Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Research Article

Second hand smoke exposure in workplace by job status and occupations: Hyunhee Park, Sung-il Cho, Changhun Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2019;31:3. Published online January 28, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-019-0282-z

Background

The objective of this study is to evaluate the risk of exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) during working hours by job status and occupation.

Methods

Using the 4th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS), 49,674 respondents who answered the question about SHS were studied. A chi-square test was carried out to determine whether there is a significant different in SHS exposure frequency by general and occupational characteristics and experience of discrimination at work and logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the risk level of SHS exposure by variables.

Results

In this study, we found that male workers in their 40s and 50s, workers employed in workplaces with fewer than 50 employees, daily workers, and people working outdoors had a higher rate of exposure to SHS than the others. The top five occupations with the highest SHS exposure were construction and mining-related occupations, metal core-makers-related trade occupations, wood and furniture, musical instrument, and signboard-related trade occupations, transport and machine-related trade occupations, transport and leisure services occupations. The least five exposed occupations were public and enterprise senior officers, legal and administrative professions, education professionals, and health, social welfare, and religion-related occupations.

Conclusion

Tobacco smoke is a significant occupational hazard. Smoking ban policy in the workplace can be a very effective way to reduce the SHS exposure rate in the workplace and can be more effective if specifically designed by the job status and various occupations.

Citations

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A Comparison of Measured Airborne and Self-Reported Secondhand Smoke Exposure in the MADRES Pregnancy Cohort Study
Karl O’Sharkey, Yan Xu, Jane Cabison, Marisela Rosales, Thomas Chavez, Mark Johnson, Tingyu Yang, Seung-Hyun Cho, Ryan Chartier, Deborah Lerner, Nathana Lurvey, Claudia M Toledo Corral, Myles Cockburn, Meredith Franklin, Shohreh F Farzan, Theresa M Bastai
Nicotine and Tobacco Research.2024; 26(6): 669. CrossRef
Association between temporary employment and current smoking and change in smoking behaviors: A prospective cohort study from South Korea (2009–2018)
Seong-Uk Baek, Min-Seok Kim, Myeong-Hun Lim, Taeyeon Kim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won
Journal of Epidemiology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
A Comparison of Measured Airborne and Self-Reported Secondhand Smoke Exposure in the Madres Pregnancy Cohort Study
Karl O'Sharkey, Yan Xu, Jane Cabison, Marisela Rosales, Thomas Chavez, Mark Johnson, Tingyu Yang, Seung-Hyun Cho, Ryan Chartier, Claudia M. Toledo Corral, Myles Cockburn, Meredith Franklin, Shohreh F. Farzan, Theresa Bastain, Carrie V. Breton, Rima H
SSRN Electronic Journal .2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Exposure to Secondhand Smoke: Inconsistency between Self-Response and Urine Cotinine Biomarker Based on Korean National Data during 2009–2018
Boram Sim, Myung-Bae Park
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(17): 9284. CrossRef
Self-reported secondhand smoke exposure following the adoption of a national smoke-free policy in Poland: analysis of serial, cross-sectional, representative surveys, 2009–2019
Mateusz Jankowski, Vaughan Rees, Wojciech Stefan Zgliczyński, Dorota Kaleta, Mariusz Gujski, Jarosław Pinkas
BMJ Open.2020; 10(9): e039918. CrossRef

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Research Article

Relationship of cigarette smoking and hearing loss in workers exposed to occupational noise: Joo Hyun Sung, Chang Sun Sim, Choong-Ryeol Lee, Cheol-In Yoo, Hun Lee, Yangho Kim, Jiho Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2013;25:8-8. Published online July 3, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-4374-25-8

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Objectives

To investigate the effects of smoking on hearing loss among workers exposed to occupational noise.

Methods

From the results of a special workers health examination performed in 2011, we enrolled 8,543 subjects exposed to occupational noise and reviewed the findings. Using self-reported questionnaires and health examination results, we collected data on age, smoking status, disease status, height, weight, and biochemistry and pure tone audiometry findings. We divided the workers into 3 groups according to smoking status (non-smoker, ex-smoker, current smoker). Current smokers (n = 3,593) were divided into 4 groups according to smoking amount (0.05–9.9, 10–19.9, 20–29.9, ≥30 pack-years). We analyzed the data to compare hearing thresholds between smoking statuses using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) after controlling for confounder effects.

Results

According to ANCOVA, the hearing thresholds of current smokers at 2 k, 3 k, and 4 kHz were significantly higher than that of the other groups. Multiple logistic regression for smoking status (reference: non-smokers) showed that the adjusted odds ratios of current smokers were 1.291 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.055–1.580), 1.180 (95% CI: 1.007–1.383), 1.295 (95% CI: 1.125–1.491), and 1.321 (95% CI: 1.157–1.507) at 1 k, 2 k, 3 k, and 4 kHz, respectively. Based on smoking amount, the adjusted odds ratios were 1.562 (95% CI: 1.013–2.408) and 1.643 (95% CI: 1.023–2.640) for the 10–19.9 and ≥30 pack-years group, respectively, at 1 kHz (reference: 0.05–9.9 pack-years). At 2 kHz, the adjusted odds ratios were increased statistically significantly with smoking amount for all groups. At all frequencies tested, the hearing thresholds of noise-exposed workers were significantly influenced by current smoking, in particular, the increase of hearing loss at low frequencies according to smoking amount was more prevalent.

Conclusions

Current smoking significantly influenced hearing loss at all frequencies in workers exposed to occupational noise, and heavier smoking influenced low-frequency hearing loss more greatly. There was a dose–response relationship between smoking amount and low-frequency hearing thresholds; however, this was not observed for high-frequency hearing thresholds. Therefore, well-designed prospective studies are needed to clarify the effects of smoking on the degree of hearing loss.

Citations

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Tobacco Smoking as a Risk Factor of Hearing Impairment in Workers Exposed to Occupational Noise: A Literature Review
Vladimir F. Spirin, Svetlana V. Raikova, Nataliia E. Komleva, Andrey M. Starshov
ЗДОРОВЬЕ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ И СРЕДА ОБИТАНИЯ - ЗНиСО / PUBLIC HEALTH AND LIFE ENVIRONMENT.2024; : 49. CrossRef
Association of Smoke and Nicotine Product Consumption With Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Population-Level Analysis
Marwin Li, Natalie M. Perlov, Jena Patel, Dev Amin, Ayan Kumar, Zachary D. Urdang, Thomas O. Willcox, Rebecca C. Chiffer
Otology & Neurotology.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
The relationship between chronic exposure to arsenic through drinking water and hearing function in exposed population aged 10–49 years: A cross-sectional study
Reza Shokoohi, Mohammad Khazaei, Manoochehr Karami, Abdolmotaleb Seidmohammadi, Nima Berijani, Hassan Khotanlou, Zahra Torkshavand
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.2021; 211: 111939. CrossRef
Hearing Loss and Associated Factors Among Noise-Exposed Workers in Palm Oil Mills
Daniel Raj Rasasoran, Azman Atil, Mohammad Saffree Jeffree, Sahipudin Saupin, Khamisah Awang Lukman
Risk Management and Healthcare Policy.2021; Volume 14: 3653. CrossRef
Association between Statin Use and Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Hospital-Based Study
Hye-Won Han, Jeong Yee, Yoon-Hee Park, Hye-Sun Gwak
Pharmaceuticals.2021; 14(11): 1076. CrossRef
Explaining better hearing in Norway: a comparison of two cohorts 20 years apart - the HUNT study
Bo Engdahl, Hein Stigum, Lisa Aarhus
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Conceptual Model of Hearing Health Inequalities (HHI Model): A Critical Interpretive Synthesis
Dialechti Tsimpida, Evangelos Kontopantelis, Darren M. Ashcroft, Maria Panagioti
Trends in Hearing.2021; 25: 233121652110029. CrossRef
NOISE AND SUBJECTIVE COMPLAINTS OF WORKERS AS EFFORT TO CONTROL THE OCCURRENCE OF NOISE INDUCED PERMANENT THRESHOLD SHIF (NIPTS)
Ratnaningtyas Wahyu Kusuma Wardani, Globila Nurika, Indah Lutfiya, Erwin Dyah Nawawinetu
Journal of Vocational Health Studies.2020; 3(3): 89. CrossRef
A systematic review of the impact of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes in otology
S Patel, N Wooles, T Martin
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology.2020; 134(11): 951. CrossRef
Socioeconomic and lifestyle factors associated with hearing loss in older adults: a cross-sectional study of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA)
Dialechti Tsimpida, Evangelos Kontopantelis, Darren Ashcroft, Maria Panagioti
BMJ Open.2019; 9(9): e031030. CrossRef
Hearing Loss in Agricultural Workers Exposed to Pesticides and Noise
Nattagorn Choochouy, Pornpimol Kongtip, Suttinun Chantanakul, Noppanun Nankongnab, Dusit Sujirarat, Susan R Woskie
Annals of Work Exposures and Health.2019; 63(7): 707. CrossRef
Risk Factors for increased hearing threshold in workers exposed to continuous and intermittent noise in the heavy equipment industry in North Jakarta
T I N Prihatini, N P Adi, S Wibowo
Journal of Physics: Conference Series.2018; 1073: 042042. CrossRef
The combined effect of cigarette smoking and occupational noise exposure on hearing loss: evidence from the Dongfeng-Tongji Cohort Study
Dongming Wang, Zhichao Wang, Min Zhou, Wenzhen Li, Meian He, Xiaomin Zhang, Huan Guo, Jing Yuan, Yue Zhan, Kun Zhang, Tao Zhou, Weijia Kong, Weihong Chen
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Original Article

The General Characteristics and Results of the Cold Provocation Test in the Risk Group of HAVS: Jae Kook Yoon, Chang Sun Sim, Myoung Soon Oh, Joo Hyun Sung, Ji Ho Lee, Choong Ryeol Lee, Yangho Kim, Cheol In Yoo, Hun Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(3):207-216. Published online September 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.3.207

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The cold provocation test for diagnosing the vascular component in hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is likely to be accepted as an objective test, and a few studies have been performed. However, controversy has continued regarding the diagnostic performance of this method. Although objective methods such as plethysmography and laser doppler flowmetry have been studied, they have not received as much attention as other diagnostic methods. Therefore, our study aim was to spread the awareness of HAVS by reporting the results of the cold provocation test in a hand-transmitted vibration exposure group.
METHODS
The study subjects were 549 workers who had been exposed to hand-transmitted vibrations and reported symptoms in their hands. While the subject immersed both their hands in 10degrees C water for 10 minutes, the skin temperature of 10 fingers was recorded from pre-immersion time to 20 minute postimmersion including 10 minutes immersion time. The recovery rates were calculated from the recorded skin temperatures. The 'decreased recovery rate' criteria were less than 30% at 5 minutes post-immersion and 60% at 10 minute post-immersion.
RESULTS
Of the subjects, 69.1% and 30.9% had more severe symptoms in the right and left hands, respectively. The mean finger skin temperature of the right hand after cold-water immersion for 10 minutes was approximately 10degrees C, which increased gradually with time, but they did not reach the baseline temperature at 20 minutes post-immersion. The deviations of the skin temperature in the subjects were higher in the recovery phase than in the baseline and cold immersion phase. The 3rd finger of both hands showed the lowest 5-minute recovery rate among the fingers examined, and the left 4th finger and right 3rd finger showed the lowest 10-minute recovery rate. Of the subjects, 37.6% and 10.4% of subjects showed a lower recovery rate at 5 and 10 minutes in at least one finger, respectively, while 10.2% showed a lower recovery rate at both 5 and 10 minutes simultaneously in at least one finger.
CONCLUSIONS
The larger deviations in the recovery phase than in the other phases indicated that interindividual differences are more prominent in the recovery phase. There might be no benefit in observing the finger skin temperature for an additional 10 minutes after 10 minutes post-immersion. Overall, approximately 10% of the subjects in the HAVS risk group had HAVS.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Technetium-99m hand perfusion scintigraphy (Raynaud’s scan) as a method of verification in hand arm vibration syndrome: a review
Taewoong Ha, Hyeoncheol Oh, Jungwon Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Trend of Human Vibration Research in Korea
Hee-Sok Park
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2013; 32(4): 293. CrossRef

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Original Article

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A in a Manufacture Workplace: Hyun Soo Kim, Chang Sun Sim, Jae Kook Yoon, Hun Lee, Cheol In Yoo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010;22(4):356-363. Published online December 31, 2010; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2010.22.4.356

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The prevalence of hepatitis A decreases with improved hygiene and changing lifestyle. However, hepatitis A remains a global problem causing sporadic food-borne infections. Over the past 5 years, hepatitis A incidence has increased, and 15 deaths were reported in 2009 in Korea. Concerns about hepatitis A infection have increased. We checked hepatitis A virus antibody (HAV anti-IgG) in a large manufacturing company, so that the results could be a guideline for workplace preventive plan and health policy for hepatitis A.
METHODS
We investigated the seroprevalence of HAV anti-IgG and the demographic characteristics of employee volunteer, in a company in Ulsan. In addition, we estimated those factors that affected seroprevalence of HAV anti-IgG.
RESULTS
A total of 2,719 employee volunteers were enrolled into the study. The seropositive rate of HAV anti-IgG was 69.8% (n=1,899) and, the seronegative rate was 30.2% (n=820). There were no enrolled employees under age 24 years who tested positive for HAV anti-IgG; in this group, the seropositive rate was 0.0% (n=0); in 25~29 years the rate was 3.9% (n=12) and 26.5% (n=118) in 30~34 years olds. In the 35-39 ears, 61.1% (n=203) tested HAV anti-IgG positive and 86.8% (n=256) of 40~44 years tested positive. Other group tested as follows: 96.5% (n=335) in 45~49 year olds, 98.7% (n=593) in 50~54 year olds, and 100% (n=382) in over 55 years. There was a significantly increasing tendency to test HAV anti-IgG positive according to age group. In the 34-35 year olds, the seropositive rate exceeded the seronegative rate.
CONCLUSIONS
HAV anti-IgG seropositive rate increased according to age. The result can used for guideline recommendationsand establishing hepatitis A policies.

Citations

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Seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster antibodies in new female nurses in the Republic of Korea
Yeongjae Yoo, Won-Ju Park, Seunghyeon Cho, Dae-Young Lim, Suwhan Kim, Wonyang Kang, Hyeonjun Kim, Jai-Dong Moon
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef

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Original Article

Early Objectified Detection Method of Sensorineural Component in Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome: Jae Kuk Yoon, Hun Lee, Nari Choy, Suk Hwan Kim, Hyoung Ouk Park, Ji Ho Lee, Cheol In Yoo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(2):143-153. Published online June 30, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.2.143

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
In order to determine find out the best methods for a more objective detection of neurologic abnormality in early hand arm vibration syndrome(HAVS), early with analyzing the validity of each of the detection methods was analyzed. We evaluated the relationships between the sensorineural stage of Stockholm-revised vibration syndrome classification and the results of several tests.
METHODS
497 workers were investigated for symptom, exposure duration, the types of tools used, and medical history from January 2000 to December 2007. Pain sense threshold, vibrotactile threshold, hand grasp force, finger grasp force, and a finger tapping frequency test were performed by the workers.
RESULTS
The grinder(67.3%) was the most commonly used tool and the mean exposure duration was 14.8 years. Although the pain sense and vibrotactile threshold level tended to increase according to sensorineural stage of the Stockholm classification, there was statistically significant difference in the vibrotactile threshold of 125, 250 Hz (p=0.006~0.038) but not in the pain sense threshold. Hand and finger grasp force tended to decrease according to the sensorineural stage of Stockholm classification and there was statistically significant difference(p=0.041,<0.001, 0.034) only on the right hand side. The tapping frequency also generally decreased according to the sensorineural stage of the Stockholm classification and there was statistically significant difference (p=0.002~0.019) only on the left hand side.
CONCLUSIONS
Although there is no single standardized method that can objectively diagnose the sensorineural component of early HAVS early, the combination of subjective symptoms, the sensorineural stage of Stockholm classification, the pain and vibrotactile threshold test, the hand and finger grasp force, and the finger agility (tapping) test can objectively detect sensorineural component of HAVS early.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Application of cold intolerance symptom severity questionnaire among vibration-exposed workers as a screening tool for the early detection of hand-arm vibration syndrome: a cross-sectional study
A Ram Kim, Dae Yun Kim, Ji Soo Kim, Heun Lee, Joo Hyun Sung, Cheolin Yoo
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Trend of Human Vibration Research in Korea
Hee-Sok Park
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2013; 32(4): 293. CrossRef

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Original Article

Comparison of the Standard Threshold Shift Criteria for Evaluating Hearing Conservation Programs: Chang Sun Sim, Kyoung Sook Jeong, Yu Jung Kim, Na Ri Choy, Choong Ryeol Lee, Hun Lee, Jong Pil Jung, Ok Hyun Kim, Yo Weon Lee, Seung Rim Yang, Sung Soo Oh, Ji Ho Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(3):179-188. Published online September 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.3.179

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Workers from a factory was selected to compare 8 standard threshold shift criteria with the Korean diagnostic criteria of noise-induced hearing loss for this cohort study.
METHODS
From 1990 to 1999, 491 workers at a manufacturing company with complete record of the hearing test covering the range of 0.5~6 kHz for 10 consecutive years were finally selected. Eight standard threshold shift criteria (15 dB once, NIOSH (1972), 10 dB average 3~4 kHz, OSHA STS, AAOHNS, 15 dB twice, 15 dB 1~4 kHz, OSHA STS twice) along with the Korean standard for diagnosing the noise-induced hearing loss (the average hearing threshold at 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz) were compared to calculate the degree of the threshold shift and the minimum time required to detect the change.
RESULTS
Those workers showing at least one positive shift in the 'once'criteria of NIOSH (1972) were 92.5%; the 'average'criteria of 10 dB average 3~4 kHz were 35.8%; 'twice'criteria of 15 dB twice were 44.4%. The duration from the baseline to the year showing the first positive shift was from 3.2 +/- 3.1 years (NIOSH, 1972) to 6.0 +/- 2.1 years (OSHA STS twice). The percentage of true positive shift ranging from 20.4% (AAO-HNS) to 69.8% (NIOSH, 1972). There were 10 (2%) which met the Korean diagnostic criteria of noise-induced hearing loss.
CONCLUSIONS
Currently the concept of hearing threshold shift in diagnosing the hearing loss was adopted in Korea thus in this study we determined the validity and the effect of the various hearing threshold shift criteria and showed that NIOSH (1972) criteria was the best of all. In the future, hearing data from various manufacturing workers should be compared to thoroughly evaluate the threshold shift criteria and to establish adequate standard for Korean workers.

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Original Article

Evaluation of Ototoxicity by Mixed Organic Solvents Using the Upper Limit of Hearing: Ji Ho Lee, Cheol In Yoo, Choong Ryeol Lee, Hun Lee, Young Hee Choi, Nam Jung Kim, Yangho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(4):391-400. Published online December 31, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.4.391

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study evaluated the ototoxicity by mixed organic solvents on workers'hearing using the upper limit of hearing(ULH).
METHODS
Seven hundred ninety-seven male workers in the ship building industry who were evaluated by interview with an upper limit of hearing from August 2000 to July 2002 were enrolled in the study. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to exposure profile and job: officers, field supporters, and painters. To assess the ototoxicity of mixed organic solvent exposure on hearing, with regard to confounders, the general liner model was used.
RESULTS
After controlling for the possible confounders, such as age, career, noise exposure level, tinnitus, alcohol intake, and smoking, the estimated mean for ULH of the painter group was higher than that of the officer and the field supporter groups. These differences of mean ULH were at the borderline of statistically significance(p=0.069).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that a relatively lower level of mixed organic solvent chronically affected the hearing organ or auditory pathway. ULH seems to be a useful method for early detection of the ototoxicity of organic solvents.

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Original Article

Relationship of Biological Indices of Manganese with Pallidal Index on MRI in Liver Cirrhotics: Younghee Choi, Neung Hwa Park, Jung Woo Shin, Hyo Kyung Kim, Sung Ryul Kim, Tae Heum Jeong, Ji Kang Park, Hun Lee, Cheol In Yoo, Choong Ryeol Lee, Ji Ho Lee, Yangho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):129-138. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.129

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to clarify which biological manganese exposure indices reflect the pallidal signal intensities in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in liver cirrhotics.
METHODS
We examined whole blood, plasma, RBC and urinary manganese concentrations, as well as, brain MRI in 22 cirrhotic patients and 10 healthy controls. From MRI scans we calculated the signal intensity of the globus pallidus using the pallidal index (PI), the ratio of the globus pallidus to subcortical frontal white-matter signal intensity in axial T1-weighted MRI planes multiplied by 100. In addition, we studied the relationships between PI and other measurements.
RESULTS
The high signal intensity in the globus pallidus on T1-weighted MRI was observed in 18 (81.8%) patients. There was a significant correlation between whole blood and RBC manganese concentration, and PI on MRI. According to multiple linear regression, whole blood and RBC manganese concentration reflected PI on MRI better the other indices did.
CONCLUSIONS
Whole blood and RBC manganese concentrations could be useful as biological manganese exposure indices that reflect PI on MRI.

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Original Article

Epidemiologic Characteristics of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome through Occupational Disease Surveillance System in Busan, Ulsan, Kyungnam Province: Young hee Choi, Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee, Choong Ryeol Lee, Hun Lee, Young Wook Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Sang Baek Koh, Euna Kim, Lu Jin Lee, Yang ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):261-268. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.261

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to estimate the epidemiologic characteristics of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) due to occupational exposure of hand transmitted vibration and to identify the occupations and industries where such exposures arises, and the main sources of exposure.
METHODS
In April 2001 the Busan, Ulsan, and Kyung-Nam Province occupational disease surveillance system was established to measure the incidence and prevalence of work-related HAVS and other occupational diseases in these Korean provinces. Occupational physicians of nine hospitals in Busan, Ulsan, and Kyung-nam Province were involved in this project between April 2001 and November 2002. Physicians collected information through questionnaires and interviews. Information gathered included age, occupation, types of vibration tools used and presence of subjective symptoms such as vibration-induced white finger (VWF), numbness and tingling.
RESULTS
A total 192 cases were reported with 188 males and 4 females. The shipbuilding industry was the most common type of industry and grinders were the most common source of exposure. Symptoms of neurological disorder were more common than those of vascular disorder.
CONCLUSIONS
The authors concluded that exposure to hand transmitted vibration is common and that HAVS is one of the most common occupational diseases in Korea. However, the range and extent of hand transmitted vibration and the overall prevalence of HAVS in Korea is still unknown. More extensive research on this syndrome in order to priorite necessary preventive measures is required.

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Original Article

Mental Disorders and Fitness for Work in Korea: Choong Ryeol Lee, Yang ho Kim, Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee, Hun Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):224-236. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.224

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study investigated the actual state of people with mental disorders in Korea, in order to present an alternative proposal for their work fitness and vocational rehabilitation.
METHODS
The authors conducted this study through a review of statistics on the prevalence of mental disorder, labor laws, and the literatures related with work fitness and vocational rehabilitation of people with mental disorders.
RESULTS
According to recent surveys, about 3 million people in Korea are likely to have mental disorders which could lead to discrimination in social life and dishonor in occupational career, either in the present or near future. Therefore, evaluation of work fitness and vocational rehabilitation for persons with mental disorders are important. At present, work fitness for psychiatric patients is evaluated without suitable guidelines regarding the kinds and severity of mental disorders that impede work capacity. Furthermore, mental disorder-specific fitness for work is not under consideration.
CONCLUSION
It is true that most psychiatric patients have some limitation in performing their job. However, judging from the results of some research, proper displacement, apprehension of co-workers, and adjusted workplace could help them complete their tasks properly despite their troublesome psychiatric symptomatology. The government must help all citizens to do their best in their social life, and show a deep interest in the employment of all disabled people including those with psychiatric disorders. Above all we have to change our attitudes and preconceptions against people with mental disorders. Some labor laws, which presently impede employment of people with psychiatric disorders, need to be revised in their favor. Future work capacity evaluation should be done on the basis of ability to function in the workplace rather than symptomatology.

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The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education.2016; 22(4): 473. CrossRef
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Jong-Ik Park, Mina Jeon
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association.2016; 55(4): 299. CrossRef
Employment Discrimination Against Schizophrenia
Mary V. Seeman
Psychiatric Quarterly.2009; 80(1): 9. CrossRef

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Original Article

Evaluation of Finger Skin Temperature by Cold Provocation Test for Diagnosis of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome: Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee, Choong Ryeol Lee, Hun Lee, Young Hee Choi, Yang Ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):124-133. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.124

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Various objective tests have been widely used worldwide for diagnosing the hand-arm vibration syndrome. Among these, the cold provocation test has been frequently used to confirm the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon. This study was carried out in order to evaluate finger skin temperature by cold provocation test(10 degrees C for 10 minute) for the diagnosis of hand-arm vibration syndrome METHODS: Fifty-eight workers who had been exposed to local vibration were examined. Information concerning age, occupation, types of vibration tools used, presence of subjective symptoms such as vibration induced white finger(VWF), and numbness and tingling were collected. The subjects were classified into three groups according to their symptoms(Vascular, Neural, and No symptom group). In order to examine the applicability of the cold provocation test using water at 10 degrees C for 10 minute, we compared finger skin temperature between the groups.
RESULTS
The mean value of the finger skin temperature at 5 minutes and 10 minutes after cold provocation as well as the recovery rate in the vascular group were significantly lower than that seen in the other groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The evaluation of finger skin temperature by cold provocation test is very useful method for the diagnosis of hand-arm vibration syndrome. The test results will assist in confirming the diagnosis of the hand-arm vibration syndrome.

Citations

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The Health Effects of Whole Body Vibration
Soo-Jin Lee, Soo-Yong Roh
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2013; 32(4): 297. CrossRef

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Original Article

Hematological Changes and Immunological Function in Children Living Near the Petrochemical Estate in Ulsan: Choong Ryeol Lee, Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee, Hun Lee, Yang Ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(2):127-140. Published online June 30, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.2.127

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the hematological changes and the immunological function of children living near the petrochemical estate in Ulsan.
METHODS
The study subjects comprised of 238 children who consisted of 143 children living near the petrochemical estate and 95 children living in a suburban area. We conducted the hematological examination 3 times, in April, July and October. Also we evaluated the immunological function of some children in July. To confirm differences between schools repeated measures ANOVA of generalized linear model was done controlling age and sex as covariates.
RESULTS
The blood cell counts of children showed differences between schools in accordance with the survey month. The total WBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts of children living in a suburban area decreased in July and increased in October again, but those of some children living near the petrochemical estate did not changed distinctly. The RBC counts of children living in a suburban area decreased in July and increased in October again, but those of some children living near the petrochemical estate decreased as time passed. The changes of the amount of hemoglobin of all study subjects were similar with those of RBC. The platelet counts of all study subjects decreased in July and increased in October again. In the generalized linear model, school was a significant independent variable for the total WBC, RBC, and platelet counts, and sex was a significant independent variable for the RBC counts. Age was a significant independent variable for the lymphocyte and platelet counts. P values of all blood cell were statistically significant in interaction variable between the survey month and school, and those of the total WBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts were statistically significant in interaction variable between the survey month and age. The immunological function showed no significant difference between study groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The total WBC and RBC counts which would be easily affected by volatile organic compounds(VOCs) in the atmosphere showed differences between schools in accordance with the survey month. This suggests that the amounts of exposure to VOCs are different among each school children in different months. To ascertain the hematological changes by VOCs, an additional study evaluating the concentrations of atmosphere of VOCs and biological monitoring of some VOCs is needed.

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Original Article

Impact of Solvent Exposure on the Occupational Hearing Loss: Ji Ho Lee, Young Ju Go, Hun Lee, Jung Hak Kang, Cheol In Yoo, Choong Ryeol Lee, Yang Ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2000;12(4):537-546. Published online December 31, 2000; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2000.12.4.537

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was to evaluate the impacts of simultaneous exposure to noise and mixed solvents on workers'hearing threshold level (HTL) over five-year period.
METHODS
The study was conducted by interview and annual audiometric test on workers in ship building industry from 1994 to 1998. The cases(workers who exposed to noise and mixed solvent simultaneously) were 43 male workers and controls (workers who exposed to nolle) were selected by matching method with regard to age, sex, carrier, and noise exposure level. To assess the impacts of solvent exposure on hearing threshold level, with considering other factors, general liner model was used.
RESULTS
1. The audiogram of all subjects showed typical sensorineural hearing loss pattern. The mean HTLe were increased at high frequency (4000HB and 8000Hz) for study period. 2. The HTLs of cases were more increased than those of controls at high frequencies (4000Hz and 8000Hz), but there was not statlstical significance. 3. The impact of age on the HTL was statistically significant at 250Hz and 500Hz (p(0.05), and the impact of noise on the HTL was statistically significant at 250Hz, 2000Hz and 4000Hz (p(0.05), but the impact solvent exposure on the HTL was not significant. 4. The changes in HTLs of cases were higher than those of controls at high frequency, there were not statistical significance at 4000Hz, but only at 8000Hz (p=0.087). 5. Statistical analysis of the general linear model implicated that the changes in HTL was impacted by noise exposure bevel significantly (p=0.031) and Impacted by solvent exposure weakly (p=0.087) at 8000Hz.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that workers who simultaneously exposed to noise and mixed solvent were at risk for more affected HTL than those exposed to noise exposure only, but we could not find definitive evidence. Further detailed studies must be made in large number of workers.

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Occupational Hearing Loss in Korea
Kyoo Sang Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S62. CrossRef

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Original Article

Effects of Toluene, Xylene and Trichloroethylene on the Regulation of GnRH, GnRH Receptor and Pit-1 Gene Expression in Male Rat Hypothalamus and Pituitary: Dae Hwan Kim, Hun Lee, Chae Kwan Lee, Dae Sung Kang, Jung Ho Kim, Jong Tae Lee, Jin Ho Chun, Chae Un Lee, No Suk Ki; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(2):267-281. Published online May 31, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.2.267

Abstract PDF: The workplace exposure of chemicals has steadily increased, therefore the concern for subsequent effect on reproductive outcome has been an important issue in occupational medicine. In previous studies, higher rates of spontaneous abortion, reduced fertility and menstrual disorder among women, and an impairment of sperm quantity and quality among men have been associated with a wide variety of chemical agents. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of toluene, xylene and trichloroethylene (TCE) injection on the mRNA levels of GnRH, GnRH receptor and Pit-1 genes in male rats hypothalamus and pituitary and the effects on the plasma levels of FSH, LH, prolactin and testosterone. Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into five groups of five each according to concentration of toluene, xylene and TCE. The rats were injected subcutaneously to 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg body weight/day of toluene, xylene and TCE, respectively for 6 days. Rat brains were excised and hypothalamus and pituitary were separated. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RNase protection assay (RPA) were used to evaluate the GnRH, GnRH receptor and Pit-1 mRNA levels. Plasma concentrations of FSH, LH, prolactin and testosterone were assayed by radioimulunoassay (RIA). The results were as follows; 1. GnRH, GnRH receptor and Pit-1 mRNA levels in toluene and xylene injected groups, and GnRH receptor mRNA levels in TCE injected group were lowered dose-dependently. Especially, GnRH receptor and Pit-1 mRNA levels in 200 mg/kg of toluene injected group, and GnRH, GnRH receptor and Pit-1 mRNA levels in 400 mg/kg of toluene injected group were significantly lowed than control group (p<0.05). GnRH receptor and Pit-1 mRNA levels in 400 mg/kg of xylene injected group, and GnRH receptor mRNA levels in 400 mg/kg of TCE injected group were significantly lower than control group (p<0.05). 2. The plasma levels of prolactin and testosterone in 400 mg/kg of toluene injected group, and LH in 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of xylene injected group, and testosterone in 400 mg/kg of TCE injected group were significantly lower than control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, we speculated that toluene and xylene affected reproductive system secondarily through hypothalamus-pituitary axis, and TCE affected directly through steroidogenesis. And we recomended that further study for assessment of the reproductive toxiclty of mixed organic solvent exposures should be conducted.

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Original Article

Chronic Subdural Hematoma Due to Cumulative Trauma to the Head: Hyun Sul Lim, Cheol Jung, Doo hie Kim, Soo Keun Kim, Kuy Chun Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(1):121-127. Published online February 28, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.1.121

Abstract PDF: Chronic subdural hematoma usually occurs as a consequence of minor trauma. But, chronic subdural hematoma of occupational origin has not been reported yet in Korea. We experienced a case of chronic subdural hematoma induced by repeated trauma to the head. The patient was a 45-year-old male. He complained of repeated headache and nausea. By the computed tomogram, he diagnosed as chronic subdural hematoma and took the operation. He was not an alcoholism and had no intracranial disease nor coagulopathy. We studied all possibilities through working environment and personal environment survey. As a result, we decided the case as an example of cumulative trauma disorder to the head by occupational origin. We report a case of chronic subdural hematoma in the worker exposed repeated head trauma of occupational origin.

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Original Article

Relating Factors of Industrial Accident: Dae Suk Ko, Soon Suk Choi, Soo Jin Jung, Jun Han Park, Hun Lee, Byung Chul Son, Sang Hwa Urm, Chae Un Lee, Ki Taek Bae, Jin Ho Chun; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1997;9(1):99-108. Published online February 28, 1997; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1997.9.1.99

Abstract PDF

This study was conducted to estimate the causing factors of industrial accident, and to prepare the fittable control program for accident through the evaluation of views of the patients who suffered from accidents. From January 5 to February 6 1993, questionnaire survey was executed on 166 persons who were injured and covered by the insurance under industrial accident compensation law at four university hospitals in Pusan. The results were as follows : 1. Most of subjects worked in the manufacturing (56.6%) and construction(29.5%), and in the small factory less than 49 workers(56.0%). They were thirties and forties(63.8%), less than 3 years tenure(53.6%), habitual drinker(69.2%). And, 72.3% worked for above 9 hours per day, 53.6% worked as near clerks, 89.2% thought that work is rather suitable to his own personality. 2. Self-recognition for the causing factor of industrial accident was the other's malfunction(19.3%), carelessness(15.1%), lack of education for safety(15.1%), and they thought the accident occurred by mainly some defect of establishment and working environment(34.9%), unskillfulness(22.9%), self-carelessness(22.3%). 3. The interests and recognition on safety was insufficient, 88.6% require job education, but 53% pointed out the necessity for strengthening of present status-rather incomplete with relying on self-education (40.9%), no previous participation in safety education (29.5%), etc. 4. For the kind of accident, fall-down(16.3%), crash(13.3%), falling(12.7%) was frequent, head(24.7%) and fracture(41.0%) was frequent for the part and type of injury, respectively. And, they had more injured by cooperative work (82.5%) than single work. As results, improvement of working environment and strengthening education program would be emphasized for the effective control of industrial accident. And, there should be prepared the specific prevention program for the small scale industries.

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3D motion analysis of the wrist splint effect to wrist joint movement
Joong-il Shin, Soo-hee Park
Journal of Physical Therapy Science.2017; 29(6): 1089. CrossRef
A basic research on risk control measure for reducing the fishermen's occupational accident in offshore and coastal fishing vessel
Wook-Sung Kim, Young-Bok Cho, Seok-Jae Kim, Kyong-Jin Ryu, Yoo-Won Lee
Journal of the Korean society of Fisheries Technology.2014; 50(4): 614. CrossRef

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Original Article

Weighted Needle Pinprick Sensory Threshold (WPT) and Arthropornetric Parameters: Jong Young Lee, Ji Yeon Son, Soon Woo Park, Eung Chun Lee, Doohie Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):342-347. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.342

Abstract PDF: To assess the relationship of pinprick sensory threshold with height and weight, Ninety seven healthy young (age 19 to 28) males were tested on their anatomical snuff box of both Hands. Their WPT was measured by device holding and moving weighted needle sensory threshold apparatus. Mean of the WPT was 0.43(+/-0.24) g in left and, 0.53( 0.30) g in right hand. Difference of WPT between the right and left hand appeared statistically significant (p<0.01) . Correlation coefficient of WPT with height was 0.26461 (p<0.01) in left and, 0.31856 (p<0.01) in right hand. Weight was statistically significantly correlated with WPT in left hand (r=0.24932, p<0.01) The study shows that the left-right difference and influence of height in pinprick sense may exist in normal healthy male adults.

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