Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Research Article

The exposure level of environmental harmful substances related to the secondhand smoke in Korean non-smoker adults: data from the second Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS 2012–2014): a cross-sectional study: Sang Woo Kim, Sung Won Jung, Jae-Gwang Lee, Jae Han Joo, June-Hee Lee, Kyung-Jae Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2019;31:e30. Published online October 15, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2019.31.e30

Background

We aimed to find the exposure level of environmental harmful substances related to the secondhand smoke (SHS) using a nationally representative data of the general population in Korea.

Methods

Total 3,533 people were included in this study. We compared the proportion exceeding 95 percentile of the concentrations of harmful substances by sex according to SHS exposure. 16 kinds of substances related to tobacco smoke were analyzed including heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, and environmental phenol. For 16 kinds of substances, the odds ratios (ORs) for exceeding 95 percentile of each harmful substance were calculated by multiple logistic regression according to SHS exposure. Age, education level, marital status, body mass index, drinking, and exercise were adjusted as covariates. Cotinine level was additionally adjusted to increase reliability of our results.

Results

SHS was associated with high exposure of mercury, methylhippuric acid, fluorene, and cotinine. In women, SHS was associated with mercury, methylhippuric acid, fluorene, and cotinine, while in men, it was associated with cotinine. After adjusting covariates, ORs of blood mercury, methylhippuric acid and hydroxyfluorene in the exposed gruop were greater than that in the non-exposed group. Especially in female, methylhippuric acid and hydroxyfluorene showed consistent result.

Conclusions

Our finding demonstrates that SHS is related to several harmful substances. Therefore, to reduce the health effects of SHS, it is necessary to educate and publicize the risk of SHS. Future studies are necessary to more accurately analyze factors such as exposure frequency, time, and pathway of SHS.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Sleep duration mediates the association between heavy metals and the prevalence of depression: an integrated approach from the NHANES (2005–2020)
Qingsong Mao, Xiaoyi Zhu, Yuzhe Kong
Frontiers in Psychiatry.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Joint association of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure with depression in adults
Miaomiao Jiang, Hui Zhao
Environmental Research.2024; 242: 117807. CrossRef
Environmental tobacco smoke exposure is associated with increased levels of metals in children’s saliva
Lisa M. Gatzke-Kopp, Jenna L. Riis, Hedyeh Ahmadi, Hillary L. Piccerillo, Douglas A. Granger, Clancy B. Blair, Elizabeth A. Thomas
Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.2023; 33(6): 903. CrossRef
Passive smoking exposure and the risk of hypertension among non-smoking adults: the 2015–2016 NHANES data
Onoja Matthew Akpa, Akinkunmi Paul Okekunle, Jeffery Osahon Asowata, Babatunde Adedokun
Clinical Hypertension.2021;[Epub] CrossRef

128 View
2 Download
4 Web of Science
4 Crossref

Research Article

The association between long working hours and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms of Korean wage workers: data from the fourth Korean working conditions survey (a cross-sectional study): Jae-Gwang Lee, Guang Hwi Kim, Sung Won Jung, Sang Woo Kim, June-Hee Lee, Kyung-Jae Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:67. Published online December 3, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0278-0

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

It has been reported that long working hours are hazardous to the workers’ health. Especially, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have been considered as one of the significant health issues in workplace. The objective of this study was to identify the association between long working hours and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms.

Methods

The analysis was conducted using data from the Fourth Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS). Subjects of this study were 24,783 wage workers and divided into three groups according to the weekly working hours, which were ≤ 40, 41–52 and > 52 h. The relationship between long working hours and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression method after adjusting for general, occupational characteristics including specific working motions or postures and psychosocial factors.

Results

Approximately 18.4% of subjects worked more than 52 h per week and 26.4 and 16.4% of male subjects and 33.0 and 23.4% of female subjects experienced work-related upper and lower limb pains, respectively, over the last 12 months. Moreover, the prevalence of upper and lower limb pain was increased in both genders as the weekly working hours increased. The odds ratios (ORs) of upper limb pain for those working 41–52 h and more than 52 h per week when adjusted for general, occupational characteristics including specific motions or postures and psychosocial factors were 1.36 and 1.40 for male workers and 1.26 and 1.66 for female workers compared to the reference group, respectively. Furthermore, ORs of lower limb pain for the same weekly working hour groups were 1.26 and 1.47 for male workers and 1.20 and 1.47 for female workers, respectively.

Conclusions

Long working hours were significantly related to work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in Korean wage workers and appropriate interventions should be implemented to reduce long working hours that can negatively affect workers’ health.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Assessment of the musculoskeletal discomfort scale for upper limb among workers in inner Brazil
Lara Karine Dias Silva, Alline Thamyres Claudino da Silva, Camyla Ferreira Moreno, Eloyse Ricely Machado de Souza, Tamires Fernanda Barbosa Nunes, Larissa Ane Hora de Souza, Lizandra Garcia Lupi Vergara, Jonhatan Magno Norte da Silva, Karen Jacobs, Remko
Work.2024; 78(1): 83. CrossRef
Study of musculoskeletal disorders risk factors and discomfort in sculptors in the north of Mexico
Patricia Eugenia Sortillón-González, Aidé Aracely Maldonado-Macías, David Saénz-Zamarrón, Juan Luis Hernandez-Arellano, Enrique Javier De la Vega-Bustillos, Karen Jacobs, Remko Soer
Work.2024; 78(1): 55. CrossRef
‘Wait…, let me tell you, if I worked for a boss, I would be on sick leave': A Qualitative Study of Self-Employed Workers in Physically Demanding Jobs in the Netherlands
Bart Cillekens, Judith M. Mollet, Rixt A. Smit, P. Paul F. M. Kuijer, Pieter Coenen
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation.2024; 34(3): 644. CrossRef
Biomechanical risk factors and subacromial pain provocation in healthy manufacturing workers
Claudio Muñoz-Poblete, Jaqueline Inostroza, Juan Carranza-Leiva
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics.2024; : 1. CrossRef
Investigation of prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among tea harvesting farmers – A systematic review
Bahram Kouhnavard, Mojtaba Khosravi Danesh, Mansour Shamsipour, Adel Mazloumi
Work.2024; : 1. CrossRef
Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among Saudi radiologists: a cross-sectional multi-centre study
Magbool Alelyani, Moawia Gameraddin, Abdullah Mohammed A. Khushayl, Aljoharah M. Altowaijri, Maryam Ibrahim Qashqari, Fahad Ali Ahmed Alzahrani, Awadia Gareeballah
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Association between irregular working hours and work-related musculoskeletal pain: results from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey
Munyoung Yang, Jun-Pyo Myong, Jongin Lee, Min Young Park, Mo-Yeol Kang
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Longer working hours and musculoskeletal pain: a meta-analysis
Sohrab Amiri
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics.2023; 29(1): 1. CrossRef
Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China
Xiaowen Ding, Ziyi Guan, Nan Liu, Mingli Bi, Fang Ji, Huining Wang, Xueyan Zhang, Baolong Liu, Dongsheng Niu, Tian Lan, Tingting Xie, Jue Li, Tenglong Yan
Frontiers in Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
The association between adverse ergonomic factors and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among medical staff in China: a cross-sectional study
Fei Liu, Ning Jia, Chuansha Wu, Jingzhi Sun, Gang Li, Huadong Zhang, Dongxia Li, Rugang Wang, Jing Liu, Tianlai Li, Jixiang Liu, Ruijie Ling, Zhongxu Wang
Ergonomics.2023; : 1. CrossRef
Does an increase in working hours affect mortality risk? The relationship between working hours and mortality among the older population
Murat A. Mercan, Hande Barlin, Nazire Begen
Work.2022; 71(3): 625. CrossRef
Associations Between Workplace Violence, Mental Health, and Physical Health among Korean Workers: The Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey
Hae Ran Kim
Workplace Health & Safety.2022; 70(3): 161. CrossRef
The incidence of work-related musculoskeletal pain among administrators in a South African university
L.M. Moraba, T.J. Ellapen, Y. Paul
African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences (AJPHES).2022; 28(3): 218. CrossRef
The prevalence of MSDs and the associated risk factors in nurses of China
Liang Tang, Guozhen Wang, Wei Zhang, Jie Zhou
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics.2022; 87: 103239. CrossRef
Effects of multiple risk factors on upper limb musculoskeletal disorders among workers in inner Brazil
Iris Lima da Silva, Eloyse Ricely Machado de Souza, Lara Karine Dias Silva, Alline Thamyres Claudino da Silva, Jonhatan Magno Norte da Silva
Work.2022; 72(3): 885. CrossRef
A Study on the Factors Influencing Overall Fatigue and Musculoskeletal Pains in Automobile Manufacturing Production Workers
Jun Won Kim, Byung Yong Jeong, Myoung Hwan Park
Applied Sciences.2022; 12(7): 3528. CrossRef
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders among Thai Burley Tobacco Farmers
Amarin Kongtawelert, Bryan Buchholz, Dusit Sujitrarath, Wisanti Laohaudomchok, Pornpimol Kongtip, Susan Woskie
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(11): 6779. CrossRef
Effectiveness and response differences of a multidisciplinary workplace health promotion program for healthcare workers
Kai-Hung Cheng, Ning-Kuang Wu, Chao-Tung Chen, Chih-Yu Hsu, Yen-An Lin, John Jiin-Chyuan Luo, Li-Ang Lee, Hai-Hua Chuang
Frontiers in Medicine.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Prevalence and associated factors of lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders among manufacturing workers: a cross-sectional study in China
Xu Jin, Yidan Dong, Fujiang Wang, Ping Jiang, Zhongbin Zhang, Lihua He, Mikael Forsman, Liyun Yang
BMJ Open.2022; 12(2): e054969. CrossRef
Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders among Regular and Special Education Teachers: A Narrative Review
Ahmad Asyraf Abdul Rahim, Mohammad Saffree Jeffree, Dayang Maryama Ag Daud, Nicholas Pang, Mohd Fazeli Sazali
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(18): 11704. CrossRef
Investigating the relationship between working time characteristics on musculoskeletal symptoms: a cross sectional study
Jennifer L Garza, Jacqueline M Ferguson, Alicia G Dugan, Ragan E Decker, Rick A Laguerre, Adekemi O Suleiman, Jennifer M Cavallari
Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health.2022; 77(2): 141. CrossRef
Long working hours and risk of 50 health conditions and mortality outcomes: a multicohort study in four European countries
Jenni Ervasti, Jaana Pentti, Solja T. Nyberg, Martin J. Shipley, Constanze Leineweber, Jeppe K. Sørensen, Lars Alfredsson, Jakob B. Bjorner, Marianne Borritz, Hermann Burr, Anders Knutsson, Ida E.H. Madsen, Linda L. Magnusson Hanson, Tuula Oksanen, Jan H.
The Lancet Regional Health - Europe.2021; 11: 100212. CrossRef
Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Female Readymade Garment Workers in Bangladesh: A Comparative Study Between OSH Compliant and Non-Compliant Factories
Mohammad Hayatun Nabi, Pornpimol Kongtip, Susan Woskie, Noppanun Nankongnab, Dusit Sujirarat, Suttinun Chantanakul
Risk Management and Healthcare Policy.2021; Volume 14: 1119. CrossRef
Influence of risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders on an inner population of northeastern Brazil
Deividson Sá Fernandes de Souza, Jonhatan Magno Norte da Silva, João Vítor de Oliveira Santos, Maria Sonaira Braz Alcântara, Manoel Gerônio Lino Torres
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics.2021; 86: 103198. CrossRef
The Relationship of Grip and Pinch Strength to Musculoskeletal Disorders in Female Carpet Weavers in Southeastern Iran, 2019
Naser Hashemi Nejad, Mostafa Mohammadian, Ali Akbar Haghdoost, Esmail Charkhloo
Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2021; 25(3): 138. CrossRef
The relationship between chronotypes and musculoskeletal problems in male automobile manufacturing workers
Suwhan Kim, Won-Ju Park, Seunghyeon Cho, Dae-Young Lim, Yeongjae Yoo, Hyeonjun Kim, Wonyang Kang, Kyung Wook Kang, Jai-Dong Moon
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
The Association Between Long Working Hours and Infertility
Joonho Ahn, Sang Ha Lee, Min Young Park, Soo Hyun Oh, Wanhyung Lee
Safety and Health at Work.2021; 12(4): 517. CrossRef
Interaction between occupational physical burdens and low job control on musculoskeletal pain: Analysis of the 5th Korean Working Environment Survey
Jongin Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Dong-Wook Lee, Mo-Yeol Kang
Journal of Occupational Health.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
PEMILIHAN ANALGESIK EKSTERNAL UNTUK MENGATASI NYERI OTOT PADA KULI ANGKUT PUSAT GROSIR SURABAYA
Nida Septioning Sukma, Devy Maulidya Cahyani, Yuniar Tri Saskia Revi, Evelyn Clarissa Febiany, Fatihatul Alifiyah, Berlian Sarasitha Hariawan, Iffah Khosyyatillah, Ni’matul Khoiriyyah, Savira Putri Ayuningtyas, Firda Rosyidah, Mufarrihah Mufarrihah
Jurnal Farmasi Komunitas.2020; 7(1): 23. CrossRef
Factors Related to Physical and Mental Health in Workers With Different Categories of Employment
Jungsun Park, Yangho Kim
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.2020; 62(7): 511. CrossRef
Prevalence and predictors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers of a gold mine in south Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo
Alfred Okello, Solomon Tsebeni Wafula, Deogratias K. Sekimpi, Richard K. Mugambe
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Association of Exposure to a Combination of Ergonomic Risk Factors with Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Korean Workers
Jungsun Park, Yangho Kim
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2020; 17(24): 9456. CrossRef
Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers and staff of works department in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Chinenye Doris Oluka, Esther Obidike, Antoninus Obinna Ezeukwu, Ogochukwu Kelechi Onyeso, Echezona Nelson Dominic Ekechukwu
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Factors related to the risk of illness of nursing staff at work in a psychiatric institution
Kayo Henrique Jardel Feitosa Sousa, Regina Célia Gollner Zeitoune, Luciana Fernandes Portela, Gisele Massante Peixoto Tracera, Katerine Gonçalves Moraes, Rachel Ferreira Savary Figueiró
Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Leisure time management in the workplace: Providing a model
Farkhondeh Forouzan, Hadi Teimouri, Ali Safari
Human Systems Management.2020; 39(3): 399. CrossRef
The association between long working hours and marital status change: middle-aged and educated Korean in 2014–2015
Hyunil Kim, Byung-Seong Suh, Won-Cheol Lee, Han-Seur Jeong, Kyung-Hun Son, Min-Woo Nam, Hyeong-Cheol Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Prevalence, patterns, and coping strategies of musculoskeletal disorders among caterers in the selected local government areas of Lagos State in Nigeria, 2017
Ashiyat Akodu, Ibitayo Famose
Journal of Occupational Health and Epidemiology.2019; 8(1): 29. CrossRef
The Effects of Workplace Rest Breaks on Health Problems Related to Long Working Hours and Shift Work among Male Apartment Janitors in Korea
Sungjin Park, June-Hee Lee, Wanhyung Lee
Safety and Health at Work.2019; 10(4): 512. CrossRef

248 View
3 Download
40 Web of Science
38 Crossref

Original Article

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

Abstract PDF

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

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

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

83 View
1 Download
6 Crossref

Case Report

Three Cases of Skin Pigmentation Caused by 2,5-Hexanedione: Seong Ah Kim, Sang Jae Jung, Chae Yong Lee, Sang Man Lee, Sang Woo Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):199-203. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.199

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To report on the skin discoloration experienced by three workers handling 2 , 5 -hexanedione METHODS: Three workers, who showed orange-brown discoloration of the palms during observation under the Kumi occupational disease surveillance system, had their history evaluated and underwent physical examination. A workplace survey was performed by an occupational physician and an industrial hygienist.
RESULTS
The three workers were determined to have been experiencing skin discoloration since the introduction of a new cleaning solvent. The new solvent contained 2,5-hexanedione, which is reported in the literature to be possibly capable of causing orangebrown discoloration of the skin. After discontinuation of solvent use, the workers recovered within a week.
CONCLUSIONS
These cases demonstrate that 2,5-hexanedione can produce skin pigmentation.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Occupational Diseases in Korea
Seong-Kyu Kang, Eun A Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S4. CrossRef

46 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

Original Article

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome and Neural Conduction Impairment in Swagging Workers Exposed to Hand-Arm Vibration: Seong Ah Kim, Sang Woo Kim, Sang Jae Jung, Chae Yong Lee, Kyu Sang Kim, Bo Woo Jung, Sang Kyu Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):169-182. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.169

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To investigate the hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) among symptomatic swagging workers exposed to hand-arm vibration, using medical evaluation and measurement of workplace vibration. Furthermore, to evaluate the neurophysiological METHODS: Four workers showing symptoms relevant to HAVS were evaluated. Medical evaluation consisted of medical interview, questionnaire, nail-bed compression test, and sensory perception tests for vibration and pain. Some other diseases were excluded by a medical interview, hematological assessment, and urinalysis. Cold provocation test was used to assess the peripheral vascular changes, and a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test was implemented to ascertain the peripheral neural changes. Pegboard, hole plate, and tapping board tests were performed to assess motor nerve function. The hand-arm vibration acceleration levels of the swagging machines were measured. Six months later, follow-up NCV tests were performed.
RESULTS
The actual exposure time to vibration was not longer than 15 minutes per day. The hand-arm vibration acceleration levels of the swagging machines, according to actual exposure time, were from 3.63 to 12.98 m/sec2, by ISO 5349. The vibratory perception thresholds and the recovery time of a nail color following finger cooling were significantly increased in all four workers. The perception of pain was mildly increased. The nerve conduction studies at first diagnosis and follow-up showed multifocal neural impairment caused by vibration. However, we could not rule out the concomitant presence of the carpal tunnel syndrome in one worker.
CONCLUSIONS
These results show that HAVS can be caused by hand-arm vibration in swagging workers. Interestingly, the NCV results suggested that vibration-induced neural conduction impairments could vary, and need to be interpreted cautiously.

53 View
0 Download

Original Article

Change of Visual Function and Lacrimation Among Male Near-Work Inspectors in a TV Manufacturing Plant: Seong Ah Kim, Byung Yeol Chun, Sang Woo Kim, Sang Jae Jung, Gwang Ja Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):436-448. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.436

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this field-based longitudinal study was to investigate the effects of near-work on lacrimation and visual function, particularly refractive power.
METHODS
Our study tracked sixty five male workers for about three years by means of ophthalmologic examinations and questionnaires, to collect data including eye symptoms and subjective work environmental factors. Ophthalmic examinations included visual acuity, Shirmer I test, and autorefractometry. In the first year, the inclusion criteria were ages less than 40 years, no history of ophthalmic diseases, emmetropia(-1.0 RESULTS
Over a period of 32 months, spherical equivalents were decreased as much as 0.18D(diopter) for LE(left eye) and 0.18D for RE(right eye). Lacrimation by Shirmer's I test during 20 months were decreased as much as 6.57 mm/5min for LE, and 6.40 mm/5min for RE. Although more myopic-changed workers demonstrated young age(<30 years) and short work duration(<2 years), there was no significance to this correlation. Additionaly, subjective work environmental factors such as poor illumination, noise, uncomfortable air and daily use of VDT and/or TV were shown to have no significant effect. However, as for eye discomfort, which was reconstructed from several dry eye symptoms, the daily use of VDT and/or TV was a significant variable. According to a logistic regression analysis concerning the effects of refractive power, lacrimation, work duration, poor illumination, and daily use of VDT and/or TV on eye discomfort, only daily use of VDT and/or TV greater than 4 hours displayed OR of 10.5.
CONCLUSIONS
Myopic changes due to near work were not observed, however lacrimal function was changed in workers. These results suggest that we should consider various factors such as lacrimation, tear film and refraction as well as visual acuity in order to establish an eye care program among near-work performing employees.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

An automatic defect-inspection method for optical isolators using image analysis
Tian Qiu, Zhiquan Lin, Chen Jung Tsai, Chi Shing Wong, Xin Zhang, Shuaiqi Liu, Honglong Ning
at - Automatisierungstechnik.2022; 70(7): 662. CrossRef
Relationship between occupational injuries and the provision of safety and health information: data from the 4th Korean working conditions survey
Ju-il Seo, Gab-Sik Shin, Min Gi Kim, Young-Sun Min
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef

71 View
0 Download
2 Crossref

Original Article

Related factors of high frequency hearing loss in the noise-exposed male workers: Sang Je Jung, Kuck Hyeun Woo, Wan Deup Park, Jae Young Yu, Tae Sung Choi, Sang Woo Kim, Jin Seok Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2000;12(2):187-197. Published online June 30, 2000; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2000.12.2.187

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the study was to assess the risk factors assumed to be related to the high frequency hearing loss in the noise-exposed male workers.
METHODS
712 occupationally noise-exposed male workers were included in this cross sectional study. The subjects filled out a questionnaire on the history of noise exposure, hearing protection, otologic diseases, tobacco smoking, and were tested on height, weight, hematocrit, serum total cholesterol level, fasting plasma glucose level and arterial blood pressure level. Pure tone audiometry and otoscopy were conducted and the subjects were allocated into two groups according to whether they had 4000 Hi hearing loss or not.
RESULTS
The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that military noise exposure, poor wearing status of the hearing protection devices, increased age, long noise exposure duration, mean arterial pressure less than 80mmHg, high fasting plasma sugar are the factors significantly related to high frequency hearing loss (P<0.05). On the contrary, there was no significant relationship between noise intensity, body mass index, serum total cholesterol level, smoking and high frequency hearing loss. Low hematocrit was shown to be a significant factor with a p-value less than 0.1.
CONCLUSIONS
High frequency hearing loss in the noise-exposed male workers is related to military noise exposure, use of hearing protection devices, age, noise exposure length, fasting glucose level and mean arterial pressure, in this order. Appropriate use of the hearing protection devices has a great impact on the prevention of the noise-induced hearing loss.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The effect of diabetes on 4-year changes of hearing thresholds in male workers exposed to noise in a single company: a longitudinal study
Dae Yun Kim, A Ram Kim, Joo Hyun Sung, Choong Ryeol Lee, Jiho Lee
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2019;[Epub] CrossRef

71 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

Original Article

Two Cases of Convulsion Associated With Caprolactam: Kuck Hyeun Woo, Sang Je Jung, Wan Seup Park, Hea Ryeon Shin, Jin Seok Kim, Sang Woo Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(1):116-120. Published online February 28, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.1.116

Abstract PDF: Two young men were seen with nausea, vomiting, dermatitis, seizure after two-four days of occupational exposure to caprolactam, a nylon fiber precursor. There were no significant results in laboratory test, brain CT, EEG except leukocytosis, hyperglycemia. Caprolactam has been shown to induce convulsive disorder in experimental animal studios and Tuma et al (1981) described that one worker acutely exposed to caprolactam developed generalized tonic-clonic seizure with leukocytosis. The coincidence of typical skin lesion with otherwise unexplained generalized tonic-clonic seizure in those young man strongly suggests that caprolactam was causal agent.

66 View
0 Download

Original Article

Relationship of Physical Fitness with Age and Body Fat, Work Pattern, Life Style among Male Workers of an Electronic Manufacturing Company: Sang Woo Kim, Pal Su Nam, Wan Seoup Park, Young Yeon Jung, Kuk Hyeun Woo, Young Ha Lee, Seung Ryeol Yoon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1996;8(3):434-445. Published online December 31, 1996; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1996.8.3.434

Abstract PDF: This is pilot study to evaluate the relationship of physical fitness with age, body fat, work pattern and life style among 20-9 aged male workers (n=417). Physical fitness was measured by maximum oxygen uptake, forced vital capacity, 1 second forced expiratory volume, grip strength, back strength, sit ups and trunk flexion. Life style was self-reported on a questionnaire about regular exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, coffee consumption, degree of stress, and percent of body fat measured by bioelectrical impedance fat meter. Age was significantly and negatively related to physical fitness except grip strength. Obesity was next to most significant factor for physical fitness, it was associated with maximum oxygen uptake, grip strength, back strength, trunk flexion. Regular exercise was associated with maximum oxygen uptake. Others was insignificantly related to physical fitness. Performance of physical fitness test was significantly correlated with age, obesity and regular exercise.

34 View
0 Download

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search