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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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Case Reports

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

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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.

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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
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Parkinson's disease in a worker exposed to insecticides at a greenhouse
Yangwoo Kim, Inah Kim, Jung-Min Sung, Jaechul Song
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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
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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

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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.

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Julia Rother, Sabine Darius, Irina Böckelmann
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Parkinson's disease in a worker exposed to insecticides at a greenhouse
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BioMed Research International.2021; 2021: 1. CrossRef

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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

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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.

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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
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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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Nina Dewi Oktaviyanti, Kartini, Abdul Mun'im
Heliyon.2019; 5(11): e02950. CrossRef

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Research Articles

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Saeid Yazdanirad, Gholamhossein Pourtaghi, Mehdi Raei, Mohammad Ghasemi
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Christopher J. Hodgetts, Charlotte Leboeuf-Yde, Amber Beynon, Bruce F. Walker
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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
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Case Reports

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

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<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.

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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

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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.

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Original Articles

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.

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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

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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.

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Ho Jin Jeong, Jung Hwa Lee
Journal of Korean Academy of Oral Health.2017; 41(4): 237. CrossRef
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Young-Jun Kwon, Soo-Jin Lee
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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.

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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.

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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

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Distribution of age, gender, and occupation among individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome based on the National Health Insurance data and National Employment Insurance data
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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
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Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S46. CrossRef
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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

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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.

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