alpha-tocopheol and orythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed as biological markers of the oxidative stress. The results of univariate analysis showed that the plasma MDA was significantly correlated with D-tocopherol (r=0.327) and blood selenium (r=0.313) concentration. But we could not find out any relationship between the erythrocyte SOD activities and those metal concentrations. Neither smoking nor alcohol consumption was related to the level of heavy metals and the oxidative stress biomarkers. As the results of multiple regression analysis with stepwise selection method, 1) the change of MDA level were dependant with the level of alpha-tocopherol and blood selenium concentration (R2=19.7), 2) the plasma alpha-tocopherol level was dependant with MDA and blood chromium concentration (R2=15.6), 3) in case of erythrocyte SOD activity, only the duration of work was significantly selected.

45 View
0 Download

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search