Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Original Article

Incidence rates of injury, musculoskeletal, skin, pulmonary and chronic diseases among construction workers by classification of occupations in South Korea: a 1,027 subject-based cohort of the Korean Construction Worker’s Cohort (KCWC): Seungho Lee, Yoon-Ji Kim, Youngki Kim, Dongmug Kang, Seung Chan Kim, Se-Yeong Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e26. Published online July 24, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e26

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background

The objective of this study is to investigate the differences in incidence rates of targeted diseases by classification of occupations among construction workers in Korea.

Methods

In a subject-based cohort of the Korean Construction Worker’s Cohort, we surveyed a total of 1,027 construction workers. As occupational exposure, the classification of occupations was developed using two axes: construction business and job type. To analyze disease incidence, we linked survey data with National Health Insurance Service data. Eleven target disease categories with high prevalence or estimated work-relatedness among construction workers were evaluated in our study. The average incidence rates were calculated as cases per 1,000 person-years (PY).

Results

Injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes had the highest incidence rate of 344.08 per 1,000 PY, followed by disease of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue for 208.64 and diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue for 197.87 in our cohort. We especially found that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was more common in construction painters, civil engineering welders, and civil engineering frame mold carpenters, asthma in construction painters, landscape, and construction water proofers, interstitial lung diseases in construction water proofers.

Conclusions

This is the first study to systematically classify complex construction occupations in order to analyze occupational diseases in Korean construction workers. There were differences in disease incidences among construction workers based on the classification of occupations. It is necessary to develop customized occupational safety and health policies for high-risk occupations for each disease in the construction industry.

한국 건설업 종사자의 손상, 근골격계 질환, 피부, 호흡기 및 만성질환의 건설 직종에 따른 발생률: 한국 건설업 종사자 코호트(KCWC) 의 1027명 대상자 기반 세부 코호트 분석
목적
본 연구의 목적은 한국 건설업 종사자에 있어 주요 질환의 건설 직종별 발생률 차이를 알아보는 것이다.
방법
한국 건설업 종사자 코호트(KCWC)의 대상자 기반 세부 코호트로 총 1,027명의 건설업 종사자가 1:1면접설문조사를 통해 입적되었다. 직업적 노출요인으로 직종은 크게 건설산업환경과 직무 두 가지 축으로 분류되었다: 직업적 노출(설문조사) 자료와 국민건강보험공단 청구 맞춤형 자료를 연계하여 질환의 평균 발생률을 분석하였다. 주요 질환은 건설업 종사자에서 유병률이 높거나 업무 관련성이 있을 것으로 추정되는 11개의 대상 질환을 평가하였다. 질환별 평균 발생률은 1,000인년당 발병 사례수(명)으로 계산하였다.
결과
손상, 중독 및 외인에 의한 특정 기타 결과가 1,000인년당 344.08명으로 가장 높은 발생률을 보였고, 그 다음으로 근골격계 및 결체조직의 질환이 1,000인년당 208.64명, 피부 및 피하조직 질환이 1,000인녕당 197.87명 순으로 높았다. 특히, 만성 폐쇄성 폐질환이 건축 도장공, 토목 용접공, 토목 형틀목공에서 타 직종에 비해 상대적으로 높은 발생률을 보였고, 천식은 건축 도장공, 조경, 건축 방수공에서, 간질성 폐질환은 건축 방수공에서 상대적으로 높은 발생률을 보였다.
결론
본 연구는 한국 건설업 종사자의 주요 직업성 질환 및 호발 질환 등을 복잡한 건설산업의 직종을 체계적으로 분류하여 분석한 최초의 연구로 연구진들은 건설업 종사자의 질환별 발생률에 있어 직종별 차이를 확인하였다. 건설 산업에서 각 질환별 고위험 직종별로 맞춤형 산업안전보건정책 개발이 필요하다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Work Performance Among Workers without Disabilities after Industrial Accidents: A Longitudinal Study
Chong Min Hong
The Open Public Health Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

367 View
2 Download
1 Crossref

Special Article

Standards for recognition and approval rate of occupational cerebro-cardiovascular diseases in Korea: Ui-Jin Kim, Won-Jun Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang, Wanhyung Lee, Seunghon Ham, Junhyeong Lee, Yongho Lee, Eunseun Han, Sanghyuk Lee, Yongkyu Kim, Inah Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2022;34:e30. Published online October 25, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2022.34.e30

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background

Although working hours have decreased in Korea, they are still high compared to that of other countries. In Korea, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) related to overwork in Korea continually occur, and the social burden from overwork is estimated to be high. This study investigated the amendment of regulations affecting the approval rate of occupational CCVDs.

Methods

The change in approval rate of occupational CCVDs and related regulations were investigated using the Act and public notice on the standards for recognition of occupational CCVDs and the yearbooks of the Ministry of Employment and Labor. The CCVD mortality was estimated using data on the number of deaths according to the cause of death, the number of employed people, and resident registration population aged 15–64 years. The cumulative mortality of CCVDs was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Since the establishment of the standards for recognition in Korea in 1982, the scope of occupational diseases has been expanded to include intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, and aortic dissection. In 2013, the concept of working hours was introduced in chronic overwork. The approval rate of occupational CCVDs was 44.7% in 2006, which decreased to 12.9% in 2011. After the improvement of related regulations, the approval rate increased to 41.3% in 2018. From 2000 to 2017, the CCVD mortality of both the unemployed and employed tended to decrease, and their cumulative CCVD mortalities were 549.3 and 319.7 per 100,000 people, respectively.

Conclusions

CCVDs are recognized as occupational diseases in Korea. The amendments to the standards for recognition, the introduction of the Occupational Disease Adjudication Committee, the principle of presumption, and the reduction of working hours have changed the approval rate of occupational CCVDs. A strategic approach is needed to further reduce the incidence of CCVDs.

한국의 직업성 뇌심혈관계 질환에 대한 연구
목적
근로기준법 개정 적용 사업장 확대로 우리나라의 근무시간은 지속적으로 감소 추세에 있으나 타 국가에 비하면 여전히 높은 수준이다. 우리나라의 과로 관련 뇌심혈관계 질환은 지속적으로 나타나고 있으며 과로로 인한 사회적 부담이 클 것으로 추정된다. 이번 연구에서는 우리나라 뇌심혈관계 질환의 업무상 질병 승인율 변화 및 관련된 제도의 변화를 요약하고자 하였다.
방법
뇌심혈관계 질환 업무상 질병 인정기준에 관한 법령 및 고시와 고용노동부 사업연보를 통해 뇌심혈관계 질환 산재 승인율 변화 및 관련 규정을 조사하였다. 국가통계포털의 사망 원인, 취업자 수 및 주민등록인구 자료를 사용하여 우리나라의 뇌심혈관계 질환 사망자수, 사망률을 조사하고 Kaplan-Meier 방법을 통해 누적사망률을 산출하였다.
결과
1982년 우리나라에서 뇌졸중과 급성심장사에 대한 업무상 질병 인정기준이 제정된 이후 수차례 개정을 거쳐 인정 대상 질병 범위가 뇌실질내출혈, 지주막하출혈, 뇌경색, 심근경색증, 해리성대동맥류로 확대되었다. 2013년 만성과로 인정기준에 근무시간 개념이 도입되었다. 뇌심혈관계 질환 업무상 질병 승인율은 2006년 44.7%였다가 2011년 12.9%건까지 감소하였다. 제도적인 개선 후 승인율은 2018년 41.3%까지 증가하였다. 2000년부터 2017년까지 뇌심혈관계 질환 사망률은 미취업자 및 취업자 모두에서 감소하는 경향을 보였으며 이 기간 동안 미취업자 및 취업자의 뇌심혈관계 질환 누적사망률은 각각 10만 명당 549.3명 및 319.7명이었다.
결론
우리나라는 뇌심혈관계 질환을 업무상 질병으로 받아들이고 있다. 뇌심혈관계 질환 업무상 질병 승인율은 업무상 질병 인정기준 개정, 업무상질병판정위원회 제도 도입, 추정의 원칙 도입 및 평균 근무시간 감소 등에 의해서 변동되었다. 뇌심혈관계 질환은 그 경제적 부담이 크고 예방 가능한 질환으로 지속적인 예방 사업 등 발병 예방을 위한 전략적 접근이 필요하다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Association between long working hours and the development of suicidal ideation among female workers: An 8-year population-based study using the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women & Family (2012–2020)
Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
Psychiatry Research.2024; 333: 115731. CrossRef
Association between long working hours and diet quality and patterns: A latent profile analysis of a nationally representative sample of Korean workers
Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
Preventive Medicine.2024; 180: 107890. CrossRef
Self-Esteem Trajectories After Occupational Injuries and Diseases and Their Relation to Changes in Subjective Health: Result From the Panel Study of Workers’ Compensation Insurance (PSWCI)
Seong-Uk Baek, Won-Tae Lee, Min-Seok Kim, Myeong-Hun Lim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

230 View
2 Download
3 Web of Science
3 Crossref

Research Article

Association between the prevalence of allergic reactions to skin prick tests and workplace types among agricultural workers in South Korea: Jiyoung Han, Yangwoo Kim, Sooyeon Lee, Soo-Jin Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2020;32:e36. Published online November 11, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2020.32.e36

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

Farmers are often exposed to dust, molds, pollen, animal products, insects, and chemicals. Accordingly, they have a high prevalence of respiratory and allergic diseases. Some studies have shown that farmers have a high prevalence of respiratory diseases and symptoms depending on where farmers work. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether certain types of agricultural workplaces are associated with the prevalence of allergic reactions in skin prick tests (SPTs) in South Korea.

Method

A total of 149 farmers, grouped according to their workplaces in greenhouses, poultry houses, or outdoors, answered a self-reported questionnaire about the prevalence of respiratory diseases and symptoms. They were skin-tested using 12 allergens. The questionnaire and the prevalence of positive skin tests were determined for each of the participant groups, and the results were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

There were significant differences in the prevalence of allergic reactions to the SPT, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs) and asthma symptoms (wheezing) among the subgroups. The allergic reaction to SPT was the highest in greenhouse workers (30.9%), followed by poultry house workers (15.9%), and outdoor workers (8.1%). The prevalence of COPD was 6.8% in poultry house workers alone and not in other groups. The prevalence of wheezing was the highest at 9.1% in poultry house workers. According to the results of the logistic analysis, the prevalence of allergic reactions to SPT had positive correlations with the types of workplaces. Greenhouse workers had higher risk of SPT sensitization compared to outdoor workers (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 5.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32–32.24). The prevalence of SPT positivity also had an association with the symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhea, or nasal congestion (adjusted OR: 6.64, 95% CI: 2.06–23.63).

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that the types of workplaces were associated with the prevalence of allergic sensitization. This could be explained by the difference in the type or level of airborne exposures in each workplace. It is also likely that this was caused by differences between groups of individual factors such as age and BMI that influence SPT sensitization.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

New Developments in Climate Change, Air Pollution, Pollen Allergy, and Interaction with SARS-CoV-2
Gennaro D’Amato, Isabella Annesi-Maesano, Benedetta Biagioni, Andrea Lancia, Lorenzo Cecchi, Maria Concetta D’Ovidio, Maria D’Amato
Atmosphere.2023; 14(5): 848. CrossRef
Comparison of Overall Immunity Levels among Workers at Grape Orchard, Rose Greenhouse, and Open-Field Onion Farm
Anju Maharjan, Ravi Gautam, JiHun Jo, Manju Acharya, DaEun Lee, Pramod Bahadur K C, Jin Gim, Sojung Sin, Hyocher Kim, ChangYul Kim, SooYeon Lee, SooJin Lee, Yong Heo, HyoungAh Kim
Safety and Health at Work.2022; 13(2): 248. CrossRef

210 View
1 Download
3 Web of Science
2 Crossref

Case Report

A case of acute organic solvent poisoning during epoxy coating: Sujin Lee, Inah Kim, Dooyong Park, Jaechul Song, Sang Gil Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2019;31:e9. Published online June 18, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2019.31.e9

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

In the construction industry, maintaining health and safety of workers often challenging. Among the workers at construction sites, painters are at particular risk of respiratory diseases and neurotoxicity. However, in Korea there is weak enforcement of workers' health and safety practices in the construction industry in Korea. Poisonings frequently occur at (semi)closed construction sites. In this study, we report a case of acute organic solvent poisoning during construction site painting.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old man was found unconscious at a construction site and immediately transferred to the emergency room. The consciousness level was 'stupor state' and the body temperature was hypothermic, at 32 degrees (Celsius). There were no acute brain or cardiac lesions that would have accounted for the faintness. In addition, blood and urine tests did not indicate a cause of loss of consciousness. He had been painting epoxy to waterproof the basement floor before fainting. According to exposure simulation, the patient was overexposed to various organic solvents, such as approximately 316–624 ppm toluene during the work before fainting. Considering the ventilation status of the workplace and the status of no protection, it is considered that exposure through the respiratory tract was considerable.

Conclusions

The patient in this case lost consciousness during the epoxy coating in a semi-enclosed space. It can be judged as a result of acute poisoning caused by organic solvent exposure and considered to be highly related to work environment.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Physical and Chemical Interactions of the Polar and Nonpolar Solvents on the Mesoporous Silica Material to Developing Solvent Sensors.
Yesmin Panecatl‐Bernal, Joaquín Alvarado, Josué Ortiz‐Medina, Iván Fuentecilla‐Carcamo, Rodolfo Lima‐Juárez, Daladier‐Alonso Granada‐Ramírez, Melissa Chávez‐Portillo, Lucero Esquina‐Arenas, Sergio Hernández‐Corona, Elder Alpes de Vasconcelos, Walter Mende
ChemistrySelect.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Parkinson's disease in a worker exposed to insecticides at a greenhouse
Yangwoo Kim, Inah Kim, Jung-Min Sung, Jaechul Song
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Extensive high-pressure injection injury of the hand due to epoxy resin paint: a case report
Gaku Niitsuma, Hidechika Nakashima, Takushi Nagai, Kenichirou Teramoto, Keikichi Kawasaki, Katsunori Inagaki
Case Reports in Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery.2021; 8(1): 56. CrossRef

202 View
1 Download
3 Web of Science
3 Crossref

Case Report

A case of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon rupture in an automotive assembly line worker: an ergonomic evaluation through job strain index (JSI) and musculoskeletal risk factor survey: Sunwook Park, Jungwon Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2019;31:e2. Published online May 1, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2019.31.e2

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

We report a case of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon rupture caused by repetitive motions and awkward posture on hand and wrist joints.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old right-handed man who worked for 15 years in an assembly line at an automotive manufacturing company has been diagnosed with a complete tear of right EPL tendon. We investigated the patient's occupational history in detail and evaluated the tasks ergonomically through musculoskeletal risk factors survey and job strain index (JSI) using the 22 task-related videos recorded by the patient. Three out of the 12 tasks (25%) were identified as high-risk work on the hand and wrist in the musculoskeletal risk factors survey in 2016. Among the 22 tasks analyzed by JSI, 11 tasks (50%) were evaluated as probably hazardous. In addition, he used localized vibration tools in 19 (86.4%) out of 22 tasks.

Conclusion

We concluded the patient's disease was probably caused by repetitive motion and improper posture of the hand and wrist, and the hand-arm vibration is a possible cause as well.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Erhebung der arbeitsplatzbezogenen subjektiven Belastungs- und Beanspruchungssituation von Akkord- und Fließbandarbeitern im Versandhandel
Julia Rother, Sabine Darius, Irina Böckelmann
Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Parkinson's disease in a worker exposed to insecticides at a greenhouse
Yangwoo Kim, Inah Kim, Jung-Min Sung, Jaechul Song
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Evaluation of Newly Developed Easy-Open Assistive Devices for Pneumatic Tube System Carriers for the Reduction of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Tzu-I Chien, Huey-Wen Liang, Ya-Fen Lee, Fei-Yun Liu, Chi-Kwang Hsu, Shao-Tseng Liu, Mo Siu-Mei Lee, Pin-Fei Wei, Silvia Todros
BioMed Research International.2021; 2021: 1. CrossRef

266 View
3 Download
2 Web of Science
3 Crossref

Case Report

Ovarian cancer in a former asbestos textile factory worker: a case report: Sunwook Park, Jaechan Park, Eunsoo Lee, Huisu Eom, Mu Young Shin, Jungwon Kim, Dongmug Kang, Sanggil Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:65. Published online November 16, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0277-1

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) defined that asbestos is a group 1 substance that causes lung cancer, mesothelioma (pleura and peritoneum), laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer in humans. Many studies on lung cancer, and mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure have been conducted, but there was no case report of ovarian cancer due to asbestos exposure in Korea. We describe a case of ovarian cancer caused by asbestos exposure in a worker who worked at an asbestos textile factory for 3 years and 7 months in the late 1970s.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old woman visited the hospital because she had difficulty urinating. Ovarian cancer was suspected in radiologic examination, and exploratory laparotomy was performed. She was diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. The patient did not undergo postoperative chemotherapy and recovered. She joined the asbestos factory in March 1976 and engaged in asbestos textile twisting and spinning for 1 year, 2 years and 7 months respectively. In addition, she lived near the asbestos factory for more than 20 years. There was no other specificity or family history.

Conclusion

Considering the patient’s occupational and environmental history, it is estimated that she had been exposed to asbestos significantly, so we determined that ovarian cancer in the patient is highly correlated with the occupational exposure of asbestos and environmental exposure is a possible cause as well. Social devices are needed to prevent further exposure to asbestos. It is also necessary to recognize that ovarian cancer can occur in workers who have previously been exposed to asbestos, and the education and social compensation for those workers are needed.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Asbestos-Related Diseases and Its Impact on Health: An Updated Review Article
Wasey Ali Yadullahi Mir, Ayusha Poudel, Anurag Adhikari, Dhan Bahadur Shrestha, Yubraj Sedhai, Peter LaCamera, Andrew Moraco
Current Pulmonology Reports.2023; 12(4): 244. CrossRef
Primary Ovarian Mesothelioma: A Case Series with Electron Microscopy Examination and Review of the Literature
Luigi Vimercati, Domenica Cavone, Maria Celeste Delfino, Biagio Bruni, Luigi De Maria, Antonio Caputi, Stefania Sponselli, Roberta Rossi, Leonardo Resta, Francesco Fortarezza, Federica Pezzuto, Gabriella Serio
Cancers.2021; 13(9): 2278. CrossRef
Parkinson's disease in a worker exposed to insecticides at a greenhouse
Yangwoo Kim, Inah Kim, Jung-Min Sung, Jaechul Song
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef

252 View
4 Download
5 Web of Science
3 Crossref

Case Report

Pneumoconiosis in a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) spray worker: a case report with an occupational hygiene study: Namhoon Lee, Kiook Baek, Soohyun Park, Inho Hwang, Insung Chung, Wonil Choi, Hyera Jung, Miyoung Lee, Seonhee Yang; Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:37. Published online June 4, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0248-6

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

Using analysis of air samples from the workplace, we report on one case of pneumoconiosis in an individual who has been working in a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) spraying process for 28 years.

Case presentation

The patient was diagnosed with granulomatous lung disease caused by PTFE using computed tomography (CT), lung biopsy and electron microscopy. To assess the qualitative and quantitative exposure to PTFE in workplace, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed on air samples from the workplace. The presence of PTFE particles was confirmed, and the airborne concentration of PTFE was estimated to be 0.75 mg/m³.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates that long-term exposure to PTFE spraying can cause granulomatous lung lesions such as pneumoconiosis; such lesions appear to be caused not by the degradation products of PTFE from high temperatures but by spraying the particles of PTFE. Along with air-sampling analysis, we suggest monitoring the concentration of airborne PTFE particles related to chronic lung disease.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Electrospun nanomembranes at the liquid–liquid and solid–liquid interface - a review
S. Osali, Y. ghiyasi, H. Esfahani, R. Jose, S. Ramakrishna
Materials Today.2023; 67: 151. CrossRef
Safety Assessment of Polyfluorinated Polymers as Used in Cosmetics
Wilbur Johnson, Wilma F. Bergfeld, Donald V. Belsito, Ronald A. Hill, Curtis D. Klaassen, Daniel C. Liebler, James G. Marks, Ronald C. Shank, Thomas J. Slaga, Paul W. Snyder, Monice Fiume, Bart Heldreth
International Journal of Toxicology.2023; 42(3_suppl): 144S. CrossRef
Occupational Lung Disease Caused by Exposure to Polytetrafluoroethylene
Ami Aoki, Akira Saito, Kenjiro Shima, Yosuke Kimura, Katsuaki Asakawa, Riuko Ohashi, Hajime Umezu, Takuro Sakagami, Hiroshi Moriyama, Toshiaki Kikuchi
Internal Medicine.2022; 61(24): 3713. CrossRef
Parkinson's disease in a worker exposed to insecticides at a greenhouse
Yangwoo Kim, Inah Kim, Jung-Min Sung, Jaechul Song
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupational Bronchiolitis
Randall J. Nett, R. Reid Harvey, Kristin J. Cummings
Clinics in Chest Medicine.2020; 41(4): 661. CrossRef
ATIK ELEK ALTI POMZA MALZEMESİNİN KİLLİ ZEMİN ORTAMLARINDA MÜHENDİSLİK KARAKTERİSTİKLERİ BAKIMINDAN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Murat KALKAN, Can ERENSON
Bilimsel Madencilik Dergisi.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Fluorine detection in the lung tissue of a worker with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and long-term occupational exposure to polytetrafluoroethylene and perfluorooctanoic acid
Kelly J. Butnor, Jeffrey Covington, Douglas J. Taatjes, John DeWitt, Michele A. Von Turkovich
Ultrastructural Pathology.2020; 44(4-6): 496. CrossRef

172 View
4 Download
6 Web of Science
7 Crossref

Case Report

An aggravated return-to-work case of organic solvent induced chronic toxic encephalopathy: Sangyun Seo, Jungwon Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:27. Published online April 27, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0232-1

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

Organic solvent-induced chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE) is known as a non-progressive disorder that does not progress after diagnosis. The authors present a case those symptoms worsened after continued exposure to organic solvent after returning to work. Because such a case has not been reported in South Korea to the best of our knowledge, we intend to report this case along with literature review.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old man, who performed painting job at a large shipyard for 20 years, was receiving hospital treatment mainly for depression. During the inpatient treatment, severe cognitive impairment was identified, and he visited the occupational and environmental medicine outpatient clinic for assessing work relatedness. In 1984, at the age of 27, he began performing touch-up and spray painting as a shipyard painter. Before that he had not been exposure to any neurotoxic substances. In 2001, at the age of 44, after 15 years of exposure to mixed solvents including toluene, xylene and others, he was diagnosed with CTE International Solvent Workshop (ISW) type 2A. After 7 years of sick leave, he returned to work in 2006. And he repeated return-to-work and sick leave in the same job due to worsening of depressive symptoms. He had worked four times (2006–2010, 2011–2011, 2011–2011, 2016–2017) for a total of 5 years as a shipyard painter after first compensation. During the return-to-work period, the mean values of the mixed solvent index ranged from 0.57 to 2.15, and except for a one semiannual period, all mean values were above the standard value of 1. We excluded other diseases that can cause cognitive impairment like central nervous system diseases, brain injury, psychological diseases and metabolic diseases with physical examinations, laboratory tests, and brain image analysis. And finally, throughout neuropsychological tests, an overall deterioration in cognitive function was identified compared to 2002, and the deterioration types was similar to that often shown in the case of CTE; thus a diagnosis of CTE (ISW) type 3 was made.

Conclusion

This case is showing that CTE can go on with continued exposure to mixed solvents. Appropriate “fitness to work” should be taken to prevent disease deterioration especially for the sick leave workers.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Application and optimization of ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent for the extraction of new skin-lightening cosmetic materials from Ixora javanica flower
Nina Dewi Oktaviyanti, Kartini, Abdul Mun'im
Heliyon.2019; 5(11): e02950. CrossRef

184 View
1 Download
3 Web of Science
1 Crossref

Case Report

Work-related olfactory disorder: a case series and review: Soon Woo Park, Young Joong Kang, Huisu Eom, Hyun-Jin Cho, Jungho Ahn, Sang-Gil Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:18. Published online March 12, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0230-3

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

The olfactory bulb is anatomically exposed and thus can be directly damaged by external stimulation. This can occur as an occupational injury owing to contact with organic solvents or other causes. We present cases of eight patients who sustained occupation-related exposure to potentially toxic substances and later presented with signs and symptoms of anosmia. We examined the occupational and medical characteristics of the patients and evaluated their work-relatedness.

Case presentation

Case 1: A 50-year-old man performed high-frequency heat treatments for approximately 11 years. He experienced decreased senses for olfaction and taste during the later years culminating in the diagnosis of anosmia after 3 years (high work-relatedness). Case 2: A 54-year-old man whose work involved exposure to various organic solvents, such as spray painting and application of paint and thinners for approximately 4 years, was subsequently diagnosed with anosmia based on rhinorrhea, headache, and loss of olfaction (high work-relatedness). Case 3: A 44-year-old-man who performed spray painting for approximately 17 years developed anosmia (high work-relatedness). Case 4: A 44-year-old man was involved in ship engine cleaning once a month, for approximately 7 h per cleaning session; he was diagnosed with anosmia based on loss of olfaction (low work-relatedness). Case 5: A 41-year-old man worked in ship building block construction for approximately 13 years; anosmia diagnosis was based on loss of olfaction (low work-relatedness). Case 6: A 47-year-old woman performed product inspection and labeling at a plant manufacturing automobile parts; anosmia diagnosis was based on decreased olfaction and taste (low work-relatedness). Case 7: A 50-year-old woman performed epoxy coating in a plant manufacturing automobile parts; anosmia diagnosis was based on diminishing olfaction (low work-relatedness). Case 8: A 57-year-old woman performed cleaning of the area where mobile phone parts were manufactured; anosmia diagnosis was based on diminishing olfaction (low work-relatedness).

Conclusion

The study results confirmed work-relatedness when the subject was young, and the duration of exposure was long without any other cause of anosmia. Regarding compensation for occupational diseases, work-relatedness can be recognized as a relative concept.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Predictors of Olfactory Decline in Aging: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study
Ingrid Ekström, Maria Larsson, Debora Rizzuto, Johan Fastbom, Lars Bäckman, Erika J Laukka, Anne B Newman
The Journals of Gerontology: Series A.2020; 75(12): 2441. CrossRef

211 View
0 Download
1 Web of Science
1 Crossref

Research Article

Does formaldehyde have a causal association with nasopharyngeal cancer and leukaemia?: Soon-Chan Kwon, Inah Kim, Jaechul Song, Jungsun Park; Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:5. Published online January 31, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0218-z

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

The South Korean criteria for occupational diseases were amended in July 2013. These criteria included formaldehyde as a newly defined occupational carcinogen, based on cases of “leukemia or nasopharyngeal cancer caused by formaldehyde exposure”. This inclusion was based on the Internal Agency for Research on Cancer classification, which classified formaldehyde as definite human carcinogen for nasopharyngeal cancer in 2004 and leukemia in 2012.

Methods

We reviewed reports regarding the causal relationship between occupational exposure to formaldehyde in Korea and the development of these cancers, in order to determine whether these cases were work-related.

Results

Previous reports regarding excess mortality from nasopharyngeal cancer caused by formaldehyde exposure seemed to be influenced by excess mortality from a single plant. The recent meta-risk for nasopharyngeal cancer was significantly increased in case-control studies, but was null for cohort studies (excluding unexplained clusters of nasopharyngeal cancers). A recent analysis of the largest industrial cohort revealed elevated risks of both leukemia and Hodgkin lymphoma at the peak formaldehyde exposure, and both cancers exhibited significant dose-response relationships. A nested case-control study of embalmers revealed that mortality from myeloid leukemia increased significantly with increasing numbers of embalms and with increasing formaldehyde exposure. The recent meta-risks for all leukemia and myeloid leukemia increased significantly. In South Korea, a few cases were considered occupational cancers as a result of mixed exposures to various chemicals (e.g., benzene), although no cases were compensated for formaldehyde exposure. The peak formaldehyde exposure levels in Korea were 2.70–14.8 ppm in a small number of specialized studies, which considered anatomy students, endoscopy employees who handled biopsy specimens, and manufacturing workers who were exposed to high temperatures.

Conclusion

Additional evidence is needed to confirm the relationship between formaldehyde exposure and nasopharyngeal cancer. All lymphohematopoietic malignancies, including leukemia, should be considered in cases with occupational formaldehyde exposure.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Antioxidants as Protection against Reactive Oxygen Stress Induced by Formaldehyde (FA) Exposure: A Systematic Review
Loredana Beatrice Ungureanu, Cristina Mihaela Ghiciuc, Cornelia Amalinei, Carmen Ungureanu, Cristina Gabriela Petrovici, Raluca Ștefania Stănescu
Biomedicines.2024; 12(8): 1820. CrossRef
Glioblastoma in a paper industry worker exposed to high concentrations of formaldehyde: a case report
Youngshin Lee, Jiwoon Kwon, Miyeon Jang, Seongwon Ma, Kyo Yeon Jun, Minjoo Yoon, Shinhee Ye
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Preparation of N-halamine-based mesoporous composites for decontamination of formaldehyde and simultaneous deactivation of bacteria
Yingfeng Wang, Kaizhun Li, Wenjing Xue, Huang Hu, Ming Huang, Maoli Yin
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects.2024; 700: 134664. CrossRef
Efficient detection of formaldehyde by fluorescence switching sensor based on GSH-CdTe
Jingzhou Hou, Xiaofang Liu, Dong Zhao, Zhihua Li, Yi Ma, Huibo Luo, Jincan Lei, Changjun Hou, Danqun Huo
Microchemical Journal.2023; 190: 108647. CrossRef
Regional and national burden of leukemia and its attributable burden to risk factors in 21 countries and territories of North Africa and Middle East, 1990–2019: results from the GBD study 2019
Mahsa Heidari-Foroozan, Sahar Saeedi Moghaddam, Mohammad Keykhaei, Parnian Shobeiri, Sina Azadnajafabad, Zahra Esfahani, Negar Rezaei, Maryam Nasserinejad, Nazila Rezaei, Elham Rayzan, Zahra Shokri Varniab, Ali Golestani, Rosa Haghshenas, Farzad Kompani,
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology.2023; 149(8): 4149. CrossRef
Alternative natural and chemical substances to traditional formalin-based embalming fluid for cadaveric dissection: A review
Bikash Chandra Satapathy, Biswa Bandita Kar
Indian Journal of Clinical Anatomy and Physiology.2023; 10(2): 66. CrossRef
Analysis of Cancers in A University Hospital Employees between 2006 and 2022
Serkan ÇELİKGÜN, Tülay KOÇ, Reyhan UÇKU
Journal of Basic and Clinical Health Sciences.2023; 7(3): 174. CrossRef
Silencing of peroxiredoxin III inhibits formaldehyde‐induced oxidative damage of bone marrow cells in BALB/c mice
Guangyan Yu, Xiangfu Song, Qiang Chen, Yutong Zhou
Environmental Toxicology.2023; 38(12): 2836. CrossRef
Occupational health risk assessment of airborne formaldehyde in medical laboratories
Marzieh Belji Kangarlou, Farin Fatemi, Alireza Dehdashti, Hasan Iravani, Elahe Saleh
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2023; 30(17): 50392. CrossRef
Global burden of leukemia attributable to occupational exposure to formaldehyde from 1990 to 2019
Ying Xu, Yuqi Liu, Hongyu Sun, Xingyu Gong, Guanghui Yu, Chunxia Zhai, Wanqin Hu, Qiqun Zong, Yingying Yu, Yuqin Tang, Mingyi Zhang, Fang Wang, Yanfeng Zou
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2023; 31(3): 3560. CrossRef
Formaldehyde toxicity reports from in vitro and in vivo studies: a review and updated data
Letícia Bernardini, Eduardo Barbosa, Mariele Feiffer Charão, Natália Brucker
Drug and Chemical Toxicology.2022; 45(3): 972. CrossRef
Gold nanoparticle-based optical nanosensors for food and health safety monitoring: recent advances and future perspectives
Nguyen Ha Anh, Mai Quan Doan, Ngo Xuan Dinh, Tran Quang Huy, Doan Quang Tri, Le Thi Ngoc Loan, Bui Van Hao, Anh-Tuan Le
RSC Advances.2022; 12(18): 10950. CrossRef
Validation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for Screening Depressive Disorders among Korean Employees: A Longitudinal Study of the National Health Examination Data
Jihye Lee, Kyeong-Eun Lee, Sungkyun Park, Kyo Yeon Jun
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(7): 3780. CrossRef
Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins and Modifications Induced by Formaldehyde Using LC-MS/MS
Ranran Liu, Yue Han, Zhiyue Wu, Jianji Zhang, Yong Zang, Lijin Shen, Shanshan Tian, Kai Zhang
Separations.2022; 9(5): 112. CrossRef
The Corpse: Time for Another Look A Review of the Culture of Embalming, Viewing and the Social Construction
Redmond Finney, Lisa M. Shulman, Raya E. Kheirbek
American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®.2022; 39(4): 477. CrossRef
Occupational exposures and risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a high‐risk area: A population‐based case‐control study
Yufeng Chen, Ellen T. Chang, Qing Liu, Yonglin Cai, Zhe Zhang, Guomin Chen, Qi‐Hong Huang, Shang‐Hang Xie, Su‐Mei Cao, Wei‐Hua Jia, Yuming Zheng, Yancheng Li, Longde Lin, Ingemar Ernberg, Dongming Wang, Weihong Chen, Ruimei Feng, Guangwu Huang, Yi‐Xin Zen
Cancer.2021; 127(15): 2724. CrossRef
Minimizing formaldehyde exposure in a hospital pathology laboratory
Gabriele d’Ettorre, Anna Caroli, Mauro Mazzotta
Work.2021; 69(1): 209. CrossRef
NMR Metabolomics of Saurida tumbil Fish Treated with Formaldehyde Solution as Misconduct Food Preservation Method
Umi Anissah, Farida Ariyani, Giri Barokah, H. I. Januar
Journal of Aquatic Food Product Technology.2021; 30(3): 263. CrossRef
Formaldehyde: Another hormesis-inducing chemical
Evgenios Agathokleous, Edward J. Calabrese
Environmental Research.2021; 199: 111395. CrossRef
Formaldehyde exposure and leukemia risk: a comprehensive review and network-based toxicogenomic approach
Doo Seok Kang, Hyun Soo Kim, Jong-Hyeon Jung, Cheol Min Lee, Yeon-Soon Ahn, Young Rok Seo
Genes and Environment.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Learning and memory impairment of mice caused by gaseous formaldehyde
Fuhong Li, yujie qin, Siying Gong, Hongmao Zhang, Shumao Ding
Environmental Research.2020; 184: 109318. CrossRef
New insights into the mortality risk from nasopharyngeal cancer in the national cancer institute formaldehyde worker cohort study
Matthias Möhner, Yimeng Liu, Gary M. Marsh
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Formaldehyde Exposure and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Review of the Literature
Alessandro Allegra, Giovanna Spatari, Stefano Mattioli, Stefania Curti, Vanessa Innao, Roberta Ettari, Andrea Gaetano Allegra, Concetto Giorgianni, Sebastiano Gangemi, Caterina Musolino
Medicina.2019; 55(10): 638. CrossRef
Low concentrations of FA exhibits the Hormesis effect by affecting cell division and the Warburg effect
Jieran An, Fuhong Li, Yujie Qin, Hongmao Zhang, Shumao Ding
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.2019; 183: 109576. CrossRef
Changes in Work Practices for Safe Use of Formaldehyde in a University-Based Anatomy Teaching and Research Facility
Paul T. J. Scheepers, Martien H. F. Graumans, Gwendolyn Beckmann, Maurice Van Dael, Rob B. M. Anzion, Maarten Melissen, Nicole Pinckaers, Luuk Van Wel, Laurie M. A. De Werdt, Vera Gelsing, Albert Van Linge
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2018; 15(9): 2049. CrossRef

272 View
5 Download
27 Web of Science
25 Crossref

Case Report

A case of azoospermia in a non-destructive testing worker exposed to radiation: Jaechan Park, Sanggil Lee, Chulyong Park, Huisu Eom; Ann Occup Environ Med 2017;29:33. Published online August 10, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-017-0190-z

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

Interest in radiation-related health problems has been growing with the increase in the number of workers in radiation-related jobs. Although an occupational level of radiation exposure would not likely cause azoospermia, several studies have reported the relation between radiation exposure and azoospermia after accidental or therapeutic radiation exposure. We describe a case of azoospermia in a non-destructive testing (NDT) worker exposed to radiation and discuss the problems of the related monitoring system.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old man who was childless after 8 years of marriage was diagnosed with azoospermia through medical evaluations, including testicular biopsy. He did not have any abnormal findings on biochemical evaluations, other risk factors, or evidence of congenital azoospermia. He had been working in an NDT facility from 2005 to 2013, attaching and arranging gamma-ray films on the structures and inner spaces of ships. The patient’s thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) badge recorded an exposure level of 0.01781 Gy for 80 months, whereas results of his florescence in situ hybridization (FISH) translocation assay showed an exposure level of up to 1.926 Gy of cumulative radiation, which was sufficient to cause azoospermia. Thus, we concluded that his azoospermia was caused by occupational radiation exposure.

Conclusion

The difference between the exposure dose records measured through TLD badge and the actual exposure dose implies that the monitor used by the NDT worker did not work properly, and such a difference could threaten the health and safety of workers. Thus, to protect the safety and health of NDT workers, education of workers and strengthening of law enforcement are required to ensure that regulations are strictly followed, and if necessary, random sampling of NDT workers using a cytogenetic dosimeter, such as FISH, should be considered.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Working conditions and values of average annual effective doses for nondestructive testing operators in the Russian Federation and abroad
S. Yu. Bazhin, E. N. Shleenkova, V. Yu. Bogatyreva
Radiatsionnaya Gygiena = Radiation Hygiene.2023; 16(3): 118. CrossRef
Assessment of working environment and personal dosimeter-wearing compliance of industrial radiographers based on chromosome aberration frequencies
Younghyun Lee, Songwon Seo, Young Woo Jin, Seongjae Jang
Journal of Radiological Protection.2020; 40(1): 151. CrossRef
Reproductive toxic agents in work environments and related cases in Korea
Chulyong Park
Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine.2020; 37(1): 22. CrossRef
Retrospective biodosimetry techniques: Focus on cytogenetics assays for individuals exposed to ionizing radiation
C. Herate, L. Sabatier
Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research.2020; 783: 108287. CrossRef
Acute radiation syndrome in a non-destructive testing worker: a case report
Ji-Sung Ahn, Jai-Dong Moon, Wonyang Kang, Hyeong-Min Lim, Seunghyeon Cho, Dae-Young Lim, Won-Ju Park
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef

176 View
1 Download
2 Web of Science
5 Crossref

Case Report

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; Ann Occup Environ Med 2015;27:19. Published online August 3, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-015-0068-x

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

The aim of this paper was report first case of renal cell carcinoma developed in a worker who worked in an automobile manufacture line which handles trichloroethylene in Korea.

Case presentation

To clarify the relationship between the onset of renal cell carcinoma in 52-years old male worker and the exposure to trichloroethylene, document studies and work environment measurement were done. Past work environment exposure data were reviewed and medical history and surgery records of the worker were also reviewed. The patient had no personal risk factor related to renal cell carcinoma except for his smoking habit of quarter a pack per day for twenty years, and since trichloroethylene was not part of measurement criteria, past work environment risk assessment data could not verify the exposure. The exposure level is deduced by analyzing material exposure level of work environments which has similar processes in data from revised research of chemical exposure standard and work environment validity assessment. Evaluation Committee of Epidemiologic Survey decided that there are relevant relationship between the exposure and the disease, though we do not have exact data during that period, most experts agree that in every factories they used trichloroethylene without any direction.

Conclusions

From the relevant medical history and the results of the usage of trichloroethylene in the relevant industries, and initial discovery of renal cell carcinoma at health inspection sonogram in 2001, it can be concluded that suggests significant causal relationship between the exposure to trichloroethylene and renal cell carcinoma onset, thus reporting it to be the first domestic case declared to be occupational disease.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Effect of drainage layer on pressure drop of dual-layer glass fibrous coalescing filters
Chengwei Xu, Yan Yu, Xiaodong Si
Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering.2022; 39(9): 2474. CrossRef
Association Between Kidney Cancer and Occupational Exposure to Trichloroethylene
Morten Buhagen, Anna Grønskag, Siri Fenstad Ragde, Bjørn Hilt
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.2016; 58(9): 957. CrossRef

165 View
1 Download
2 Web of Science
2 Crossref

Research Article

Risk factors of work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in male cameramen: Jung ho Kim, Byung seong Suh, Soo Geun Kim, Won sool Kim, You il Shon, Hee seung Son; Ann Occup Environ Med 2015;27:5. Published online January 24, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-014-0052-x

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors related to upper extremities work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in cameramen.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was performed on 166 cameramen in a broadcasting station. The questionnaire consisted of questions on the general characteristics, the health behavior, work type and duration, physical burden, ergonomic posture, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Definition of musculoskeletal disorders was based on NIOSH criteria.

Results

The positive rate of WRMSDs symptoms by parts of the body was turned out to be the highest in the shoulder (14.5%) and the lowest in arm and elbow (6%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that symptoms in the shoulders increased with BMI (OR = 3.62, 95% CI = 1.03-12.71), physical burden (OR = 9.29, 95% CI = 1.72-61.78 in the very hard group) and ergonomic factors (OR = 4.50, 95% CI = 1.03-19.68). Ergonomic factors were only related to the symptoms of hand and wrist (OR = 10.21, 95% CI = 1.02-102.20). WRMSDs symptoms, in the whole upper extremities, were higher in the 50 or older age group (OR = 5.86, 95% CI = 1.03-33.26), higher BMI group (OR = 3.26, 95% CI = 1.28-13.53), non-exercise group (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.24-12.59), high physical burden group (OR = 7.6, 95% CI = 1.34-52.74), and high grade ergonomic risk group (OR = 4.82, 95% CI = 1.29-16.06).

Conclusion

The most serious musculoskeletal disorders of male cameramen were shoulder pain. Ergonomic factors and physical burden were the most significant factors affecting WRMSDs in cameramen in this study. Cameramen should be educated to be able to improve the ergonomic occupational environment and to set up preventive measures against the risk factors during work.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Development and validation of a tool for the comprehensive risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorders (CRAMUD) among employees of a steel industry
Saeid Yazdanirad, Gholamhossein Pourtaghi, Mehdi Raei, Mohammad Ghasemi
Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science.2023; 24(3): 335. CrossRef
Shoulder pain prevalence by age and within occupational groups: a systematic review
Christopher J. Hodgetts, Charlotte Leboeuf-Yde, Amber Beynon, Bruce F. Walker
Archives of Physiotherapy.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Comparison of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms between male cameramen and male office workers
Han-Seur Jeong, Byung-Seong Suh, Soo-Geun Kim, Won-Sool Kim, Won-Cheol Lee, Kyung-Hun Son, Min-Woo Nam
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Scapholunate interosseous ligament dysfunction as a source of elbow pain syndromes: Possible mechanisms and implications for hand surgeons and therapists
Cigdem Ayhan, Seval Tanrıkulu, Gursel Leblebicioglu
Medical Hypotheses.2018; 110: 125. CrossRef

152 View
0 Download
9 Web of Science
4 Crossref

Case Report

A case of chronic myeloid leukemia in a diagnostic radiographer: Chulyong Park, Sungyeul Choi, Dohyung Kim, Jaechan Park, Saerom Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2014;26:54. Published online November 28, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-014-0054-8

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

<bold>Background</bold>

Occupational radiation exposure causes certain types of cancer, specifically hematopoietic diseases like leukemia. In Korea, radiation exposure is monitored and recorded by law, and guidelines for compensation of radiation-related diseases were implemented in 2001. However, thus far, no occupation-related disease was approved for compensation under these guidelines. Here, we report the first case of radiation-related disease approved by the compensation committee of the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service, based on the probability of causation.

<bold>Case presentation</bold>

A 45-year-old man complained of chronic fatigue and myalgia for several days. He was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. The patient was a diagnostic radiographer at a diagnostic radiation department and was exposed to ionizing radiation for 21 years before chronic myeloid leukemia was diagnosed. His job involved taking simple radiographs, computed tomography scans, and measuring bone marrow density.

<bold>Conclusion</bold>

To our knowledge, this is the first approved case report using quantitative assessment of radiation. More approved cases are expected based on objective radiation exposure data and the probability of causation. We need to find a resolution to the ongoing demands for appropriate compensation and improvements to the environment at radiation workplaces.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Does occupational ionizing radiation exposure in healthcare workers affect their hematological parameters?
Nejdiye Güngördü, Seher Kurtul, Ayşenur Özdil, Mehmet Sarper Erdoğan
Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health.2023; 78(2): 80. CrossRef
Effects of exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation on changing platelets: a prospective cohort study
Ning Liu, Yang Peng, Xinguang Zhong, Zheng Ma, Suiping He, Ying Li, Wencui Zhang, Zijun Gong, Zhenjiang Yao
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef

183 View
0 Download
2 Web of Science
2 Crossref

Review

Historical review of the List of Occupational Diseases recommended by the International Labour organization (ILO): Eun-A Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang; Ann Occup Environ Med 2013;25:14-14. Published online August 5, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-4374-25-14

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

The list of occupational diseases established in the international and national legal system has played important roles in both prevention of and compensation for workers’ diseases. This report reviewed the historical development in the ILO list of occupational diseases and suggested implications of the trends. Since the first establishment of the ILO list of occupational diseases in 1925, the list has played a key role in harmonizing the development of policies on occupational diseases at the international level. The three occupational diseases (anthrax, lead poisoning, and mercury poisoning) in the first ILO list of occupational diseases, set up in 1925 as workmen’s compensation convention represented an increase of occupational diseases from the Industrial Revolution. Until the 1960s, 10 occupational diseases had been representative compensable occupational diseases listed in Convention No. 121, which implies that occupational diseases in this era were equated to industrial poisoning. Since 1980, with advancements in diagnostic techniques and medical science, noise-induced hearing loss, and several bronchopulmonary diseases have been incorporated into the ILO occupational list. Since 2002, changes in the structure of industries, emerging new chemicals, and advanced national worker’s compensation schemes have provoked the ILO to revise the occupational disease list. A new format of ILO list appended in Recommendation 194 (R194) was composed of two dimensions (causes and diseases) and subcategories. Among 50 member states that had provided their national lists of occupational diseases, until 2012 thirty countries were found to have the list occupational diseases having similar structure to ILO list in R194.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Assessment of pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms among INDIAN textile sizing mill workers
Shankar Subramaniam, Abbas Ganesan, Naveenkumar Raju, Nithyaprakash Rajavel, Maheswari Chenniappan, Chander Prakash, Alokesh Pramanik, Animesh Kumar Basak
Work.2024; : 1. CrossRef
Управління ризиком професійних захворювань при використанні засобів індивідуального захисту органів дихання
В. Ю. Дубницький, М. В. Євланов, А. Б. Фещенко, О. І. Ходирєв, І. А. Черепньов
Системи обробки інформації.2024; (1 (176)): 17. CrossRef
Working Environment and Scope of Otorhinolaryngology Laboratory Personnel in South Korea
Younghoi AN, Minho HAN, Eul Sung HWANG, Hyun Jin PARK, Bon-Kyeong KOO, Min Woo LEE, Gibong KIM, Suhng Wook KIM
Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science.2023; 55(1): 52. CrossRef
RETRACTED: Physio-metabolic and clinical consequences of wearing face masks—Systematic review with meta-analysis and comprehensive evaluation
Kai Kisielinski, Oliver Hirsch, Susanne Wagner, Barbara Wojtasik, Stefan Funken, Bernd Klosterhalfen, Soumen Kanti Manna, Andreas Prescher, Pritam Sukul, Andreas Sönnichsen
Frontiers in Public Health.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
MESLEK HASTALIKLARINI ÖNLEMEYE YÖNELİK DEVLETİN YÜKÜMLÜLÜKLERİ KAPSAMINDA LİSTE YÖNTEMİNİN ETKİSİ
Çiğdem YORULMAZ
Kırıkkale Hukuk Mecmuası.2023; 3(2): 163. CrossRef
Occupational Disease and Injury in Malaysia: A Thematic Review of Literature from 2016 to 2021
S. Maria Awaluddin, Maznieda Mahjom, Kuang Kuay Lim, Noor Syaqilah Shawaluddin, Tuan Mohd Amin Tuan Lah, Issam A. Al-Khatib
Journal of Environmental and Public Health.2023; 2023: 1. CrossRef
Atualização 2020 da Lista de Doenças Relacionadas ao Trabalho no Brasil
João Silvestre Silva-Junior, Marcia Bandini, Karla Freire Baêta, Elizabeth Costa Dias
Revista Brasileira de Saúde Ocupacional.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Role of the occupational disease consultant in the multidisciplinary discussion of interstitial lung diseases
Ségolene Carlier, Mouhamad Nasser, Emmanuel Fort, Céline Lamouroux, Salim Si-Mohamed, Lara Chalabreysse, Jean-Michel Maury, Rémi Diesler, Vincent Cottin, Barbara Charbotel
Respiratory Research.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Satisfaction Level and Performance of Physiotherapy Students in the Knowledge of Musculoskeletal Disorders through Nearpod: Preliminary Reports
Maria Jesus Vinolo-Gil, Ismael García-Campanario, Carolina Lagares-Franco, Gloria Gonzalez-Medina, Manuel Rodríguez-Huguet, Francisco Javier Martín-Vega
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 20(1): 99. CrossRef
Diagnostic challenges of radiological opacities in silicosis - case reports
R A Smărăndescu, I M Căluțu, A Rașcu, Ș S Bușnatu
Occupational Medicine.2022; 72(6): 424. CrossRef
Investigation of the Environment and Working Scope of Optometric Personnel in Ophthalmology
Minho Han, Junbeom Park, Okhwan Jeon, Eul Sung Hwang, Hyun Jin Park, Min Woo Lee, Gibong Kim, Bon-Kyeong Koo, Younghoi An
Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science.2022; 54(3): 224. CrossRef
Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with pneumoconiosis based on its social determinants and risk factors in China: a cross-sectional study from 27 provinces
Huanqiang Wang, Huaping Dai, Jiayu He, Xiangpei Lyu, Xinran Zhang, Tao Li
Chinese Medical Journal.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Analysis of the research subjects and hot topics of occupational diseases through the Web of Science from 1975 to 2021
Hamid Reza Saberi, Hadiseh Rabiei, Asma Zare, Milad Derakhshan Jazari, Mahdi Malakoutikhah
Frontiers in Public Health.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupational Disease as the Bane of Workers’ Lives: A Chronological Review of the Literature and Study of Its Development in Slovakia. Part 1
Miriama Piňosová, Miriam Andrejiova, Miroslav Badida, Marek Moravec
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(11): 5910. CrossRef
The association between silica exposure, silicosis and tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Rodney Ehrlich, Paula Akugizibwe, Nandi Siegfried, David Rees
BMC Public Health.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
OCCUPATIONAL POLYNEUROPATHY. MODERN OUTLOOK OF THE PROBLEM IN RUSSIA AND ABROAD. REVIEW
S. V. Grebenkov, O. A. Kochetova, E. V. Milutka, N. Yu. Malkova
Hygiene and sanitation.2019; 98(6): 631. CrossRef
Sidero-Siliko Tuberkulosis pada Penderita Efusi Pleura Masif Dekstra yang Awalnya Dicurigai Keganasan
Winariani Koesoemoprodjo, Hapsari Paramita Narendrani
Jurnal Respirasi.2019; 3(3): 81. CrossRef
Low cost ergonomic interventions to reduce risk factors for work related musculoskeletal disorders during dairy farming
Hamidreza Mokarami, Sakineh Varmazyar, Reza Kazemi, Sayed Mohammad Taghavi, Lorann Stallones, Hossein Marioryad, Faramarz Farahmand
Work.2019; 64(2): 195. CrossRef
Does formaldehyde have a causal association with nasopharyngeal cancer and leukaemia?
Soon-Chan Kwon, Inah Kim, Jaechul Song, Jungsun Park
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Employment status of workers with a diagnosed occupational disease in Croatia: a 10-year trend (2005-2014)
Renata Ecimović Nemarnik, Jelena Macan
Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology.2018; 69(3): 220. CrossRef
Recognition criteria for occupational cancers in relation to hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus in Korea
Hogil Kim, Yun Kyung Chung, Inah Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Tuberculosis in health workers as an occupational disease
Rodney Ehrlich, Nick van de Water, Annalee Yassi
Anthropology Southern Africa.2018; 41(4): 309. CrossRef
Occupational cancer surveillance in China
Dafeng Lin, Yanfang Zhang, Xianqing Huang
Global Health Journal.2018; 2(2): 24. CrossRef
The Eastern European experience on occupational skin diseases. Make underreporting an issue?
H.R. Moldovan, S.T. Voidazan, S.M. John, P. Weinert, G. Moldovan, M.A. Vlasiu, Z.A. Szasz, G.S. Tiplica, S. Szasz, A.C. Marin, C.M. Salavastru
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.2017; 31(S4): 5. CrossRef
The education and practice program for medical students with quantitative and qualitative fit test for respiratory protective equipment
Jun-Pyo MYONG, JunSu BYUN, YounMo CHO, Hye-Kyung SEO, Jung-Eun BAEK, Jung-Wan KOO, Hyunwook KIM
INDUSTRIAL HEALTH.2016; 54(2): 177. CrossRef
Low back pain, intervertebral disc and occupational diseases
Audrey Petit, Yves Roquelaure
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics.2015; 21(1): 15. CrossRef
Cochlear neuropathy in the rat exposed for a long period to moderate‐intensity noises
Noura Gannouni, Marc Lenoir, Khemais Ben Rhouma, Michèle El May, Olfa Tebourbi, Jean Luc Puel, Abada Mhamdi
Journal of Neuroscience Research.2015; 93(6): 848. CrossRef
Risk assessment of gastric cancer associated with asbestosis: a case report
Soo-Hong Park, Dong-Mug Kang, Bon-Hak Koo, Young-Ki Kim, Jong-Eun Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2015;[Epub] CrossRef
Compensation for Occupational Cancer
Inah Kim, Eun-A Kim, Jae Young Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2014; 29(Suppl): S40. CrossRef
Compensation for Occupational Diseases by Chemical Agents in Korea
Soon-Chan Kwon, Soo-Yong Roh, Ji-Hoon Lee, Eun-A Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2014; 29(Suppl): S78. CrossRef
Compensation for Occupational Skin Diseases
Han-Soo Song, Hyun-chul Ryou
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2014; 29(Suppl): S52. CrossRef

288 View
2 Download
28 Web of Science
31 Crossref

Original Article

The Relationships between Enterprise-scale Levels, Safety and Health Information Provisions in the Workplace, and the Consequential Attack Rate of Occupational Disease and Injuries: In Kyung Park, Kyung Jong Lee, Soon Young Lee, Jae Beom Park, Kyoung Bok Min; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(3):229-238. Published online September 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.3.229

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
We investigated the associations between enterprise-scale levels, the information supplied regarding workplace safety and health, and occupational injury and disease using a nationally representative sample of Korean workers.
METHODS
We used data from the '2006 Working Condition Survey' performed by the Korean Occupational Safety & Health Agency. Demographic variables, employment characteristics, workplace hazards, enterprise-scale levels, information supplied regarding workplace safety and health, and occupational injury and disease were included for the study.
RESULTS
Subjects who had high incomes, or who were male, full-time workers, or shift workers were more likely to provide safety and health information at work, compared to other workers' groups. The larger the enterprise-scale level, the more likely they would offer information on safety and health at work. Workers who worked in small companies, especially those with less than 10 employees, were the most likely respondents to provide safety and health information. In the corresponding logistic regression, the presence of occupational injuries and disease was significantly associated with the provision of health and safety information, the enterprise-scale level had little correlation.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that the provision of health and safety information is a critical factor regarding occupational injuries and disease. Proper safety and health education, even in small companies, may contribute to a decrease in occupational disease and injury.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Relationship between occupational injuries and the provision of safety and health information: data from the 4th Korean working conditions survey
Ju-il Seo, Gab-Sik Shin, Min Gi Kim, Young-Sun Min
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef

53 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

Original Article

A Case of Kienbock's Disease from Repetitive Contact Stress: Chul Ju Kim, Young Su Ju, Hyoung June Im, Yae Won Bang, Young Jun Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(3):343-349. Published online September 30, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.3.343

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Kienbock's disease, which is characterized by osteonecrosis of the lunate bone, causes progressive chronic pain and dysfunction of the hand and wrist. Even though occurrence of the disease was reported approximately 100 years ago and it is suspected to be work-related to some degree, the etiology has not been clearly discribed and the disease has rarely been considered as an occupation-related disease. As such, we submit this case as the first report of Kienbock's disease in Korea, with clinical findings, x-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and strain index results along with a literature review.
METHODS
The patient was carefully interviewed and her medical records were properly reviewed by the authors with her consent. The authors also visited her factory work site to inspect and videotape the working environment and to conduct an ergonomic evaluation with a strain index.
RESULTS
Excessively repeated contact stress was found to be concentrated on her right hand and the environment was discovered to be hazardous from an ergonomic standpoint. The literature review revealed that heavy loads on the hand might be related to the cause or deterioration associated with Kienbock's disease. ; therefore, it is very likely that her disease is related to her work.
CONCLUSIONS
There is much evidence to suggest that heavy workloads involving hand and wrist intensive tasks may cause and worsen Kienbock's disease. However, to date epidemiologic studies clarifying the etiology of the disease have not been sufficiently reported. Therefore, further research focusing on the etiology and prevention of the disease are required. In addition, practical guidelines for hand and wrist intensive tasks are needed to prevent disease development and worsening.

49 View
1 Download

Original Article

Area-Based Occupational Disease Surveillance in Incheon, Korea: Results of an 11-year Data Survey: Jeong Hoon Kim, Shin Goo Park, Jong Han Leem, Jong Uk Won, Sang Hwan Han, Soo Young Chung, Sang Hoon Kim, Hwan Cheol Kim, Yun Chul Hong, Cheol Woo Kim, Chang Hwan Kim, Dong Hyun Kim, Dong Hoon Lee, Seung Jun Lee, Young Joong Kang, Woo Seok Kwak, Jeongbae Rhie; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010;22(3):183-199. Published online September 30, 2010; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2010.22.3.183

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Between Jan 1998 and Dec 2008, area-based occupational disease surveillance in Incheon was used to collect data on occupational diseases. The long-term data was used to estimate the scale of disease, to analyze disease characteristics, and to achieve surveillance in order to determine development tasks.
METHODS
For a period of 11 years, occupation-related disease surveillance was performed on an annual basis for employees of Incheon industries. All cases of occupational disease were reported by means of the Incheon Occupational Disease Information Network (IODIN) web site, downloaded, and analyzed, subsequently.
RESULTS
Between Jan 1998 and Dec 2008, 1577 cases of occupational disease were reported. Of these, there were 1043(66.1%) cases of occupational musculoskeletal disorders, 172(10.9%) cases of occupational asthma, 162(10.3%) cases of occupational dermatoses, 135(8.6%) cases of occupationally-related cancers, 30(1.9%) cases of pneumoconiosis, 27(1.7%) cases of toxic hepatitis, and 8(0.5%) cases of occupational neuronal disease.
CONCLUSION
In the Incheon area, small and medium industries comprise 99% of business. The composition of the industry by category, in Incheon, is similar to the country on the whole. In actually, the data on occupational diseases in Korea are almost workers' compensation data. Thus, the survey of occupational disease based in Incheon, Korea, can serve as an estimate of the trends and size of the occupational disease throughout the entire country.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Repeated measures study of the association between musculoskeletal symptoms and mental health in subway workers
Yun-Sik CHO, Jae-Bum PARK, Soojeong KIM, Kyungjong LEE
Industrial Health.2019; 57(6): 721. CrossRef
Work-Related Asthma in Korea - Findings from the Korea Work-Related Asthma Surveillance (KOWAS) program, 2004-2009
Soon-Chan Kwon, Jaechul Song, Yong-kyu Kim, Geoffrey M. Calvert
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research.2015; 7(1): 51. CrossRef

53 View
1 Download
2 Crossref

Case Report

A Case of Chronic Renal Failure and Renal Cancer in a Worker Exposed to Lead: Somin Park, Jongeun Kim, Jungwon Kim, Daegyun Hong, Sangbum Ye, Dongmug Kang, Euna Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2008;20(3):272-281. Published online September 30, 2008; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2008.20.3.272

Abstract PDF: INTRODUCTION: Studies evaluating rats and mice have provided convincing evidence that renal adenoma and carcinoma are induced by oral doses of lead acetate and lead subacetate, as well as by parenteral doses of lead phosphate. In addition, at least 2 cases of kidney cancer associated with heavy exposure to lead have been reported. However, there is still not enough information to confirm or rule out an association between kidney cancer and exposure to lead.
CASE
REPORT: In this study, we describe a case of kidney cancer in 54-year-old male worker that was exposed to lead-stearate while employed in the polyvinyl chloride processing industry for 17 years. The patient presented with gout and hypertension. Further examination revealed proteinuria, glucose in the urine and elevated blood urea nitrogen/creatinine levels. Renal ultrasonography, renal computed tomography and renal biopsy revealed chronic renal failure and renal cell cancer.
CONCLUSION
We concluded that the gout and chronic renal failure in this case was caused by chronic lead exposure. However, further study is required to determine if the renal cancer was induced by lead exposure.

54 View
0 Download

Original Article

Use of Screening Dose to Evaluate the Work-relatedness of Cancers Occurring among Korean Radiation Workers: Meeseon Jeong, Young Woo Jin, Hyun Sul Lim, Chong Soon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2007;19(3):196-203. Published online September 30, 2007; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2007.19.3.196

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To propose a screening dose based on the probability of causation (PC) to simplify the evaluation procedure for the work-relatedness of the cancers occurring among Korean radiation workers.
METHODS
Under the PC uncertainty distribution, the screening dose was defined in which the maximum PC is equivalent to 50% for single exposure to radiation, after which the values were calculated according to three significance levels: 90%, 95%, and 99%. By using the screening doses for each cancer, we also predicted the number of compensations for the occupational cancers among the current Korean radiation workers to determine a reasonable criterion for the significance level.
RESULTS
If the cumulative dose received by a radiation worker with cancer is less than the screening dose, then PC can not be greater than 50%, i.e., the case can not be awarded as an occupational disease. The numbers of compensation cases for a future decade were predicted to be 3-5, 4-6, and 6-10 at the significance levels of 90%, 95%, and 99%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The procedure to evaluate the occupational disease was greatly simplified by using the screening dose for evaluation. A criterion of 95% was recommended as the PC upper limit following consideration for the results of the predicted cases for compensation and the economic circumstances in Korea.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The work-relatedness at a case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a radiation oncologist
Bong Hyun Kim, Young-Jun Kwon, Young-Su Ju, Bong Kyu Kim, Hyun Seok Lee, Sang-gil Lee, Yun Kyung Chung
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2017;[Epub] CrossRef
A case of chronic myeloid leukemia in a diagnostic radiographer
Chulyong Park, Sungyeul Choi, Dohyung Kim, Jaechan Park, Saerom Lee
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
Ionizing Radiation-induced Diseases in Korea
Young-Woo Jin, Meeseon Jeong, Kieun Moon, Min-Heui Jo, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S70. CrossRef
Health Disorders Caused by Physical Factors among Health Care Workers - Focusing on Ionizing Radiation -
Hyun-Sul Lim
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2010; 53(6): 483. CrossRef

59 View
0 Download
4 Crossref

Original Article

Occupational Diseases among Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Workers Approved by Korea Labor Welfare Corporation: Yeon Soon Ahn, Hyun Sul Lim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2007;19(1):1-16. Published online March 31, 2007; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2007.19.1.1

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To analyze the characteristics of occupational diseases among agricultural, forestry and fishery workers compensated under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance that is operated by the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation (KLWC).
METHODS
Using the KLWC database, we collected 667 cases of occupational disease compensated during the 8 years between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2005. We analyzed the characteristics of occupational diseases using the KLWC electronic data and the data investigated by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency.
RESULTS
KLWC approved 667 cases, including 69 deaths (10.3%). Men accounted for 76.0%of the approved cases. The most common age group was 50~59 years of age (37.3%). The most common size of enterprise was 5 to 49 workers (47.5%). The proportion of occupational diseases was 54.1%, of which 45.9% was work-related. Among occupational diseases, the most common was skin diseases (147 cases, 40.7%), followed by infectious diseases (131 cases, 36.3%), including scrub typhus (123 cases) and intoxication (40 cases, 11.1%). The causal hazardous agents were biological (320 cases, 88.6%), chemical (29 cases, 8.0%), and physical (11 cases, 3.0%). The major type of industry and occupation were forestry (445 cases, 66.7%) and elementary (151 among 235 cases, 89.3%), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Major compensated occupational diseases were infectious diseases, including scrubtyphus, skin diseases and toxic disease, which occurred among workers who were older, and had short tenure and elementary occupation, and these workers were out of the occupational health policy. A management policy must be established to prevent occupational diseases occurring in such vulnerable workers.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Survey of the knowledge, safety climate, and compliance with hospital infection standard precautions among dental hygienists
Ho Jin Jeong, Jung Hwa Lee
Journal of Korean Academy of Oral Health.2017; 41(4): 237. CrossRef
Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases in Special Populations: Farmers and Soldiers
Young-Jun Kwon, Soo-Jin Lee
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2014; 29(Suppl): S24. CrossRef
Work-related diseases of agricultural workers in South Korea
Sangchul Roh
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2012; 55(11): 1063. CrossRef
Work-related hazards among farmers
Soon Chan Kwon, Soo-Jin Lee, Mihye Jeong
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2012; 55(11): 1046. CrossRef
Comparison of the Awareness and Knowledge of Scrub Typhus between Case and Control Groups
Kwan Lee, Byeong-Chan Park, Hyun-Sul Lim, Sun-Seog Kweon, Jin-Su Choi, Jang-Rak Kim, Keon-Yeop Kim, So-Yeon Ryu
Journal of agricultural medicine and community health.2012; 37(1): 1. CrossRef
Occupational Infection in Korea
Yun Kyung Chung, Yeon-Soon Ahn, Jae Sim Jeong
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S53. CrossRef
Disease Prevalence and Mortality among Agricultural Workers in Korea
Won Jin Lee, Eun Shil Cha, Eun Kyeong Moon
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S112. CrossRef

58 View
1 Download
7 Crossref

Original Article

Analysis of Occupational Diseases Compensated with the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance from 2001 to 2003: Yeon Soon Ahn, Seong Kyu Kang, Kwang Jong Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):139-154. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.139

Abstract PDF

AIMS: The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of the occupational diseases compensated with the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance that is operated by the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation (KLWC).
METHODS
Using the KLWC database, we collected 4,240 cases of compensated occupational disease occurring between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2003. We analyzed the characteristics (sex, age, type of occupational disease, exposure material, type of industry and occupation, etc.) of occupational diseases using the KLWC electronic data and compensated with the data of claimed cases investigated by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA).
RESULTS
KLWC approved 4,240 cases, including 1,199 deaths (28.3%). Men accounted for 92.6% (3,925 cases) of the approved cases. The most common age group was 50-59 years of age (n=1,433, 33.8%). The majority of diseases were respiratory diseases (2,906 cases, 68.5%), occupational hearing loss (687 cases, 16.2%), infectious disease (238 cases, 5.6%), intoxication (117 cases, 2.8%), skin diseases (111 cases, 2.6%) and cancer (41 cases, 1.0%). The causal hazardous agents were dust (2,870 cases, 67.7%), physical agents (770 cases, 18.2%), biological agents (301 cases, 7.1%), chemical agents (242 cases, 5.7%), and heavy metals (51 cases, 1.2%). The major types of industry were mining and quarrying (2,708 cases, 63.9%), manufacturing (1,112 cases, 26.2%), health and social work (159 cases, 3.8%) and construction (63 cases, 1.5%). The type of occupation included craft and related trades workers (2,622 cases, 61.8%), elementary occupations (730 cases, 17.2%), senior officials and managers (327 cases, 7.7%) and plant and machine operators and assemblers (225 cases, 5.3%).
CONCLUSIONS
We were able to elucidate the kinds of occupational disease and the characteristics of workers through this study. Many compensation cases occurred among non-manufacturing and non-mining workers, especially health care workers, and there were various kinds of disease. This suggests that a management policy must be established to prevent occupational diseases occurring among workers in the above types of industry.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Investigation of the status of rest facilities at industrial sites and awareness of relevant laws and regulations of South Korea
Yeon-Hee Jeong, Woo-Je Lee, Ki-Youn Kim, Hamed Aghaei
PLOS ONE.2024; 19(6): e0302654. CrossRef
Work-related burn injuries and claims for post-traumatic stress disorder in Korea
Kang Soo Lee, So Young Joo, Cheong Hoon Seo, Joo-Eon Park, Boung Chul Lee
Burns.2019; 45(2): 461. CrossRef
Incidence and Risk Factors for Occupational Low Back Pain among Seafarer’s
Jae-Ho KIM
JOURNAL OF FISHRIES AND MARINE SCIENCES EDUCATION.2018; 30(4): 1265. CrossRef
Job displacement and social safety net on depressive symptoms in individuals aged 45 years or above: findings from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging
WOORIM KIM, YOUNG CHOI, TAE-HOON LEE, SUK-YONG JANG, KYU-TAE HAN, EUN-CHEOL PARK
Ageing and Society.2018; 38(6): 1199. CrossRef
Potential risk factors for haematological cancers in semiconductor workers
K. Lee, S.-G. Kim, D. Kim
Occupational Medicine.2015; 65(7): 585. CrossRef
Work-related infectious diseases among Korean workers compensated under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Law, 2006–2011
Jun-Pyo Myong, Yeon-Soon Ahn, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Youn Jeong Kim, Chung Yill Park, Jung-Wan Koo
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health.2013; 19(4): 344. CrossRef
Occupational Cancers with Chemical Exposure and their Prevention in Korea: A Literature Review
Kyung-Taek Rim
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention.2013; 14(6): 3379. CrossRef
Occupational Lymphohematopoietic Cancer in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Won Jin Lee, Mia Son, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S99. CrossRef
Occupational Respiratory Cancer in Korea
Hye-Eun Lee, Hyoung Ryoul Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S94. CrossRef
Infectious Diseases among Healthcare Workers
Yeon-Soon Ahn
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2010; 53(6): 454. CrossRef
Work-related Cerebro-Cardiovascular Diseases in Korea
Dae-Seong Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S105. CrossRef
Occupational Psychiatric Disorders in Korea
Kyeong-Sook Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S87. CrossRef
Occupational Skin Diseases in Korea
Yeon-Soon Ahn, Min-Gi Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S46. CrossRef
Occupational Hepatic Disorders in Korea
Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Tae Woo Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S36. CrossRef
Mycobacterial infections in coal workers’ pneumoconiosis patients in South Korea
Young Mi Kim, Myungshin Kim, Seong Keun Kim, Kyoungsil Park, Song-Hyo Jin, Ui Sun Lee, Yonggoo Kim, Gue Tae Chae, Seong-Beom Lee
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases.2009; 41(9): 656. CrossRef
Occupational Infectious Diseases among Korean Health Care Workers Compensated with Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance from 1998 to 2004
Yeon-Soon AHN, Hyun-Sul LIM
Industrial Health.2008; 46(5): 448. CrossRef

61 View
1 Download
16 Crossref

Original Article

A Study on the Occupational Hazards Associated with Chronic Renal Failure: Kwan Lee, Hyun Sul Lim, Jeong Ho Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(1):25-36. Published online March 31, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.1.25

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE: Recently, chronic renal failure has become a major public health problem all around the world, and the number of patients in Korea affected by this disease has sharply increased since the 1980's. Between 3% and 50% of all cases of chronic renal failure may be induced by toxic agents. The purpose of our study was to investigate the occupational hazards associated with chronic renal failure, in order to use the findings as a reference for further epidemiologic studies.
METHODS
The author conducted a questionnaire and reviewed the medical records of chronic renal failure patients (161 people out of 238) in Gyeongju-si and Pohang-si from March 2 to 31, 2003. Those cases of chronic renal failure which were related to work were classified as either 'probable case' if they were of unknown origin or 'suspected case' if they were of known origin and were related to hypertension or diabetes mellitus.
RESULTS
The study subjects consisted of 92 males (57.1%) and 69 females (42.9%). The causalities listed in the medical records were diabetes mellitus in 55 cases (40.4%), hypertension in 28 cases (20.6%), chronic glomerulonephritis in 14 cases (10.3%), and other diseases. There were 10 cases (6.2%) that were believed to be related to the patients' occupations. The hazards that these 10 patients had previously been exposed to were silica, organic solvents, tin, copper, lead, cadmium, and other hazards.
CONCLUSIONS
Through this study, 10 cases that were reportedly related to occupational chronic renal failure were discovered. Further studies such as a case-control study of occupational risk factors related to chronic renal failure will be needed.

53 View
1 Download

Original Article

Occupational Diseases on Health Care workers Approved by Korea Labor Welfare Corporation: Hyun Sul Lim, Yeon Soon Ahn; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(2):196-204. Published online June 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.2.196

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was carried out to analyze the characteristics of occupational diseases among health care workers in Korea.
METHODS
Using the database of the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation (KLWC), 5, 460 approved occupational disease cases, between Jan 1, 1999 and Dec 31, 2000, and approved by the Jun 30, 2001, were collected. Of these, the 142 health care worker cases were investigated.
RESULTS
The proportion of health care workers among the total cases reported in 1999 and 2000 was 2.6%, respectively. The diseases were infectious in 61 (43.0%), cerebro-cardiovascular in 60 (42.3%) and musculoskeletal in 18 cases (12.6%). The distributions of the occupational diseases by sex were 59 (41.5%) and 83 cases (58.5%), in males and females, respectively. The distributions of the occupational diseases by age were 64 (45.1%), 30 (21.1%), 25 (17.6%) and 17 cases (12.0%), in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, respectively. For the cases of infectious diseases by age there were 48 (78.7%) in their 20s and 12 (19.7%) in their 30s, for the cases of cerebro-cardiovascular diseases by age there were 17 (28.3%) in their 40s, 16 (26.7%) in their 50s and 12 (20.0%) in their 20s, and for the cases of musculoskeletal diseases there were 7 (38.9%) in their 30s and 4 (22.2%) in their 20s. The distributions of the cases of occupational diseases by department were 64 (45.1%), 19 (13.4%), 18 (12.7%), and 10 (7.0%) in the nursing, doctors, officers, and food services departments, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The major occupational diseases of health care workers, as approved by the KLWC, were the infectious, cerebro-cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases. A special management policy must be considered to prevent occupational diseases of health care workers in Korea.

67 View
2 Download

Original Article

Surveillance of Work-related Diseases in Kumi: Seong Ah Kim, Jin Seok Kim, Hae Ree Jeon, Sang Jae Jung, Sang Woo Kim, Chae Yong Lee, Jung O Ham, Jay Young Yoo, Tae Sung Choi, Ha Bong Goo, Min Hwan Cho, Kuck Hyun Woo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(1):95-110. Published online March 31, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.1.95

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Area-based occupational disease surveillance in Kumi (KODS) was used to collect data on occupational diseases. The data was used to estimate the magnitude of the diseases, to analyze for their characteristics, and to find links for their intervention and prevention.
METHODS
Since January 2001, occupational physicians and nurses in Occupational Health Service (OHS)have reported six major occupational diseases; occupational musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities(MSDUE), occupational dermatoses, toxic hepatitis, occupational asthma (OA), hand-arm vibration syndrome(HAVS), and occupational cancer. For the respective diseases, a reporting sheet and operational diagnostic criteria were developed by the KODS. An analysis of the KODS data, collected over a certain period, was compared with data from the Korea Labor Workers Corporation (KLWC) and the Specific Health Examination (SHE), and the incidence rates of the diseases estimated.
RESULTS
Between Jan 2001 and Apr 2002, 287 cases of the six major occupational disease were reported. Of these, there were 132 (46.0%), 100 (34.8%), 34 (11.8%), 16 (5.6%), and 5 (1.7%), cases of MSDUE, occupational dermatoses, toxic hepatitis, OA, and HAVS, respectively. But, there were no cases of occupational cancer. 33 (11.5%) of the incidence were reported via the OHS, 206 (71.7%) from health checkups, and the other 48(16.8%) from other routes. The synthetic fibers and electronic components manufacturing industries accounted for the greatest number of reported cases. With respect to occupation, the greatest numbers of incidence were reported from the elementary occupations, textile workers, assemblers, and cooks and food services worker, in that order. Of the MSDUE cases, carpal tunnel syndrome and epicondylitis were the two most common diseases. Most of the occupational dermatoses were due to contact dermatitis, with organic solvents (59%), nickel (6%), and epoxy resin (5%) accounting for the majority of these cases. All cases of toxic hepatitis were induced by dimethylformamide or dimethylacetamide, which were reported by a unique monitoring system. During same period, there were no cases claimed by workers to the KLWC, and only three cases from SHE, were identified. Using data from workers' number and surveillance, the annual incidences of MSDUE, dermatoses, hepatitis, OA, and HAVS, per 100,000 workers were 63.6, 48.2, 17.9, 7.7, and 2.4, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
These results show that an area-based surveillance system can be very effective for the collection of data on work-related diseases, at least in Kumi.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Distribution of age, gender, and occupation among individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome based on the National Health Insurance data and National Employment Insurance data
Il-Ho Lee, Young-Ki Kim, Dong-Mug Kang, Se-Yeong Kim, In-Ah Kim, Eun-Mi Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Work-relatedness of lung cancer by smoking and histologic type in Korea
Young-Il Lee, Sang-Gil Lee, Dong-Mug Kang, Jong-Eun Kim, Young-Ki Kim, Jong-Han Leem, Hwan-Cheol Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
Clinical Outcomes of Occupational Exposure to N,N-Dimethylformamide: Perspectives from Experimental Toxicology
Tae Hyun Kim, Sang Geon Kim
Safety and Health at Work.2011; 2(2): 97. CrossRef
Occupational Skin Diseases in Korea
Yeon-Soon Ahn, Min-Gi Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S46. CrossRef
Occupational Hepatic Disorders in Korea
Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Tae Woo Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S36. CrossRef
Incidence of dimethylacetamide induced hepatic injury among new employees in a cohort of elastane fibre workers
C-Y Lee, S-J Jung, S-A Kim, K-S Park, B-G Ha
Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2006; 63(10): 688. CrossRef

82 View
1 Download
6 Crossref

Case Report

Cold Sensitization Occurring in a Worker of a Cold Storage Warehouse: Hyun Sul Lim, Kwan Lee, Jong Min Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):204-212. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.204

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The following is a report on a case of cold sensitization in a worker who served as a forklift truck driver in a cold storage warehouse for 5 years from 1996.
METHODS
We examined the patient's blood chemistry and infrared computerized thermographic measurements. We also reviewed the environmental temperatures at his workplace and interviewed other workers.
RESULTS
The worker was a 32-year-old male who had worked in a cold storage warehouse for 5 years (1996-2000). He complained of headaches, arthralgia, and slight dyspnea after 2 years work serving as a forklift truck driver in a cold storage facility. In the laboratory record of his blood and those of others, the C-reactive protein, rheumatoid facror, anti-nuclear antibody, cryoglobulin and other blood chemistries were all negative except that the anti-streptolysin O titer was reactive and alkaline phosphatase was also increased. The radiologic findings were normal. Using infrared computerized thermographic measurements, the patient's hands were at around 30 degrees C and below in the first infrared image and around 27 degrees C in the third image. Accordingly, he was diagnosed as having cold sensitization, which occurs in persons exposed to cold for long time, especially below freezing point.
CONCLUSIONS
We confirmed that the cold sensitization occurred in this patient as an occupational disease due to an exposure to cold. To prevent cold injury, we must modify work procedures, begin comprehensive medical surveillances, educate workers on risks of cold, and increase workers awareness of safety regulations in the workplace.

42 View
1 Download

Original Article

Analysis of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disease by Approved Korea Labor Welfare Corporation in 1999: Yeon Soon Ahn, Yong Hyu Choi, Seong Kyu Kang, Ho Keun Chung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):154-168. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.154

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of workrelated musculoskeletal diseases, as listed by the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation (KLWC).
METHODS
Using the database of the KLWC, we collected information from 410 approved occupational musculoskeletal disease cases, which occurred between 1 January and 31 December 1999 and were approved by 30 June in 2000. We investigated the characteristics of the disease using a mail survey and telephone interviews. The characteristics we investigated included : sex, age, disease-related working duration, process of disease occurrence, type of enterprises, etc.
RESULTS
Men accounted for 75.6 % (310 workers) of the approved cases. The most common age group was 30-39 years (n=143, 34.9 %). The mean disease-related working duration was 5.7 years, and the most commonly had a work-duration of 1-5 years (n=108, 36.0 %). The major industrial types of enterprise were manufacturing (235 workers, 57.3 %), transportation (46 workers, 11.2 %), and construction (25 workers, 6.1 %). Within the manufacturing industry, the most common was motor vehicles and trailers manufacturing. Within the group, the most common jobs were plant or machine operators and assemblers (129 workers, 36.5 %), elementary occupations (90 workers, 25.5 %), and craft and related trades workers (63 workers, 17.8 %). The majority of the diseases involved lumbar problems (232 cases, 54.7 %), neck and upper extremity diseases (183 cases, 43.2 %) and lower extremity diseases (9 cases, 2.1 %). In the cases of lumbar disease, the mean age and working duration was 36.5 years and 4.7 years, respectively. Fifty-four cases of lumbar diseases were due to repetitive work and 89 due to non-repetitive work. Bad posture at work was the most common cause for those doing repetitive work(23 cases), and lifting the most common cause of problems in the non-repetitive work cases (27).
CONCLUSIONS
We were able to elucidate the characteristics of workers with approved occupational musculoskeletal disease through this study. Many approved cases occurred in women, and workers performing repetitive work, of these herniated nucleus pulposus occurred in many workers performing simple repetitive works without serious external forces. This suggests that a prevention policy for occupational musculoskeletal disease must be established, to focusing on the above-mentioned high-risk groups.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Effects of Physical Burden and Musculoskeletal Symptoms on Job Stress in Hospital Workers
Dong-Hyun Kim, Yoo-Mi Chae, Hee-Kwang Kim
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2014; 15(11): 6782. CrossRef
Characteristics and Influencing Factors on Recuperators with Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Kyoo-Sang Kim, Hee-Gyeong Jeon, Day-Sung Kim
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(5): 671. CrossRef

58 View
0 Download
2 Crossref

Original Article

Analysis of Occupational Disease by Approved Korea Labor Welfare Corporation in 1999: Yeon Soon Ahn, Seong Kyu Kang, Hyun Gil Kwon, Ho Keun Chung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):449-460. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.449

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of occupational diseases listed by Korea Labor Welfare Corporation(KLWC).
METHODS
Using the database of the KLWC, we collected 575 approved occupational disease cases occurring between 1 January and 31 December 1999 and approved by the thirtieth June in 2000. We investigated the characteristics(sex, age, occupational history, kinds of occupational disease, exposure material, type of enterprises, etc.) of occupational disease using a mail survey and telephone interviews.
RESULTS
Men accounted for 88.9 %(511 workers) of the approved cases. 56 cases(9.7%) died of occupational disease. The most common age group was 50~59 years of age(n=217, 37.7 %). The proportion of workers with grater than ten years disease related working condition exposure were 195(49.0 %). The majority of diseases were respiratory problems(211 workers, 22.4 %), occupational hearing loss(149 workers, 25.9 %), infectious disease(69 workers, 12.0 %), intoxication(60 workers, 10.4 %), skin disease(29 workers, 5.0 %) and cancer(17 workers, 3.0 %). The causal hazardous agents were dusts(209 cases, 36.3 %), physical agents(157 cases, 27.3 %), chemical agents(89 cases, 16.3 %), biological agents(82 cases, 14.3 %) and workrelated agents(34 cases, 5.9 %). The major types of enterprise were manufacturing(262 workers, 45.6 %), mining and quarrying(174 workers, 30.3 %), public administration(42 workers, 7.3 %) and the health care industry(28 workers, 4.9 %). The kinds of job included craft and related trades workers(285 workers, 49.6 %), plant or machine operators and assemblers(139 workers, 24.2 %), elementary occupations(72 workers, 12.5 %) and professionals(28 workers, 4.9 %).
CONCLUSIONS
We were able to elucidate the kinds of occupational disease and the characteristics of workers through this study. Many approved cases occurred among nonmanufacturing and non-mining workers and the kinds of disease were varied. This suggests that management policy must be established to prevent occupational disease occurring among workers in the above type of industries.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Work-related burn injuries and claims for post-traumatic stress disorder in Korea
Kang Soo Lee, So Young Joo, Cheong Hoon Seo, Joo-Eon Park, Boung Chul Lee
Burns.2019; 45(2): 461. CrossRef
(A)Study on the relationship between back pain experiences of Japanese employees with spinal disorder and body Musculoskeletal disorder
Han-Suk Jung, Hajime Tanabe, Toshifumi Kuwaoka, Minae Amano, Yasushi Onodera, Takashi Inouchi, Yuichi Imoto, Keiichi Tanabe
Journal of the Korea Safety Management and Science.2015; 17(2): 107. CrossRef
Work-related infectious diseases among Korean workers compensated under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Law, 2006–2011
Jun-Pyo Myong, Yeon-Soon Ahn, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Youn Jeong Kim, Chung Yill Park, Jung-Wan Koo
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health.2013; 19(4): 344. CrossRef
Characteristics and Influencing Factors on Recuperators with Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Kyoo-Sang Kim, Hee-Gyeong Jeon, Day-Sung Kim
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(5): 671. CrossRef
Occupational Hepatic Disorders in Korea
Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Tae Woo Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S36. CrossRef
Work-related Cerebro-Cardiovascular Diseases in Korea
Dae-Seong Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S105. CrossRef
Occupational Psychiatric Disorders in Korea
Kyeong-Sook Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S87. CrossRef
Occupational Lymphohematopoietic Cancer in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Won Jin Lee, Mia Son, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S99. CrossRef
Occupational Respiratory Cancer in Korea
Hye-Eun Lee, Hyoung Ryoul Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S94. CrossRef

56 View
1 Download
9 Crossref

Original Article

Analysis of Claimed Cases as an Occupational Disease at Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency from 1992 to 1999: Seong Kyu Kang, Kyoo Sang Kim, Yangho Kim, Jung Keun Choi, Yeon Soon Ahn, Yeong Woo Jin, Byong Soon Choi, Jeong Sun Yang, Euna Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Yong Hue Choi, Dae Seong Kim, Jung Sun Park, Ho Keun Chung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2000;12(2):292-301. Published online June 30, 2000; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2000.12.2.292

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Pneumoconisis and noise-induced hearing loss(NIHL) have been reported as main occupational diseases by the Special Health Examination. The Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance has reported various work-related diseases, however, these two diseases occupied almost a half of compensated cases. Therefore, it was not well known about the status of occupational diseases other than pneumoconiosis, NIHL, and cardiocerebrovascular accident(CVA). This study was conducted to analyze claimed cases as an occupational disease, that was requested to the Korea Industrial Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA).
METHODS
The local office of the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation(KLWC) has asked the KOSHA for confirmation of claimed cases as an occupational disease. We analyzed 379 cases requested from KLWC, the Ministry of Labor, employers, unions and occupational health agencies from 1992 to 1999.
RESULTS
Male was 80. 7 % of the requested cases. Their mean age was 42 years old and 75. 5 % of them were more than 35 years old. The requested cases were increased rapidly from 25 cases in 1992 to 108 cases in 1999 and the accept rate was 50. 7 %. The majority of requested cases were respiratory diseases(22.4 %), cancers(18.5 %), Neuropsychiatric problems (14. 5 %), and musculoskeletal problems (13. 5 %). The accept rate was high in reproductive, respiratory, musculoskeletal and digestive disorders and low in neuropsychiatric, renal and otologic problems and occupational cancers. 73. 6 % of them were caused by chemical agents, especially 28. 5 % were by organic solvents. 67 % of them were clinically confirmed at university hospitals. A half of the cases were from KyongIn area, even the request came from the whole country.
CONCLUSIONS
A claim was common in workers whose age was over 35 years old and exposure history was over 10 years. The respiratory diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders were still main problems in occupational health and occupational cancers was increasing even though its accept rate was not high yet.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Gastric and rectal cancers in workers exposed to asbestos: a case series
Byeong Ju Choi, Saerom Lee, Iu Jin Lee, Soon Woo Park, Sanggil Lee
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Systemic sclerosis due to crystalline silica exposure among jewelry workers in Korea: two case reports
Jae Yoon Kim, Sang Yoon Do, Young Hoon Moon, Chul Gab Lee, Yun Sung Kim, Byung Soon Choi, Eun-A Kim, Han Soo Song
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2017;[Epub] CrossRef
Characteristics and Influencing Factors on Recuperators with Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Kyoo-Sang Kim, Hee-Gyeong Jeon, Day-Sung Kim
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(5): 671. CrossRef
Work-related Cerebro-Cardiovascular Diseases in Korea
Dae-Seong Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S105. CrossRef
Occupational Neurological Disorders in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S26. CrossRef
Occupational Diseases in Korea
Seong-Kyu Kang, Eun A Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S4. CrossRef
Occupational Lymphohematopoietic Cancer in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Won Jin Lee, Mia Son, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S99. CrossRef
Occupational exposure to benzene in South Korea
Seong-Kyu Kang, Mi-Young Lee, Tae-Kyun Kim, Jeong-Oh Lee, Yeon Soon Ahn
Chemico-Biological Interactions.2005; 153-154: 65. CrossRef

73 View
1 Download
8 Crossref

Original Article

Feasibility Study of Constructing an Occupational Disease Surveillance System in Inchon: Jong Han Leem, Yun Chul Hong, Hyesook Park, Eun Hee Ha; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1999;11(2):241-253. Published online June 30, 1999; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1999.11.2.241

Abstract PDF: The occurrence of occupational illnesses and injuries has been seriously underestimated in Korea. This underdiagnosis and underreporting of occupational illnesses and injuries subsequently contribute to difficulties in performing effective control of occupational hazards and implementing intervention programs to protect workers. An Inchon model for an occupational disease surveillance system was constructed using multiple data sources. Available data were obtained from medical providers' reports, hospital medical records, medical examination data of employees, and environmental measurement data. This Jnchon model was constructed with the following procedure: 1. assembled multidisciplinary staff 2. geographic targeting was to Inchon 3. established community liaison 4. collected related data to establish the magnitude of problem 5. selected, recruited, and trained case reporters 6. developed mechanisms and guidelines for reporting 7. received, screened, and prioritized case reports 8. analyzed data from case reports and field investigations 9. made and disseminated recommendations 10. evaluated the feasibility of the system. An information system based on the Internet for the occupational disease surveillance was also constructed to support the case reporting of occupational diseases. 133 cases of occupational diseases were collected in Inchon from 1 January to 31 December 1998. These cases included cumulative traumatic disorder, occupational asthma, occupational contact dermatitis, allergic pneumonitis, occupational cancer, noise-induced hearing loss, and pneumoconiosis. These data were different from the previously reported data The occurrence pattern of occupational diseases obtained from this surveillance system will be useful for preventing occupational hazards and for enforcing occupational disease prevention programs. Our experiences in establishing this surveillance system may be also used in other regional settings.

42 View
1 Download

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search