Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Original Article

Organic solvent exposure for the chronic kidney disease: updated systematic review with meta-analysis: Chaeseong Lim, Hyeoncheol Oh; Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e11. Published online May 17, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e11

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF PubReader ePub: Background
Studies on the relationship between organic solvent exposure and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have presented inconsistent results. Definition of CKD has changed in 2012, and other cohort studies have been newly published. Therefore, this study aimed to newly confirm the relationship between organic solvent exposure and CKD through an updated meta-analysis including additional studies.
Methods
This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was conducted on January 2, 2023 using Embase and MEDLINE databases. Case-control and cohort studies on the relationship between organic solvent exposure and CKD were included. Two authors independently reviewed full-text.
Results
Of 5,109 studies identified, a total of 19 studies (control studies: 14 and cohort studies: 5) were finally included in our meta-analysis. The pooled risk of CKD in the organic solvent exposed group was 2.44 (1.72–3.47). The risk of a low-level exposure group was 1.07 (0.77–1.49). The total risk of a high-level exposure group was 2.44 (1.19–5.00). The risk of glomerulonephritis was 2.69 (1.18–6.11). The risk was 1.46 (1.29–1.64) for worsening of renal function. The pooled risk was 2.41 (1.57–3.70) in case-control studies and 2.51 (1.34–4.70) in cohort studies. The risk of subgroup classified as ‘good’ by the Newcastle Ottawa scale score was 1.93 (1.43–2.61).
Conclusions
This study confirmed that the risk of CKD was significantly increased in workers exposed to mixed organic solvents. Further research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms and thresholds. Surveillance for kidney damage in the group exposed to high levels of organic solvents should be conducted.
Trial Registration
PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42022306521; 유기용제와 만성 콩팥병 ; 갱신된 메타-분석
목적
유기용제는 많은 산업현장에서 널리 사용되고 있는 물질로, 산업현장 근로자들의 건강에 나쁜 영향을 초래하고 있다. U.Ravnskov et al, 2000 에서는 유기용제 노출과 만성 신부전에 대해 조사했던 환자-대조군 연구들을 모아 메타분석을 시행하였다. 해당 메타 분석이 발표된 이후 만성 신부전의 정의가 변경되었으며 새로운 코호트 연구들도 새로 발표되었다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 기존 메타 분석에서 포함되지 못한 연구들을 추가로 포함하여 업데이트된 메타 분석을 시행하였다.
방법
본 체계적 검토는 Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA) guideline 에 의거하여 진행되었다. 검색은 Embase 와 MEDLINE 데이터베이스를 활용하여 2021년 11월 9일날 시행되었다. 유기용제 노출에 의한 만성 신부전에 대한 총 위험도와 더불어, 저도 노출, 중등도 노출, 고도 노출로 구분된 논문들을 모아 노출강도에 따른 하위그룹의 위험도 또한 분석하였다.
결과
유기용제 노출군은 비노출군에 비해 만성 신부전에 대한 총 위험도 (pooled risk) 는 2.44(1.72-3.47) 로 나왔다. 저도 노출의 경우 위험도 1.07(0.77-1.49) 로 나타났고 고도 노출군의 경우 총 위험도 2.44(1.19-5.00) 로 나타났다. 사구체 신염 발생의 경우 위험도가 2.69(1.18-6.11), 신기능 악화의 경우 1.46(1.29-1.64) 로 나타났다. 환자-대조군 연구들의 경우 2.41(1.57-3.70), 코호트 연구들의 경우 2.51(1.34-4.70) 으로 나타났다. Newcastle Ottawa scale 점수가 ‘좋음’으로 분류된 연구들의 경우 1.93(1.43-2.61)로 나타났다.
결론
선행 연구와 마찬가지로 혼합 유기용제 노출 근로자에서 만성 신부전의 위험성이 유의하게 증가한 것을 확인하였다. 이는 현재 석유 관련 제품 취급자, 도장공, 금속가공, 실험실 근로자 등 혼합 유기용제 고용량 노출군에 대한 특수건강진단 시 신기능 검사나 단백뇨 검사의 범위를 넓혀야 함을 시사할 수 있다.

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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

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

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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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Yangwoo Kim, Inah Kim, Jung-Min Sung, Jaechul Song
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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

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3 Crossref

IgA nephropathy in a laboratory worker that progressed to end-stage renal disease: a case report: Bokki Min, Gyuree Kim, Taesun Kang, Chungsik Yoon, Sung-il Cho, Domyung Paek; Ann Occup Environ Med 2016;28:35. Published online August 8, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-016-0118-z

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of glomerulonephritis, a principal cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. The mechanisms of onset and progression of IgAN have not been fully revealed, and epidemiologic studies have yielded diverging opinions as to the role of occupational exposure to organic solvents in the initiation or worsening of IgAN. As the authors encountered a laboratory worker with IgAN that progressed to ESRD, we present a case report of IgAN progression due to dichloromethane exposure along with a review of literature.
Case presentation
A 41-year-old male laboratory worker began to experience gross painless hematuria after two years of occupational exposure to toluene. Although clinical follow-up was initiated under the impression of IgAN based on clinical findings, the patient continued to work for four more years in the same laboratory, during which he was in charge of laboratory analysis with direct exposure to a high concentration of dichloromethane without proper protective equipment. During that time, his renal function rapidly worsened and finally progressed to ESRD 10 years after the first clinical symptoms. The result of exposure assessment through reenactment of his work exceeded the occupational exposure limit for dichloromethane to a considerable degree.
Conclusions
The causal association between occupational solvent exposure and IgAN is still unclear; therefore, this case report could be used as a basis to support the relevance of occupational solvent exposure to IgAN and/or its progression. Early intervention as well as close monitoring of laboratory workers exposed to various organic solvents is important to prevent or delay the progression of glomerulonephritis to ESRD in the occupational setting.

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Original Article

A Study on Olfactory Function in Painters Exposed to Organic Solvent in a Shipyard: Keong Bum Min, Jun Seok Son, Chang Ho Chae, Young Wook Kim, Cheol Ho Yi, Chan Woo Kim, Young Who Shin; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(3):246-258. Published online September 30, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.3.246

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To investigate the effect of the occupational exposure to organic solvent on the olfactory function of shipyard painters; we measured the prevalence of olfactory function impairment between the exposure group and the controls by using the Korean Version of the Sniffin'Stick (KVSS) test through smell, and by analyzing factors related to olfactory alteration.
METHODS
The olfactory function of 245 painters exposed to organic solvents was compared to that of 122 unexposed controls. A total of 367 shipyard subjects underwent questionnaire study and the olfactory function test was performed by KVSS test I from April to August 2007. Suspected subjects of abnormal findings were referred to an otorhinolaryngologist. In addition, the Biologic Exposure Index (BEI) and industrial hygiene laboratory data were collected as well as analyzed by job title in the exposure group.
RESULTS
The difference in the result of KVSS test I was significantly different from the exposure group and the controls (P<0.05). For the exposure group, reduced olfaction and exposure group were correlated with statistical significance when compared to the controls (P<0.01). Adjusting for work duration, smoking, rhinitis or sinusitis history, exposure of the organic solvent (OR 1.76, 95% CI=1.05-2.96) had a statistically meaningful relationship with decreased olfaction. The data on BEI for the exposure group were collected; the difference in methylhippuric acid was significant between spray workers and others, but did not correlate well with decreased olfaction.
CONCLUSION
Occupational exposure to organic solvents in shipyard painters may affect the olfactory function. Therefore, shipyard painters should be monitored on a periodic bases by the quantitative test such as KVSS test. There is no other quantitative testing method or standardized procedure that can objectively diagnose the neurotoxic effect, further enhanced quality research in this field is necessary.

Citations

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Overview of occupational cancer in painters in Korea
Jun-Pyo Myong, Younmo Cho, Min Choi, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Ergonomic Research Trends in the Shipbuilding Industry: Present and the Future
Yu-Chang Kim
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(1): 131. CrossRef

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Case Report

Case Series for Occupational Dermatosis in a Factory Treating Liquid Waste Mixtures: Sue Kyung Park, Hyun Sul Lim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(3):336-351. Published online September 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.3.336

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
A dermatologic outbreak occurred in a factory usingliquid waste mixtures at Gyeongju. We conducted this study to identify causative factors.
METHODS
We conducted a questionnaire interview composed of general andjob characteristics. A dermatologist carried out medical examination, European standard patch test and 'as is' patch test. We evaluated the cases with over 5 criteria of Mathias's 7 definitions of occupational dermatologic diseases.
RESULTS
Seven of 9 workers were diagnosed with dermatosis and 3 subjects (cases 2, 4 and 6) with Mathias's 7 criteria were confirmed as having occupational dermatologic diseases and were diagnosed as irritant contact dermatitis. Two subjects (cases 1 and 9) with over 5 criteria were evaluated as suspicious status. The remaining 2 subjects (cases 3 and 5) were not compatible with those criteria. The main sources of this outbreak were suggested to be the wasted solvents in the factory of car accessories and aluminum products because the subjects (cases 2, 4, 6, 1 and 9) had the positive skin reaction against those sources in 'as is 'patch test. Furthermore, 4 of the 5 subjects cases 2, 4, 6 and 9) had some skin reactions against the waste solvents of chemical material in 'as is'patch test.
CONCLUSION
This outbreak occurred by direct skin contact of liquid waste mixtures of a factory making car accessories and aluminum products. The cutting oils and metal working fluids in those liquid waste mixtures were estimated as the most suspected materials. In addition, this outbreak may have been caused by the hazard effect of mixed waste organic solvents of manufacturing of chemical materials.

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Original Articles

Analysis of Influencing Factors on Female Hairdresser's Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Due to Chronic Organic Solvent Exposure: Sang A Kim, Eun Ju Kim, Woong Sub Park, Sang Hyuk Jung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(1):13-22. Published online March 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.1.13

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was designed to examine the influencing factors on female hairdresser's neuropsychiatric symptoms due to chronic organic solvent exposure.
METHODS
We collected data from 143 female hairdressers employed in 75 hair salons selected by random sampling from the telephone directory of Gangnung City. Using multiple regression analysis we analyzed the influencing factors(i.e. ventilating fans, aircleaners, work duration, total time of exposure to solvents during hair-dyeing and permanent, etc.) on neuropsychiatric symptoms.
RESULTS
The neuropsychiatric symptom scores were significantly positively correlated with the total time of hair-dyeing work and work duration, and significantly negatively correlated with the glove wearing proportion. However, the total time of permanent work, ventilating fans and air-cleaners were not significantly correlated.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that for the prevention of neuropsychiatric symptoms due to chronic organic solvent exposure, more attention is required regarding hair-dyeing work than permanent work and to skin absorption rather than respiratory inhalation.

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Effect of Hairdresser's Depression and Job stress on Hairdresser’s Presenteeism
Mi-Jeung Ahn
Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology.2020; 18(4): 493. CrossRef
Relationship between Occupational Stress and Depression in Hairdressers
Mi-Jeung Ahn, Sun-Ju Park
Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology.2020; 18(4): 643. CrossRef
Physical and Psychosocial Risk Factors Affecting Mental Health and Presenteeism among South Korean Hairdressers
Jinhwa Lee, Bokim Lee
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2016; 25(4): 290. CrossRef
The Effect of Work Characteristics on Dermatologic Symptoms in Hairdressers
Pil Kyun Jung, June-Hee Lee, Ji Hye Baek, Jungho Hwang, Jong-Uk Won, Inah Kim, Jaehoon Roh
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupational Psychiatric Disorders in Korea
Kyeong-Sook Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S87. CrossRef

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Acquried Dyschromatopsia in Women Workers in Shoe Manufacturing Who were Exposed to Organic Solvents: Joo Hyun Byun, Kwang Young Lee, Young Kee Kim, Kwang Wook Ko, Yong Hwan Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(3):232-241. Published online September 30, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.3.232

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between color vision defects and occupational exposure to mixed organic solvents in women workers who were engaged in the shoe manufacturing industry.
METHODS
A total of 173 women workers were involved in this study, 85 of whom were exposed to mixed organic solvents and were defined as the exposed group, and 88 workers comprised the non-exposed control group. The patients were questioned as to their drinking history, the year in which they were exposed and whether they had eye symptoms of blurred vision, eye fatigue, and eye irritation. The exposed workers in the shoe manufacturing factory were engaged in 3 work areas which were pasting, trimming, and cleaning. Their Color vision was assessed using the Hahn's double 15 hue test under standard illumination and their current and cumulative exposure levels were measured.
RESULTS
The prevalence of color vision defect was 21.2% in the exposed group and 8.0% in the control group, and the blue-yellow defect was found to be 5.9 % in the exposed group. The logistic regression for the acquired dyschromatopsia and color confusion index showed that there were no variables that had significant relationships. Eye symptoms were more frequently developed in the exposed group.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a possibility of developing color vision defects when workers are exposed to mixed organic solvents. However, the results of the color confusion index showed that there was no significant relationship to the cumulative exposure level, because of the low exposure level and high occupational turn over rate of the workers. Because the workers in the present study were exposed to low level solvents it will be necessary to study workers exposed to higher levels of organic solvents.

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Association between Exposure to Organic Solvents and Symptom of Headache and Eyestrain among Laundry Workers: Analysis of the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey Data
Hyun-Sun Jeong, Kyoung-Mu Lee
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2023; 49(6): 372. CrossRef
Impaired colour vision in workers exposed to organic solvents: A systematic review
A.M. Betancur-Sánchez, E.M. Vásquez-Trespalacios, C. Sardi-Correa
Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología (English Edition).2017; 92(1): 12. CrossRef
Discromatopsias y exposición a solventes orgánicos: una revisión sistemática
A.M. Betancur-Sánchez, E.M. Vásquez-Trespalacios, C. Sardi-Correa
Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología.2017; 92(1): 12. CrossRef
Color vision impairments among shipyard workers exposed to mixed organic solvents, especially xylene
Eun-Hee Lee, Domyung Paek, Young Lim Kho, Kyungho Choi, Hong Jae Chae
Neurotoxicology and Teratology.2013; 37: 39. CrossRef
Usefulness of Color Vision Test for Early Detection of Neurological Damages by Neurotoxic Substances
Eun-Hee Lee, Kyungho Choi, Hong Jae Chae, Domyung Paek
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2008; 41(6): 397. CrossRef

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The Association of Exposure to Organic Solvents with Liver Function: Chi Young Ann, Kyung Jong Lee, Jae Bum Park, Jae Yeon Jang, Moon Jong Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(1):64-74. Published online March 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.1.64

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to evaluate the association of cumulative exposure to organic solvent with liver function.
METHODS
We conducted a cross sectional study. 461 male workers who perform painting job at a shipyard and use organic solvents routinely and 125 workers of the same shipyard who never have been exposed to organic solvents were studied. All subjects who were confirmed not having HBsAg surveyed their age, BMI(body mass index), alcohol drinking and smoking history, and examined liver function test (SGOT, SGPT, gamma-GTP, Total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin). The amount of cumulative exposure (CE) to mixed organic solvents were measured by biological monitoring method using their metabolites in urine.
RESULTS
The CE was observed as a significant variable with logistic regression analysis on abnormality of SGOT(>35IU/L), SGPT(>40IU/L) and gamma-GTP(>63IU/L), their odds ratio were 1.10 (95 %CI, 1.02-1.20), 1.10 (95 %CI, 1.01-1.19), and 1.10 (95 %CI, 1.01-1.19) each.
CONCLUSIONS
Therefore we suggest that the cumulative exposure to mixed organic solvents might be a significant variable on abnormal liver function indices (SGOT, SGPT,gamma-GTP) in male shipyard workers

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Liver function alterations among workers in the shoe industry due to combined low-level exposure to organic solvents
Nina Umicevic, Jelena Kotur-Stevuljevic, Vesna Paleksic, Danijela Djukic-Cosic, Evica Antonijevic Miljakovic, Aleksandra Buha Djordjevic, Marijana Curcic, Zorica Bulat, Biljana Antonijevic
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Estimating Benzene Exposure Level over Time and by Industry Type through a Review of Literature on Korea
Donguk Park, Sangjun Choi, Kwonchul Ha, Hyejung Jung, Chungsik Yoon, Dong-Hee Koh, Seunghun Ryu, Soogeun Kim, Dongmug Kang, Kyemook Yoo
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Journal of Public Health.2010; 18(6): 553. CrossRef

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

Abstract PDF

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

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

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Neurobehavioral Performance Changes of Chronic Exposure to Organic Solvents among Textile Processing Workers: Seon Hee Yang, Moo Sik Lee, Dong Hoon Shin; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(2):227-239. Published online May 31, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.2.227

Abstract PDF: The study was conducted to predict the risk of chronic exposure by neurobehavioral test and to use it as a basic source of the management for workers exposed to organic solvents. The exposed group was selected from coating department of textile processing industry. The unexposed group was selected from those who visited the clinic to take an annual check-up. The author administered WHO-NCTB (neurobehavioral core test battery). Also, Scandinavian Questionnaire 16 was tested by self-administration to find the correlation between subjective symptoms and NCTB results, and to assess the availability of the Questionnaire in mass screening test concurrently. The final analysed subjects were 78 (27 in exposed group and 51 in unexposed group) workers except who had a neurologic disease or systemic disease affecting the central nervous system. In Questionnaire study, there was no significant difference in total neurotoxic symptom scores between the exposed and the unexposed group. In NCTB, the exposed group had lower mean scores than the unexposed group for all tests. When the effect by age and education were considered, there was a statistically significant difference only in pursuit timing test. This study suggests the availability of NCTB and the Questionnaire for the assessment of neurobehavioral change in workers exposed to organic solvents.

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Type of Anemia Due to Organic Solvents: Choong Ryeol Lee, Cheol In Ryu; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(2):180-188. Published online May 31, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.2.180

Abstract PDF: The purpose of this study Is whether we can presuppose the correlation between some type of anemia and exposure to organic solvents using some hematologic index such as MCV, RDW and MCHC. The authors conducted the hematological examination of 160 male workers who were exposed organic solvents and those of 167 control workers. The type of anemia was slightly macrocytic anemia, and the RDW was generally homogenous in workers exposed to organic solvents whereas those of control were normocytic and homogenous.

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A Study on the Hematologic Changes of Workers Exposed to Mixed Organic Solvents: Choong Ryeol Lee, Cheol In Ryu; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1997;9(4):549-564. Published online December 31, 1997; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1997.9.4.549

Abstract PDF: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the hematological changes of workers exposed to mixed organic solvents and to search the organic solvent that bring out these changes. The study participants were 1,605 workers, consisting 1,088 workers (male 989, female 99) exposed to mixed organic solvents and 517 non-exposed workers (male 431, female 86). The authors analyzed the results of complete blood count and differential count of leukocytes of all the workers and examined all of the material safety data sheets of substances with which they dealt and the results of their working environmental surveys during the last 3 years. The results were as follows: 1. The mean values of complete blood count in workers exposed to mixed organic solvents were lower than that of non-exposed workers in WBC, RBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit in cases of male and RBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit in cases of female, but the mean value of platelet count in male exposed workers and WBC count in female exposed workers were higher than those of non-exposed workers. 2. The distribution of differential count of leukocytes showed no difference between exposed workers and non-exposed workers. 3. The correlation coefficients between age and duration of employment and WBC showed statistically a positive value and that between age and duration of employment and RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit showed a statistically negative value in cases of male exposed to mixed organic solvents. But in cases of female there was no statistical correlation between them. 4. In cases of male the proportions of workers with subnormal levels of WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet according to the standard of classification were high or than those of non-exposed workers. The proportions of exposed workers were 3.6 %, 18.6 %, 5.3 %, 32.7 % and 1.4 % respectively and those of non-exposes workers were 2.8 %, 10.7 %, 2.1 %, 13.9 % and 0.2 % respectively. 5. In cased of female the proportion of workers with subnormal levels of RBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit according to the standard of classification were higher than those of non exposed workers. The proportion of exposed workers were 42.4 %, 55.6 % and 41.4 % respectively and those of non-exposed workers were 10.5 %, 11.6 % and 8.1 % respectively. 6. The number of substances with which workers exposed to mixed organic solvents dealt were about 500, and 22 organic solvents such as xylene, toluene, isopropyl alcohol, 2-ethoxyethanol and 2-ethoxy ethyl acetate were main components of substances according to the material safety data sheet and working environmental surveys during the last 3 years. The authors suspect 2-ethoxyethanol and 2-ethoxy ethyl acetate of the organic solvents, which bring out the hematological changes of workers exposed to mixed organic solvents. As a result of this study, the authors confirmed the hematological changes of workers exposed to mixed organic solvents and recommend : strict management of working environment, working time and the protective equipments of workers exposed to mixed organic solvents.

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The Development of Systemic Health Management Program in the Small Scale Industry using Organic Solvents: Application of Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery(NCTB): Soo Hun Cho, Sang Hwan Han, Mi Na Ha, Dork Ro Yun, Ho Jang Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1995;7(2):258-268. Published online October 31, 1995; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1995.7.2.258

Abstract PDF: It is known that there appear some nonspecific and delicate changes in neuropsychiatric aspect on the workers when they are exposed for a long period to low concentrated organic solvents in the work places. Therefore, it give rise to the necessity of developing a program for the health supervisor stationed in the work place to supervise these neurobehavioral health affection. In addition to the questionnaire posed to the workers exposed to organic solvents, the study team conducted NCTB(Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery) respectively on an exposed group and a non-exposed group to organic solvents. The study team compared the results and decided whether or not to apply the results to the evaluation program of health affection. The study team divided 132 workers in 6 car repairing factories and 2 textile printing factories into exposed group and non-exposed group, pairing them off into 66 research objects according to their age, sex, and job. Neurobehavioral test was conducted on 6 items, except the POMS test, of NCTB developed by the World Health 0rganization (WHO) . The study team conducted examinations of working environment on the exposed and non-exposed groups of each work place. The analysis of the collected materials for examinations were conducted with GC-MS. The concentration of the mix-ture in the air, relative to their respective threshold limit values (TLV) was calculated according to the formula of the ACGIH and the Korean threshold limits. The results indicated that for two of eight factories samples the recommended concentration limits for mixtures was exceeded. Of the six tests, the'digit span forward','digit span backward'and'digit symbol' produced conspicuous statistical differences between the two groups (p<0.1) as a result of compairing the test values by means of paired t-test. The results of respective analysis of the car repairing factories and textile printing factories revealed that the textile printing factories had greater differences between the exposed and the non-exposed than in the car repairing factories. It is presumably because the textile printing workers are continuously exposed to the organic solvents during working hours, whereas the car repairing workers are exposed only when they are doing painting works. The NCTB is assessed very useful in examining the neurobehavioral health affection under the exposure to organic solvents, and, therefore, the study team expects that the NCTB will play an important part in the course of developing a health program for the workers exposed to organic solvents.

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Validity and Reliability of Data Derived from Questionnaire on Neurobehavioral Symptoms: Ho Jang Kwon, Soo Hun Cho, Hyun Sul Lim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1995;7(1):21-27. Published online February 28, 1995; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1995.7.1.21

Abstract PDF

There are many studies on the neurobehavioral symptoms due to organic solvent exposure using questionnaire. However there is little published evidence on validity and reliability of the questionnaire on the neurobehavioral symptoms. In present study, the authors tested the validity and reliability of our questionnaire, which was designed for screening neurobehavioral disturbance in organic solvent exposer. Questionnaire was administered to the workers of one paint manufacturing plant and one coil manufacturing plant. In order to evaluate validity of the questionnaire, the average questionnaire scores of two plants were compared. The average score of paint manufacturing plant were higher than that of coil manufacturing plant and the difference was statistically significant. After adjustment of age, duration of employment, education, smoking history and alcohol consumption, significance was maintained. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by kappa statistics. More than 50% of question items showed values of kappa above 0.4, Cronbach coefficient alpha whoch reflects internal consistency of the questionnaire was 0.86. Overall the data showed that validity and reliability of the questionnaire were generally acceptable.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Occupational Neurological Disorders in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S26. CrossRef

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Assessment of Environmental Monitoring Items for Mixed Organic Solvents in Work Place: Soo Hun Cho, Ho Jang Kwon, Mi Na Ha, Sang Hwan Han, Yong Hyeon Yim, Sung Tae Oh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):259-269. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.259

Abstract PDF: Ambient air monitoring(environmental monitoring) and biological monitoring of mixed organic solvents exposure have been used in exposure assessment of these compounds in the work environment. Environmental monitoring is more useful when assessing low level exposure to these compounds. The specific objectives of this study were to measure air organic solvent levels in the work environment, to test the agreement of items measured in this study with items which have been reported to the administrative agency, and finally to evaluate the appropriateness of environmental monitoring items. The study subjects were 13 small companies in which less than 300 employees were working and presumably exposed to mixed organic solvents(e.g. automotive repair and painting, 6; textile dyeing, 2; printing, 2; electronics, etc, 3). Personal air samplings were performed by the flow-lite sampling pump(MSA) and the 600mg charcoal tube with air velocity of 100ml/min for qualitative analysis and 2l/min for quantitative analysis. Samples were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry(Hewlett-Packard 5890/5970). High levels of toluene, n-hexane, and MIBK were detected in most study companies and low levels of ethylbenzene, xylene, n-butylacetate were also detected. When these measured items were compared with those of reported items, only 6 of 13 companies showed relatively good agreement between them. Two companies failed to report items exceeding the limit value. In conclusion, qualitative analysis of ambient air organic solvents seemed to be as important as quantitative analysis of these compounds and a periodic evaluation of monitoring items reported to the administrative agency should be required.

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A Computer-Administered Neurobehavioral Evaluation of Workers Exposed to Organic Solvents: Jong Hak Chung, Chang Yoon Kim, Joon Sakong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):219-241. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.219

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A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the effects of chronic exposure to solvent on neurobehavioral performance of solvent exposed 89 workers engaged in a video tape manufacturing fatory. A control group of 43 workers was selected fro different sections of the factory. The mean age and the mean duration of employment were 29 years and 5.4 years. Each workers completed a medical and occupational questionnaire. Adverse effects on the central nervous system were assessed by self reported Scandinavian questionnaire 16, New Anxiety-Depression Scale and seven test of Swedish Performance Evaluation System. These included simple reaction time, choice reaction time, digit classification, finger tapping speed, additions, symbol digit and digit span. Several potential confounding factors were included as indepedent variables in all analysis of neurobehavioral tests and symptoms. These included age, sex, educational level, familiarity with computer, alcohol drinking and amount of smoking. No significant associations were found between solvent exposure and total symptom score and mood score, Although the mean duration of employment was 5.4 years, comparison of mean performance scores adjusted for confounding factors showed a significantly poorer performance on choice reaction time(p<0.05), digit classification (p<0.01), additions (p<0.01) and symbol digit(p<0.01) in exposed group. Factor matrix of neurobehavioral tests produced by varimax rotation showed three distinct factors, which correspond to assessments of "memory", "coordination" and "response speed". These factors accounted for 62.6% of the total variance of the sample. Familiarity with computer was found to be associated with performance of symbol digit and amount of smoking appeared to slow finger tapping speed. Male and college graduate workers have less errors than others. There were no significant correlation between neurotoxic symptom score and performance of neurobehavioral tests.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Association of heavy metal complex exposure and neurobehavioral function of children
Minkeun Kim, Chulyong Park, Joon Sakong, Shinhee Ye, So young Son, Kiook Baek
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Effects of computer familiarity and computer type on the performance of Korean computerized neurobehavioral test
Nak Joon Baek, Gun Il Park, Young Seok Byun, Man Joong Jeon, Joon Sakong
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2016;[Epub] CrossRef
Test/re-test Reliability of the CANTAB Batteries to Evaluate the Neuropsychological Function for Korean Adult
Eui-Young kim, 조은형
The Korean Journal of Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education and Sports Science.2012; 14(1): 11. CrossRef
Occupational Neurological Disorders in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S26. CrossRef
Neurobehavioral Changes of Shipyard Painters Exposed to Mixed Organic Solvents
Choong Ryeol LEE, Kyoung Sook JEONG, Yangho KIM, Cheol In YOO, Ji Ho LEE, Young Hee CHOI
INDUSTRIAL HEALTH.2005; 43(2): 320. CrossRef

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A Study on the Urinary Metabolites and Sister Chromatid Exchanges of Peripheral Lymphocytes in Workers Exposed to the Organic Solvents: Don Kyoun Kim, In Kyung Hwang, Cheol In Ryu, Su Il Lee, Kap Yul Jung, Yong Hwan Lee, Choong Ryeol Lee, Won Il Hyun, Suk Bong Kim, Yong Duk Jeon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1990;2(1):75-83. Published online February 28, 1990; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1990.2.1.75

Abstract PDF: In order to know the possibility of utilizing the sister chromatid exchanges as an index which could evaliiate the effect of organic solvents on Lhe health in industrial workers, the authors Studied the effects of the inductivity of sister chromatid exchanges in peripheral lymphocyces from 90 female workers espoxed to organic solvents .and 20 lion-exposed female workers. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges in peripheral iympnocytes from 90 female workers exposed to organic solvents was significantly increased in comparison with 20 coatiol subiect. 2. The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges was significantly Increased in the workers who were employed in the manufacture of plastic materials than the other manufactures. 3. There were no significant differences in the frequency of sister chrornatid exchanges by carriera of the exposed workers. 4. The correlation between the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges and urinary hippuric acid was significant with the coefficient of 0.5902 showing Y=1.867X+15.188 in which Y indicate the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges per cell and X indicate the urinary hippuric acid concentration by g/l.

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