Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Research Article

Respiratory symptoms and illnesses related to the concentration of airborne particulate matter among brick kiln workers in Kathmandu valley, Nepal: Seshananda Sanjel, Sanjay N. Khanal, Steven M. Thygerson, William S. Carter, James D. Johnston, Sunil K. Joshi; Ann Occup Environ Med 2017;29:9. Published online March 27, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-017-0165-0

Background

Bricks have been manufactured in Nepal for hundreds of years and are seen as a component of Nepalese sculpture and architecture. Large quantities of hazardous materials including high concentrations of particulate matter are emitted on a daily basis from brick kilns. Exposure to these hazardous materials can lead to adverse consequences on the environment and human health. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms/illnesses and the magnitude of respirable and total dust exposures among Nepalese brick kiln workers.

Methods

Respiratory symptoms/illnesses were evaluated by questionnaire among brickfield workers (n = 400) and a referent group of grocery workers (n = 400) in Kathmandu valley. Work zones (WZs): green brick molding (GBM), green brick stacking/carrying (GBS/C), red brick loading/carrying (RBL/C), coal preparation (CP) and firemen (FM) were the similar exposure groups (SEGs) from where personal air samples and interviews were taken. Among brickfield workers, personal monitoring was conducted across SEGs for total (n = 89) and respirable (n = 72) dust during February–March 2015 and March–April 2016. Applying multi-stage probability proportionate to size sampling technique, 16 kilns and 400 brick workers for interview were selected. Proportions, means, medians and ranges were calculated for the demographics, samples and respiratory symptoms/illnesses. One-way ANOVA was applied to compare the significance differences of the level of particulate matter among SEGs. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate association between respiratory symptoms/illnesses and participants groups, and SEGs among brick kiln workers at 0.05 level. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21.

Results

Chronic cough (14.3%), phlegm (16.6%) and bronchitis (19.0%) were higher (P < 0.05) among brickfield compared with grocery workers (6.8, 5.8 and 10.8%). Mean respirable (5.888 mg/m³) and total (20.657 mg/m³) dust exposures were highest for red brick loading tasks. The prevalence of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, chronic bronchitis, wheezing and asthma were significantly higher for other WZs workers (p < 0.05) compared with CP; for GBM: 22.9, 34.6, 15.0 and 7.5%; for GBS/C: 13.5, 15.8, 10.0, 8.8 and 7.5%; for RBL/C: 11.1, 17.1, 27.4, 19.0 and 11.9%; for FM: 18.4, 12.5, 28.4, 4.9 and 0.0%; and for CP: 4.9, 6.3, 13.3, 9.3 and 4.0% respectively.

Conclusion

High dust exposures identified in this study may explain the increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms/illnesses among Nepalese brickfield workers, warranting action to reduce exposures.

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Differential Inflammatory Cytokine Elaboration in Serum from Brick Kiln Workers in Bhaktapur, Nepal
Katrina L. Curtis, Ashley Chang, James D. Johnston, John D. Beard, Scott C. Collingwood, James D. LeCheminant, Neil E. Peterson, Andrew J. South, Clifton B. Farnsworth, Seshananda Sanjel, Benjamin T. Bikman, Juan A. Arroyo, Paul R. Reynolds
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Brick kiln pollution and its impact on health: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Laura Nicolaou, Fiona Sylvies, Isabel Veloso, Katherine Lord, Ram K. Chandyo, Arun K. Sharma, Laxman P. Shrestha, David L. Parker, Steven M. Thygerson, Peter F. DeCarlo, Gurumurthy Ramachandran, William Checkley
Environmental Research.2024; 257: 119220. CrossRef
Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding respirable silica exposure and personal protective equipment use among brick kiln workers in Nepal
Chelsea Gaviola, Laura Nicolaou, Arun K Sharma, Ram Chandyo, David Parker, Laxman Shrestha, Santa K Das, Gurumurthy Ramachandran, Steven M Thygerson, Laura Beres, William Checkley
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Exposure to respirable silica among clay brick workers in Kathmandu valley, Nepal
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Original Article

The Assessment of Pulmonary Function in Dental Technicians: Kyoung Han Kim, Jong In Lee, Min Choi, Jun Pyo Myong, Yong Sang Park, Tae Won Jang, Jung Wan Koo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(4):356-364. Published online December 31, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.4.356

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Dental technicians are exposed to various toxic materials in the workplace. The objectives of this study were to assess the pulmonary function of dental technicians and to evaluate the association between work-related factors and pulmonary function of dental technicians.
METHODS
Study subjects were 209 dental technicians in the Korean Dental Technologist Association. A self-report questionnaire including general characteristics, respiratory symptoms, and work-related characteristics was conducted on study subjects, and a pulmonary function test (PFT) was done. Study subjects were classified into two groups(normal and abnormal pulmonary function) based on the pulmonary function test (PFT).
RESULTS
43 subjects (20.6%) among 209 subjects had abnormal pulmonary function. After adjusting for general characteristics such as age, sex, past medical history, familial history, and smoking status, the odds ratio for work duration (per year) was 1.42(95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14~1.83). After adjusting for general and work-related characteristics, the odds ratio for work duration (per year) was 1.48(95% CI 1.18~1.92).
CONCLUSIONS
Dental technicians are exposed to hazardous materials, which might lead to abnormal pulmonary function. A long work duration could increase exposure time, thereby increasing the chance for abnormal pulmonary function. Therefore, pulmonary function tests should be carried out periodically in dental technicians to ensure their pulmonary health.

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Original Article

The Effects of Particulate Matter on Respiratory Function of Schoolchildren in Jeju: A Panel Study: Jae Yong Moon, Su Young Kim, Kwang Sik Park, Ho Kim, Chung Won Kang, Hyun Seung Park, Soo Hun Cho, Yun Chul Hong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(3):218-224. Published online September 30, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.3.218

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes in respiratory function associated with daily changes in particulate pollution.
METHODS
A total of 105 healthy schoolchildren of fourth and fifth grade elementary school age performed peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) during 2 periods (May 14~June 15, Oct 22~Nov 23). We monitored concomitant ambient particulate matter (PM) levels during the periods.
RESULTS
An elevation PM(10) level of 1 microgram/m) led to decreases in PEFR of 0.20 L/min. A 1 microgram/m3 elevation of PM(2.5) led to a decrease of 0.36 L/min in PEFR. In addition, 1 day lag was associated with PM(10) levels and PEFR changes, and PM(2.5) showed the same result. The metal levels determined at PM(10) and PM(2.5) were found to be associated with decreased respiratory function.
CONCLUSIONS
An association between respiratory function and particulate pollution was observed when particulate pollutant levels were lower than the yearly average National Ambient Air Quality Standard in the Korea(50 microgram/m3).

Citations

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Diesel Exhaust Particle Exposure and its Pulmonary Function Effects
Yong-Jin Lee, Da-Hye Kim, Soo-Hwan Kim, Jeong-Soo Kim, Dong-Chun Shin, Young-Wook Lim
Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment.2016; 32(5): 457. CrossRef

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Original Article

Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Symptoms of Municipal Fire Officers in Busan.: Sung Hoon Kim, Jung Won Kim, Jong Eun Kim, Byung Chul Son, Jeong Ho Kim, Chang Hee Lee, Sang Hwan Jang, Chae Kwan Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):103-111. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.103

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between respiratory disorders and fire exposure by investigating and analyzing the lung function and respiratory symptoms of firefighters.
METHODS
The health effects of firefighting on respiratory function were investigated in 699 male fire officers in 4 fire departments in Busan by recording respiratory symptoms and measuring lung function. The data were analysed according to fire exposure and smoking habits.
RESULTS
Mean spirometric data showed significantly decreased levels in the fire-exposed group (FVC, -0.20 L; FVC%, -4.2%; FEV(1) -0.21 L; FEV(1)%, -5.1%; FEF25%, -0.13 L/SEE p<0.05). After stratification by smoking habits, FVC and FEV(1) showed a significant difference between groups. The prevalence of spirometric abnormality was greater for the fire-exposed group than for the non-exposed group. Significantly higher prevalences of nasal stiffness (16.7% vs. 10.9%), sore throat (17.7% vs.14.2%) and chest tightness (6.5% vs. 2.5%) were recorded in firefighters compared to controls (p<0.05). However, after stratification by smoking habits, the 3 symptoms were showed only marginal differences in the smoking group.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that fire-exposed firefighters generally suffer a decline of lung function and a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. These results suggest that the exposure to routine firefighting activity is associated with adverse health effects to the respiratory system.

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Original Article

Effects of Respirator Use Evaluated by Urinary Hippuric Acid Concentration in Toluene-Exposed Workers: Bum Seok Kim, Chung Yill Park, Hyeon Woo Yim, Hyoung Ah Kim, Sang Yong Oh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):461-469. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.461

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was carried out in order to raise workers'recognition of the effects of respirator use by providing concrete and practical data.
METHODS
Twenty-six workers who dealt with toluene based ink and diluents at a gravure printing office in Seoul were investigated. The toluene exposure level and urinary hippuric acid level were monitored under respirator non-wearing(RNW) and under respiratory wearing(RW) conditions.
RESULTS
The mean concentrations of toluene exposed to each worker through the air of gravure printing office were 147.52+/-57.34 and 134.55+/-52.44 ppm on respirator non-wearing day and respirator wearing day, respectively. There was no significant difference in toluene exposure concentration for the two days. The mean concentration of urinary hippuric acid in RNW and RW groups were 1.51 (0.53) g/L and 0.49 (0.14) g/L, respectively, as measured at the end of the workday. There was a significant difference seen in urinary hippuric acid concentration between the two days. The urinary hippuric acid concentration began to increase at 4 hours after the start of the workday(13:00) in RNW. However, there was no significant increase until the end of the workday in the case of RW. The urinary hippuric acid concentration in RW reduced 89.3% as compared with the concentration seen in RNW. There was a significant correlation between the toluene concentration and the urinary hippuric acid concentration in RNW. The regression equation was Y (urinary hippuric acid concentration, g/L) = 0.007 X x(toluene concentration in the air, ppm) + 0.665.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that the respirator intercepted most toluene that may have been absorbed into the respiratory organs, and suggested that properly wearing a respiratory such as wearing the respirator during the entire workday and performing a proper fit test played an important role in the protection from toluene exposure

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Effects of Factors Associated with Urine Hippuric Acid Correction Values in Urinary Creatinine by HPLC and Jaffe Method and Specific Gravity HPLC Jaffe Method
Key-Young Kim, Jong-Gyu Kim, Ki-Nam Yoon, Wha-Me Park, Hun-Hee Park
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(4): 493. CrossRef

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Original Article

Time Series Analysis between the Concentration of Air Pollutants and the Number of Respiratory Disease Outpatients in Seoul: Byeong Chul Choi, Jung Wan Koo, Sung Kyun Park, Hyun Woo Yim, Kang Sook Lee, Won Chul Lee, Chung Yill Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2000;12(1):70-80. Published online March 31, 2000; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2000.12.1.70

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to investigate whether air pollution levels in Seoul have short term effects on respiratory disease outpatients.
METHODS
We analyzed five air pollutants (CO, NOy, Oy, SOp, PMyp) and daily counts of outpatient for respiratory disease divided by age group ((15yrs, 15-64yrs, 65+yrs) during the period of July 1997-June 1998 using Generalized Additive Model(GAM).
RESULTS
After controlling for seasonal trends, day of the week, week of the month, temperature and humidity, CO (RR=1. 041 ~ l. 051, 0-day lag) and NOy (RR=1. 024~1. 050, 3-day lag) were significantly associated with daily counts for respiratory disease in all age groups. 0, and SO, were associated, with a 3-day lag in the age group under 15 years (O RR=1. 047, 95% CI=1. 045- 1. 049 i SOp RR=1. 018, 95% CI=1. 017- l. 020) and with a 0-day lag in the age group 15 to 64 years (0, RR=1. 035, 95% CI=1. 032-1. 037; SO, RR=1. 037, 95% CI=1. 035-1. 039), in the age group over 65 years (O RR=1. 042, 95% CI=1. 033-1. 051; SO RR=1.029, 95% CI=1.022-1.036). PM was weakly associated, with a 1-day lag in the age group under 15 years (RR=1.011, 95% CI=1.010-1.013) and with a 0-day lag in the age group 15 to 64 years (RR=1. 021, 95% CI=1. 019-1. 023), in the age group over 65 years (RR=1. 025, 95% CI=1. 018-1. 032). In the two pollutant model, the magnitudes of the relative risk for CO, NOy and Oq were maintained, but SOy was not associated with daily counts for respiratory disease in the age group under 15 years after controlling for NO,. PMyp was not associated in all age groups after controlling for CO, so the association with PMyp in the single pollutant model might be confounded by CO. In this study, the impact Of PMyp on the respiratory disease was not large as compared with other pollutants.
CONCLUSIONS
Air pollution in Seoul may increase the incidence of the respiratory disease, so more positive attention for the control of air pollution should be paid.

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Environmental Research.2021; 195: 110768. CrossRef

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Original Article

Short-term Effects of Air Pollution on Hospital Visits for Respiratory Diseases in Seoul: Jong Han Leem, Jong Tae Lee, Dong Gi Kim, Dong Chun Shin, Jae Hoon Roh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(3):333-342. Published online August 31, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.3.333

Abstract PDF

Several studies have reported the associations between airborne particles and/or ozone and respiratory diseases. This study examined whether such an association could be seen in Seoul, one of the greatest city in Korea. We compiled daily records of hospital visits in Seoul from November 1, 1995 to October 31, 1996. The daily averages of ozone and particle matter whose diameter is 10 micrometer or less(PM10) from all monitoring stations were computed. Daily respiratory hospital visits were regressed on temperature, humidity, day of weak indicators, seasonal variation indicators, and air pollution. Each pollutant was first examined individually and then two pollutant models were fitted.
RESULTS
: Both PM10 and Ozone were associated with increased risk of respiratory hospital visits. The relative risk of respiratory hospital visits for 50 microgram/m3 increase in PM10(lagged 2 days) was 1.11(95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.18). The PM10 associations was insensitive to alternative methods of control for weather, including exclusion of extreme temperature days and control for temperature on another day. The ozone results were more sensitive to the approach for weather control. The relative risk of respiratory hospital visits for 0.01 ppm increase in O3 was 1.08(95% confidence interval 1.00-1.17). The magnitude of the PM10 effect in Seoul, where SO2 was essential present, was similar to that reported in the Europe and United states. In conclusion, The consistency of investigations of the health effects of air pollution suggest that attention should be paid to the control of air pollution.

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Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases.2006; 60(6): 663. CrossRef
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Original Article

Respiratory Symptoms, Cognitions about Working Environments and Pulmonary Functions in Coal Mine Workers: Dong Hyun Yoon, Hae Sung Nain, Jun Ho Shin, Myung Ho Son, Myung Ha]f Lee, Seok Joon Sohn, Byong Woo Kirn; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):302-315. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.302

Abstract PDF: To assess the adverse effects of dust on pulmonary function and to determine the association between subjective respiratory symptoms, cognitions about working environments and pulmonary functions, the study was conducted on 719 coal mine workers (395 workers on direct part, 324 workers on indirect part) being employed in a coal mine industry located in Hwa-Soon area. Questionnaires on respiratory symptoms and cognitions about working environments were filled out by themselves, and pulmonary function test was given by trained doctors. The results obtained were as follows ; 1. Significantly increased subjective respiratory symptoms prevalence were found in the workers on direct part comparing to workers on indirect part, and symptoms prevalence rate was higher in sputum, coughing, respiratory difficulty, palpitation and chest pain in order. 2. Significantly increased cognitions degree about working environments were found in workers on direct part comparing to workers on indirect part, and the degree was higher in dust concentration, temperature, working density and humidity in order. 3. FVC, FEV(0.5), FEF(200-1200ml) and FEF(25-75%) were lower for workers on direct part than that for workers on indirect part. 4. In workers on direct and indirect part, lung functions except FEF(200-l200ml) for the high subjective symptom group was smaller than that for the low group. There was not significane statistically, but the significane was found in FVC and FEVt in total coal workers. 5. In workers on direct part, FEVt and FEF(25-75%) for high cognition group about working environmental conditions was smaller than that for the low group but other lung functions were reversed. But in workers on indirect part, similar results was found and the significance was found in FEV(0.5) FEF(25-75%) and FEF(200-1200ml) in total coal workers. 6. Lung functions had negative correlation between sputum and FEF(200-1200ml).

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Original Article

Respiratory Symptoms and Ventilatory Function Impairment of Taxi Drivers: Jong Han Leem, Jaehoon Rho, Kyung Jong Lee, Myung Jo Yuhn, Young Hahn Moon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(1):134-142. Published online February 28, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.1.134

Abstract PDF: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and impairments of ventilatory capacity were studied in a group of 74 taxi drivers in Inchon area. As a reference group, 94 office workers of same area, matched with cigarette smoking, were also included in this study. Taxi drivers complained of respiratory symptoms much more than reference group. Those were cough, sputum production, chest tightness and shortness of breath. The ventilatory capacities, FVC (forced vital capacity), FEV(1.0) (forced expiratory volume 1 second), MMF (maximal mid flow) and PFR (peak flow rate), were measured. All measured values of ventilatory capacities of taxi driver were significantly decreased than those of reference group. The rate (56.8%) of ventilatory capacity impairment in taxi drivers was significantly larger than those (14.9%) of reference group, and the most of them were restrictive type impairments. Also, Job variable, prefessional driver or not, was selected as important determinant for ventilatory capacity impairment.

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Original Article

The Effect of Maintenance Free Respirator on the Prevention of Lead Absorption in Lead Using Workers of Korea: Kyu Dong Ahn, Byung Kook Lee, Taik Sung Nam; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1989;1(2):180-185. Published online November 30, 1989; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1989.1.2.180

Abstract PDF

One year field study of 400 lead workers on the effect of maintenance free respirator(MFR) to alleviate the lead burden revealed that MFR protection program with biological monitoring with simple measurement of zinc protoporphyrin in whole blood could be applied as an interim method to prevent lead workers from lead burden even in fairly bad working condition until fundamental environmental control will be taken in korea.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Occupational Health Management in the Lead Industry: The Korean Experience
Byung-Kook Lee
Safety and Health at Work.2011; 2(2): 87. CrossRef

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