Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Original Article

Association between coronavirus disease 2019-related workplace interventions and prevalence of depression and anxiety: Hyun Woo Park, Seung Hyun Park, Young Wook Kim, JunSeok Son, Chan Woo Kim, Hyoung Ouk Park, Jun Ho Lee, Young Hoo Shin, Chang Ho Chae, Eui Yup Chung, Hun Jeong; Ann Occup Environ Med 2022;34:e11. Published online June 3, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2022.34.e11

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background

Although coronavirus disease 2019 is causing a variety of psychological problems for workers, there are few longitudinal studies on changes in workers’ mental health by workplace intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the change in the prevalence of depression and anxiety according to the active involvement of the workplace.

Methods

This study was conducted on 1,978 workers at a workplace who underwent a health screening from January 2019 to August 2020, and classified depression and anxiety disorders using a self-report questionnaire. After the first pandemic, the company stopped health screening, took paid leave and telecommuting, and conducted interventions such as operating its own screening clinic. To see if this workplace intervention affects workers’ mental health, we conducted generalized estimating equations to compare odds ratio (OR).

Results

In the pre-intervention group, 384 people (16.86%) had depression, and 507 people (22.26%) had anxiety disorder. Based on the OR before intervention, the OR of depression decreased to 0.76 (0.66–0.87) and the OR of anxiety disorder decreased to 0.73 (0.65–0.82).

Conclusions

As a result of this study, it was confirmed that workplace intervention was related to a decrease in depression and anxiety. This study provides basic data to improve workers’ mental health according to workplace intervention, and further research is needed according to workplace intervention in the future.

코로나바이러스감염증-19 관련 사업장 개입과 우울증 및 불안장애 유병률 간의 관련성
목적
COVID-19가 근로자에게 다양한 심리적 문제를 야기하고 있지만, 사업장 개입이 근로자의 정신 건강의 변화에 대한 종단적 연구는 거의 없다. 이 연구는 사업장의 적극적인 개입 여부에 따른 우울, 불안의 유병률 변화를 평가하는 것을 목표로 하였다.
방법
본 연구는 2019년 1월부터 2020년 8월까지 건강검진을 받은 한 사업장의 근로자 1,978명을 대상으로 하였으며, 자기기입식 설문지를 이용하여 우울증, 불안장애를 분류하였다. 이 회사는 1차 대유행 이후 건강검진을 중단하고, 유급휴직 및 재택근무, 자체선별진료소 운영 등의 개입을 실시하였다. 이런 사업장 개입이 근로자의 정신건강에 영향을 미치는지 알아보기 위해 Generalized estimating equation(GEE)을 시행하여 Odds ratio(OR)을 비교하였다.
결과
Pre-intervention group에서 우울증은 총 384명(16.86%)이었으며, 불안장애는 총 507명(22.26%)이었다. Pre-intervention group의 OR를 기준으로 하였을 때, post-intervention group의 우울증 OR는 0.76(0.66-0.87), 불안장애의 OR는 0.73(0.65-0.82)로 감소하였다.
결론
본 연구 결과, 사업장의 개입이 우울, 불안의 감소와 관련이 있다는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 본 연구는 사업장 개입 여부에 따른 근로자 정신건강을 개선시키기 위한 기초자료를 제공하며, 향후 사업장 개입에 따른 추가 연구가 필요할 것으로 본다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Telecommuting-related health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea: a national population-based cross-sectional study
Seung-Woo Ryoo, Jin-Young Min, Dong-Wook Lee, Baek-Yong Choi, Juho Choi, Ho-Yeon Kim, Kyoung-Bok Min
BMC Public Health.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Multidimensional typologies of precarious employment and their relationships with mental well-being in Korean wageworkers: A latent class analysis based on the Korean Working Conditions Survey (2020–2021)
Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
Preventive Medicine.2023; 177: 107787. CrossRef

192 View
0 Download
2 Web of Science
2 Crossref

Original Article

Distribution of Lung-RADS categories according to job type in a single shipyard workers: Eui Yup Chung, Young Hoo Shin, Young Wook Kim, Jun Seok Son, Chan Woo Kim, Hyoung Ouk Park, Jun Ho Lee, Seung Hyun Park, Sung Joon Woo, Chang Ho Chae; Ann Occup Environ Med 2021;33:e22. Published online June 23, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2021.33.e22

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF PubReader ePub

Background

Recently, lung cancer screenings based on age and smoking history using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) have begun in Korea. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of lung imaging reporting and data system (Lung-RADS) categories in shipyard workers exposed to lung carcinogens such as nickel, chromium, and welding fumes according to job type, to provide basic data regarding indications for LDCT in shipyard workers.

Methods

This study included 6,326 workers from a single shipyard, who underwent health examinations with LDCT between January 2010 and December 2018. Data on age, smoking status and history, medical history, and job type were investigated. The participants were categorized into high-exposure, low-exposure, and non-exposure job groups based on the estimated exposure level of nickel, chromium, and welding fumes according to job type. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to determine the difference between exposure groups in Lung-RADS category ≥ 3 (3, 4A, and 4B).

Results

Out of all participants, 97 (1.5%) participants were classified into Lung-RADS category ≥ 3 and 7 (0.1%) participants were confirmed as lung cancer. The positive predictive value (ratio of diagnosed lung cancer cases to Lung-RADS category ≥ 3) was 7.2%. The hazard ratio (HR) of Lung-RADS category ≥ 3 was 1.451 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.911–2.309) in low-exposure and 1.692 (95% CI: 1.007–2.843) in high-exposure job group. Adjusting for age and pack-years, the HR was statistically significant only in the high-exposure job group (HR: 1.689; 95% CI: 1.004–2.841).

Conclusions

Based on LDCT and Lung-RADS, among male shipyard workers, Lung-RADS category ≥ 3 were significantly higher in the high-exposure job group. Their HR tended to be > 1.0 and was statistically significant in the high-exposure job group. Additional studies should be conducted to establish more elaborate LDCT indications for occupational health examination.

일개 조선소 근로자의 직종간 Lung-RADS 비교
목적
최근 폐암의 조기 발견을 위해 저선량 흉부CT (LDCT)를 이용하기 시작했으며, 국내에서도 연령과 흡연력을 기준으로 한 국가폐암검진이 시작되었다. 니켈, 크롬, 용접흄은 조선소 근로자에서 흔히 노출될 수 있는 폐암 발암물질로 알려져 있으나, 이러한 위험 요인은 아직 폐암 검진의 기준이 되지 못하였다. 이 연구는 LDCT를 이용하여 니켈, 크롬, 용접흄에 노출되는 일개 조선소 근로자들에서 직종과 폐 CT 선별 판독 시스템 (Lung-RADS) 양상을 비교하여, 조선소 근로자의 LDCT 적응증에 대한 기초 자료를 생성하고자 하였다.
방법
2010년 1월부터 2018년 12월까지 건강검진에 참여한 경남지역 조선소 근로자 6,326명이 연구에 참여했다. 문진과 자기기입식 설문지를 이용하여 연령, 흡연력, 과거력, 직종 등을 확인하여, 직군에 따른 크롬, 니켈, 용접흄의 노출 추정 정도에 따라 고노출 직군, 저노출 직군, 비노출군으로 분류하였다. 그룹 간 Lung-RADS 3 이상인 군에 차이가 있는지 cox 비례위험 회귀분석을 시행하였다. 또한 연령과 갑년을 보정하여 그룹간 hazard ratio (HR)를 비교하였다.
결과
전체 대상자 6,326명 중 Lung-RADS 3 이상인 군은 97명, 폐암으로 확진된 대상자는 7명으로, 양성예측도 (PPV)는 7.2%이였다. Lung-RADS 3 이상에 대하여 직군에 따른 HR은 저노출 직군 1.451 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.911-2.309), 고노출 직군 1.692 (95% CI: 1.007-2.843)으로 나타났다. 연령과 갑년을 보정했을 시 HR은 고노출 직군에서만 유의하게 1.689 (95% CI: 1.004-2.841)로 나타났다.
결론
현행의 폐암검진 방법인 LDCT와 진단기준인 Lung-RADS를 이용하였을 때, 일개 조선소 남성 근로자 중 니켈, 크롬, 용접흄 노출 직군에서 Lung-RADS 3 이상군이 유의하게 많으며, HR이 1.0보다 높은 경향을 보이고, 고노출 직군에서는 유의한 결과를 보였다. 향후 추가적인 연구를 통해 보다 정밀한 근로자 건강검진 상 LDCT 적응증을 만들어야 한다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Artificial intelligence-based graded training of pulmonary nodules for junior radiology residents and medical imaging students
Xiaohong Lyu, Liang Dong, Zhongkai Fan, Yu Sun, Xianglin Zhang, Ning Liu, Dongdong Wang
BMC Medical Education.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
The effect of occupational exposure to welding fumes on trachea, bronchus and lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis from the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury
Dana Loomis, Angel M. Dzhambov, Natalie C. Momen, Nicholas Chartres, Alexis Descatha, Neela Guha, Seong-Kyu Kang, Alberto Modenese, Rebecca L. Morgan, Seoyeon Ahn, Martha S. Martínez-Silveira, Siyu Zhang, Frank Pega
Environment International.2022; 170: 107565. CrossRef

240 View
0 Download
2 Web of Science
2 Crossref

Original Article

The Relationship of Serum Vitamin D Levels and the Framingham Risk Score among Male Workers in the Manufacturing Sector: Seung Hyun Park, Young Wook Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Jun Seok Son, Chan Woo Kim, Jae Youn Kim, Ja Hyun Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(2):115-123. Published online June 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.2.115

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
A growing body of evidence states that vitamin D deficiencies may adversely affect cardiovascular disease, however data from Korean workers are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the vitamin D level of the Korean worker and the relationship between vitamin D levels and the Framingham Risk Score.
METHODS
11,448 male workers who visited a university hospital for health screening between March 2010 and August 2011, were enrolled in the study. We measured their of serum vitamin D(25(OH)D) levels and calculated their Framingham Risk Score.
RESULTS
The mean serum vitamin D(25(OH)D) level of the surveyed workers was 13.03+/-6.47 ng/mL. 12.4% of the total workers had adequate vitamin D levels. It was found that the lower the vitamin D level, the higher the risk of cardiovascular disease. The Framingham Risk Score and vitamin D levels were found to be significantly related (OR=1.39, 95% CI 1.14~1.68) through a multivariate logistic regression analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
87.6% of workers possessed inappropriate vitamin D levels. Management for this high risk group in regards to cardiovascular disease should be included in the evaluation and vitamin D levels should be corrected.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Association of among alcohol consumption and blood vitamin D and lead concentrations: Based on 2010-2012 Korea national health and nutrition examination survey
Ho-Ki An, Jae-Yong Park, Hee-Jung Yoon
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2015; 16(1): 498. CrossRef
Vitamin D status and associated occupational factors in Korean wage workers: data from the 5th Korea national health and nutrition examination survey (KNHANES 2010–2012)
Harin Jeong, Sujin Hong, Yunjeong Heo, Hosun Chun, Daeseong Kim, Jongtae Park, Mo-yeol Kang
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
Correlation between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease predictors in overweight and obese Koreans
Misung Kim, Woori Na, Cheongmin Sohn
Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition.2013; : 167. CrossRef

53 View
0 Download
3 Crossref

Original Article

A Study of the Results of Sputum Cytology as a Special Health Examination: Jun Hoo Lee, Chang Ho Chae, Young Wook Kim, Jun Seok Son, Ja Hyeon Kim, Seung Hyun Park, Ho Seong Cho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(2):122-129. Published online June 30, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.2.122

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study aims investigate the results of sputum cytology, which began its test period from 2009 as a special health examination for individuals whose lungs have been exposed to carcinogens.
METHODS
22,215 cases of sputum results were classified into six categories through Papanicolau classification. The sputum results were analyzed according to age, exposure degree to welding fumes and smoking status. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to compare and analyze the associations between sputum results and smoking status, exposure degree and age classifications.
RESULTS
The number of class I cases was 20,784 with a frequency of (93.6%), class II had 1,076 cases (4.8%), class III had 69 cases (0.3%), and the inadequate class had 286 cases (1.3%) and there were no cases in class VI and V. Patients in class III received CT scans of their chest for further evaluation, but no cancer patients were found from that. There were 2.48 times (95% CI 1.12~5.53) more smokers than non-smokers in class III and 1.70 times (95% CI 1.43~2.02) more in class II. The number of ex-smokers was 2.46 times (95% CI 1.01~5.99) larger than the number of non-smokers in class III and 1.28 times (95% CI 1.03~1.60) larger than the number of non-smokers in class II. There were 1.54 times (95% CI 1.28~1.85) more patients from the mid-exposure group than the low exposure group in class II. There were 1.62 times (95% CI 1.31~1.99) more patients from the high-exposure group than the low-exposure group in class II.
CONCLUSIONS
As a screening test for lung cancer, the usefulness of sputum cytology is limited. However, the precancerous cells (class II, class III) varied according to welding fume exposure degree and smoking status.

53 View
1 Download

Case Report

A Case of Lead Poisoning by Ingesting Herbal Pills Tainted by Lead during the Manufacturing Process: Young Hoo Shin, Jun Seok Son, Young Wook Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Ja Hyeon Kim, Chan Woo Kim, Jun Ho Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010;22(3):271-277. Published online September 30, 2010; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2010.22.3.271

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
This is a case report of lead poisoning after herbal pill ingestion. We report this case here as a reminder that contamination during the manufacturing process is an important issue regarding herbal pills. Case Report: A 37-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain caused by cholecystitis. He was transferred to the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine on 26 December 2008, because of anemia. On follow-up examination post cholecystectomy, the patient had increasing blood lead levels. There was no specific finding in his medical history, but he had been taking herbal pills for 3 months to treat dyspepsia. We performed an analysis on the herbal pills, and determined a lead concentration of 1485 mg/kg. When he was admitted to the hospital, the patient had a blood lead level of 84.13 microgram/dL and a zinc protoporphyrin level was 230 microgram/dL. The patient was treated with 250 mg of Penicillamine, 4 times per day. During follow-up 3 weeks later, the patient's blood lead level had been reduced to 36.52 microgram/dL which allowed us to take him off of Penicillamine. By 7 months follow-up, the patient's blood lead concentration had fallen from 36.52 microgram/dL to 20.93 microgram/dL.
CONCLUSION
Lead poisoning was confirmed by analyzing blood lead levels and the cause was herbal pills. Upon analysis of the herbal pills, we have discovered that the herbal pills contained an amount of lead acquired during the manufacturing process, based on the high levels of this heavy metal in comparison to other metals. Private herbal pill manufacturing plants need systematic management and oversight.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Collective exposure to lead from an approved natural product-derived drug in Korea
Dae-Young Lim, Won-Yang Kang, Ji-Sung Ahn, Seunghyeon Cho, Suwhan Kim, Jai-Dong Moon, Byung-Chan Lee, Won-Ju Park
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Monitoring of Heavy Metal Contents in Commercial Herbal Medicines in Korea: Cultivated Herbal Medicines in the Seoul and Daegu Areas
Seol Jang, Ah-Reum Lee, A-Eong Lee, Go-Ya Choi, Ho-Kyoung Kim
Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2015; 41(1): 30. CrossRef

50 View
0 Download
2 Crossref

Original Article

The Effects of the Frequency of Fish Consumption on the Blood Mercury Levels in Koreans: Chan Woo Kim, Young Wook Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Jun Seok Son, Seung Hyun Park, Jae Chul Koh, Dae Seon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010;22(2):114-121. Published online June 30, 2010; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2010.22.2.114

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVE: We studied two districts in Korea in order to investigate if the frequency of fish consumption has an effect on the blood mercury levels.
METHODS
This survey was conducted on 164 fishing district residents in Geoje city and 219 agricultural district residents in Changwon city from July to August in 2008. The data on the demographic characteristics, the living environment, lifestyle habits and the frequency of fish consumption was collected by interviewers. We used ANOVA to estimate the particular relevance between the frequency of fish consumption and the blood mercury concentration, and other various factors.
RESULTS
The mean total blood mercury level was 6.54+/-4.01 microgram/L for the total study population. Our results were even higher than that of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (USA) in, 2001~2002 and the German Environmental Survey in, 1998. In this study, there was a significant difference for the frequency of eating fish between the groups. (p<0.01, The level of the groups that ate fish 3 to 4 times per week was significantly higher as compared with the level of the other groups that ate fish 2 to 3 times per month and 1 to 2 times per week, respectively). As the frequency of fish consumption increased, so did the blood mercury concentration.
CONCLUSIONS
We found that the blood mercury concentration increases along with fish consumption and this was statistically significant and this fact reveals that fish consumption is positively related to the blood levels of mercury. Accordingly, we need systematic and periodic research on the general population to prevent mercury poisoning, which can be caused by low-level mercury exposure from dietary intake such as chronic fish consumption.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Infantile allergic diseases: a cohort study prenatal fish intake and mercury exposure context
Surabhi Shah, Hae Soon Kim, Yun-Chul Hong, Hyesook Park, Mina Ha, Yangho Kim, Ji Hyen Lee, Eun-Hee Ha
BMC Public Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Association of Blood Mercury Level with the Risk of Depression According to Fish Intake Level in the General Korean Population: Findings from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008–2013
Kyung Won Kim, Sundara Raj Sreeja, Minji Kwon, Ye Lee Yu, Mi Kyung Kim
Nutrients.2020; 12(1): 189. CrossRef
Level of Blood Lead and Urine Cotinine of Residents by Area
Yu-Jin Oh, Hyoung-Wook Kim, Yun-Jae Kim, Yoon-Deok Han, Sung-Hyeon Jung, Jong-Dae Lee, Bong-Ki Jang, Jin-Heon Lee, Bu-Soon Son
Journal of Environmental Science International.2019; 28(3): 329. CrossRef
A Review for the Long-Term Trend and Spatial Distribution of Soil Mercury Concentration in South Korea
Pyung-Rae Kim, Dae-Young Kim, Young-Ji Han
Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers.2019; 41(6): 346. CrossRef
An analysis of factors affecting the mercury content in the human femoral bone
A. Zioła-Frankowska, M. Dąbrowski, Ł. Kubaszewski, P. Rogala, A. Kowalski, M. Frankowski
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2017; 24(1): 547. CrossRef
The associations between blood mercury levels and shark meat intake among workers in Gyeongsangbuk-do
Gun Il Park, Young Seok Byun, Man Joong Jeon, Joon Sakong
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2017;[Epub] CrossRef
A Study on Mercury Exposure Levels among Schoolchildren and Related Factors in High Mercury Exposure Areas in Korea
Dae Seon Kim, Young Min Kwon, Hee-Ung Chung, Sang Hoon Nam, Seung Do Yu
Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2015; 41(4): 231. CrossRef
Mercury Exposure Factors among Residents in the Highly Mercury Exposed Area, Seoksan-ri, Korea
Dae Seon KIM, Young Min Kwon, Hee-Ung Chung, Kyunghee CHOI
Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2015; 41(5): 349. CrossRef
Population correlates of circulating mercury levels in Korean adults: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV
Seongbeom Cho, David R Jacobs, Kyong Park
BMC Public Health.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
A Study on Concentrations of Heavy Metal in Blood and Urine of Local Area in Korea
Ji-Young Im, Eun-Kyung Chung, Hee-Jin Park, Seungdo Yu, Bong-Ki Jang, Bu-Soon Son
Journal of Environmental Science International.2013; 22(1): 59. CrossRef
The Relationships Between Blood Mercury Concentration and Body Composition Measures Using 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Dae-won Kang, Ka-young Lee
The Korean Journal of Obesity.2013; 22(4): 237. CrossRef
The Relationship between Fish Consumption and Blood Mercury Levels in Residents of Busan Metropolitan City and Gyeongnam Province
Chan Woo Kim, Young Wook Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Jun Seok Son, Ja Hyeon Kim, Hyoung Ouk Park, Yune-Sik Kang, Jang-Rak Kim, Young Seoub Hong, Dae-Seon Kim, Baek Geun Jeong
Journal of agricultural medicine and community health.2012; 37(4): 223. CrossRef
The Influence of Fish Consumption on Umbilical Cord Blood Mercury Level in Pregnant Women in the City of Tongyeong, Korea
Chul-Won Jang, Sang-Hyun Kim, Jong-Duck Choi
Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety.2012; 27(1): 74. CrossRef
Developing a Questionnaire to Assess Exposure to Food-Borne Hazards
Sangah Shin, Seul Ki Choi, Hyemi Kim, Kyung Youn Lee, Sanghee Shin, Jung Won Lee, Soo Hyun Yu, Hye-Soen Nam, Hae-Jung Yoon, Hyojee Joung
The Korean Journal of Nutrition.2011; 44(1): 61. CrossRef
Blood Heavy Metal Concentrations of Korean Adults by Seafood Consumption Frequency: Using the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV), 2008
Young A Kim, Young-Nam Kim, Kyung-Dong Cho, Mi Young Kim, Eun Jin Kim, Ok-Hee Baek, Bog-Hieu Lee
The Korean Journal of Nutrition.2011; 44(6): 518. CrossRef
Total and methyl mercury in maternal and cord blood of pregnant women in Korea
Dae Seon Kim, Geun Bae Kim, Tackshin Kang, Seungchul Ahn
Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences.2011; 3(4): 254. CrossRef

67 View
0 Download
16 Crossref

Original Article

Blood and Urinary Cadmium Concentration of Residents around Abandoned Metal Mines in Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do: Hyo Jun Kim, Byoung Gwon Kim, Dae Seon Kim, Jeong Wook Seo, Byeng Chul Yu, Young Wook Kim, Young Seoub Hong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010;22(1):1-10. Published online March 31, 2010; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2010.22.1.1

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the blood and urinary cadmium concentration levels of around abandoned metal mines in comparison with a control group.
METHODS
Blood and urinary cadmium concentration levels were analyzed through investigations of the dietary habits and dietary water of subjects living near abandoned metal mines (exposure group) (n=190) in comparison with those living in designated control areas (control group) (n=256).
RESULTS
The blood cadmium (1.93 microgram/l) and urinary cadmium (2.41 microgram/g cr) concentrations of the exposure group were significantly higher than those of the control group (blood cadmium: 1.19 microgram/l, urinary cadmium: 1.94 microgram/g cr). Both concentrations were significantly higher in vegetarians in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The exposure group had higher blood and urinary cadmium concentrations than the control group. We attributed the elevated blood and urine cadmium levels in the abandoned mine residents to the influence of the abandoned mine sites.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Association between levels of exposure to heavy metals and renal function indicators of residents in environmentally vulnerable areas
Jung-Yeon Kwon, Seungho Lee, Ulziikhishig Surenbaatar, Hyoun-Ju Lim, Byoung-Gwon Kim, Sang-Yong Eom, Yong Min Cho, Woo Jin Kim, Byeng-Chul Yu, Kwan Lee, Young-Seoub Hong
Scientific Reports.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Health Effect and Blood Lead Concentration among Residents in Gwangyang and Yeosu
Heejin Park, Myung-Kyu Park, Tack-Shin Kang, Geun-Bae Kim, Jong-Wha Lee, Bong-Ki Jang, Bu-Soon Son
Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2016; 42(3): 205. CrossRef
Urinary Cadmium Concentration of Residents around Industrial Complex in Gwangyang and Yeosu
Heejin Park, Tack-Shin Kang, Jong-Dae Lee, Geun-Bae Kim, Seungdo Yu, Bong-Ki Jang, Jong-Wha Lee, Bu-Soon Son
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(3): 338. CrossRef
Relationship between Urine Cadmium and Bone Mineral Density of Residents Around Abandoned Metal Mines
Kyung-Sick Jung, Nam-Soo Kim, Seung-Chul Ahn, Byung-Kook Lee
Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2012; 38(4): 323. CrossRef
Relationship between Heavy Metal Concentrations in the Soil with the Blood and Urine of Residents around Abandoned Metal Mines
Bong-Ki Jang, Sang-Il Park, Nam-Soo Kim, Kyung-Sick Jung, Byung-Kook Lee, Jong-Wha Lee
Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2011; 37(5): 348. CrossRef

81 View
0 Download
5 Crossref

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

Citations to this article as recorded by

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

64 View
0 Download
2 Crossref

Original Article

Mercury Concentrations of Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood in Korean Pregnant Women: Preliminary Study: Kyung Eun Lee, Young Seoub Hong, Dae Seon Kim, Myoung Seok Han, Byeng Chul Yu, Young Wook Kim, Mee Sook Roh, Hyun Jae Lee, Jae Won Lee, Jong Young Kwak, Joon Youn Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2007;19(4):268-275. Published online December 31, 2007; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2007.19.4.268

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the level of maternal and prenatal mercury exposure and to analyze the related factors.
METHODS
Fifty-nine pregnant women were recruited into this study after obtaining informed consent. Samples were collected at delivery from normal pregnant women who were living in the city of Busan, Korea. Mercury concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood samples were measured using a gold-amalgam collection method. The total and methyl mercury levels of 36 of the 59 pregnant women were analyzed after randomization, and the results were compared.
RESULTS
The mean total mercury concentration was 3.16+/-1.21 ppb and 5.43+/-2.22 ppb in maternal and cord blood, respectively. The average, maternal blood mercury level was lower than the prescribed toxic limit for human (WHO, 5 ppb), whereas the cord blood mercury was higher. The mercury exposure level exceeded the WHO recommendation in 5 (8.47%) cases of maternal blood and 29 of (49.15%) cord blood. There was a significant correlation between maternal and cord blood mercury concentrations. Total mercury and methyl mercury concentrations of the 36 random pregnant women were 3.06+/-1.17 ppb, and 2.60+/-1.11 ppb in maternal blood, and 5.20+/-2.36 ppb, and 4.70+/-1.97 ppb in cord blood, respectively. Methyl mercury accounted for 85.0% of the total mercury in maternal blood and 90.4% in cord blood. There was a significant correlation between total and methyl mercury concentrations.
CONCLUSIONS
The study results suggest that mercury concentrations of cord blood may be regarded as indicative of high prenatal mercury exposure. Therefore, further studies are necessary to explain the cause of high mercury concentrations in cord blood, and to examine its relationship with various health indices.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Risk assessment of heavy metals in tuna from Japanese restaurants in the Republic of Korea
Seong-Jin Bae, Kyu-Sik Shin, Chulyong Park, Kiook Baek, So-Young Son, Joon Sakong
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
The Relationship between Mercury Exposure Indices and Dietary Intake of Fish and Shellfish in Women of Childbearing Age
Jeong-wook Seo, Byoung-gwon Kim, Young-seoub Hong
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2020; 17(13): 4907. CrossRef
Biomonitoring of Lead, Cadmium, Total Mercury, and Methylmercury Levels in Maternal Blood and in Umbilical Cord Blood at Birth in South Korea
Yu-Mi Kim, Jin-Young Chung, Hyun An, Sung Park, Byoung-Gwon Kim, Jong Bae, Myoungseok Han, Yeon Cho, Young-Seoub Hong
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2015; 12(10): 13482. CrossRef
Correlation Between Total Mercury and Methyl Mercury-In Whole Blood of South Korean
Seon A Jung, Dayoung Chung, Jiwon On, Myeong Hee Moon, Jeongae Lee, Heesoo Pyo
Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society.2013; 34(4): 1101. CrossRef
The Influence of Fish Consumption on Umbilical Cord Blood Mercury Level in Pregnant Women in the City of Tongyeong, Korea
Chul-Won Jang, Sang-Hyun Kim, Jong-Duck Choi
Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety.2012; 27(1): 74. CrossRef

88 View
0 Download
5 Crossref

Case Report

A case of Peripheral Neuropathy After High Electrical Injury: Jun Seok Son, Chang Ho Chae, Young Wook Kim, Keong Bum Min, Cheol Ho Yi; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(4):345-351. Published online December 31, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.4.345

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
With increasing industrial development, opportunities are growing to contact electricity in the workplace or home. Therefore, the risk of electrical accident has been increased gradually. In general, electrical injuries involve the extremities and result in amputation or severe disability of limbs. Delayed spinal cord injury and peripheral neuropathies following electrical accidents are extremely rare.
CASE
REPORT: A 32-year-old man with 10 years working experience at a CRT-monitor manufacturer with repetitive exposures to high voltage current visited our hosipital. He complained of left leg weakness and atrophy, and intermittent pain. The symptoms were progressive. Other symptoms occurred such as nocturia, hesitancy, and weak urinary stream. We examined the patient and conducted EMG, L-spine MRI, neurometer test, isokinetic strength test, and physical examination. The results showed neural injuries due to anterior horn lesions or compression of the left femoral nerve pathway, with a consequent diagnosis of neurogenic bladder.

42 View
0 Download

Original Article

Occupational disease surveillance system in Busan, Ulsan, Kyung-Nam area: Jung Il Kim, Byung Gwan Kim, Jung Won Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Cheol Ho Yi, Dongmug Kang, Ji Hong Kim, Jin Ha Kim, Young Wook Kim, Young Ha Lee, Ji Ho Lee, Younghee Choi, Jung Ho Kim, Hyung Ryul Yun, Cheol In Yoo, Baek Geun Jeong, Tae Won Jang, Yun Gyu Kim, Dong Young Yun, Jin Uk Kang, Jong Eun Kim, Jin Hong Ahn, Dong Joon Lee, Joon Ho Jang, Kwang Young Lee, Hyu Ran Song, Yong Hwan Lee, Byung Man Cho, Hong Ryul Choi, Sang Baek Koh, Euna Kim, Yu Jin Lee, Young Seoub Hong, Kap Yeol Jung, Jung Man Kim, Joon Youn Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(1):1-12. Published online March 31, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.1.1

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVE: Occupational medicine specialists in the Busan, Ulsan and Kyung-Nam areas established an area-based occupational disease surveillance system and used this system to collected case information for the purpose of preventing occupational diseases METHODS: 11 hospitals participated in this system. The authors selected five main diseases, which were hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD), occupational asthma, occupational skin disease and occupational lung cancer and established their case definitions. All cases were reported on the web, and real time analysis was conducted.
RESULTS
Between Apri1 2001 and April 2003, 192 cases of HAVS, 118 cases of WRMSD, 33 cases of occupational asthma, 17 cases of occupational skin disease and 17 cases of occupational lung cancer (for a total of 377 cases of these five main diseases) were reported. Most of the HAVS cases came from shipbuilding, and 172 of them (92.7 %) were associated with grinding. Of the four main types of WRMSD, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was the most prevalent with 46 cases and shipbuilding was also the main industry involved (83.9 %). The ergonomic risk factors involved mainly associated with the hand. In 19 (57.6 %) and 4 (12.1 %) cases of occupational asthma, the agents included isocyanate and welding fume, respectively. 64.7 % of the cases of occupational skin diseases were contact dermatitis, and organic solvents and welding fume were the main agents involved. The causative agents of occupational lung cancer included Cr, welding fume, PAH, Ni, etc. 10 (58.8 %) of the cases were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma and 5 (29.4 %) as adenoma.
CONCLUSION
This result showed that an area-based occupational disease surveillance system might provide an effective method of evaluating the prevalence of such diseases, however the Busan, Ulsan and Kyung-Nam provinces are too large to be treated as individual areas. Therefore, the authors suggest that each province should establish its own surveillance system.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

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
Occupational Skin Diseases in Korea
Yeon-Soon Ahn, Min-Gi Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S46. CrossRef

74 View
1 Download
2 Crossref

Original Article

Epidemiologic Characteristics of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome through Occupational Disease Surveillance System in Busan, Ulsan, Kyungnam Province: Young hee Choi, Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee, Choong Ryeol Lee, Hun Lee, Young Wook Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Sang Baek Koh, Euna Kim, Lu Jin Lee, Yang ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):261-268. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.261

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to estimate the epidemiologic characteristics of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) due to occupational exposure of hand transmitted vibration and to identify the occupations and industries where such exposures arises, and the main sources of exposure.
METHODS
In April 2001 the Busan, Ulsan, and Kyung-Nam Province occupational disease surveillance system was established to measure the incidence and prevalence of work-related HAVS and other occupational diseases in these Korean provinces. Occupational physicians of nine hospitals in Busan, Ulsan, and Kyung-nam Province were involved in this project between April 2001 and November 2002. Physicians collected information through questionnaires and interviews. Information gathered included age, occupation, types of vibration tools used and presence of subjective symptoms such as vibration-induced white finger (VWF), numbness and tingling.
RESULTS
A total 192 cases were reported with 188 males and 4 females. The shipbuilding industry was the most common type of industry and grinders were the most common source of exposure. Symptoms of neurological disorder were more common than those of vascular disorder.
CONCLUSIONS
The authors concluded that exposure to hand transmitted vibration is common and that HAVS is one of the most common occupational diseases in Korea. However, the range and extent of hand transmitted vibration and the overall prevalence of HAVS in Korea is still unknown. More extensive research on this syndrome in order to priorite necessary preventive measures is required.

69 View
2 Download

Review

Local occupational disease surveillance system in Korea: Current status and issues: Jong Han Leem, Seong Sil Chang, Seong Ah Kim, Jai Dong Moon, Chang Ho Chae, Yun Chul Hong, Soo Young Kim, Jin Seok Kim, Young Wook Kim, Sang Hwan Han, Hae Sook Lee, Jong Uk Won, Dong Bin Song, Eun Hee Ha, Seong Kyu Kang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(2):101-115. Published online June 30, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.2.101

Abstract PDF

No abstract available.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Management System of Occupational Diseases in Korea: Statistics, Report and Monitoring System
Kyung Yong Rhee, Seong Weon Choe
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S119. CrossRef

52 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

Original Article

A Study on the Risk Factors of Low Back Pain in Computer Terminal Operators: Cheol Ho Yi, Jung Rae Park, Ae Ri Cha, Kwang Wook Koh, Young Wook Kim, Su Ill Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1999;11(2):264-275. Published online June 30, 1999; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1999.11.2.264

Abstract PDF

Low back pain in computer terminal operators is a very common but important symptom. While the occupational risk factors of low back pain were approved obscurely, there have been few studies on analysis or understanding of occupational risk factors. Therefore, we studied occupational risk factors of low back pain, especially for ergonomic factors as well as general characteristics of workers. We selected 98 subjects for this study, computer terminal operators ordinary using computers in Pusan. We calculated the subjective severity of low back pain of each operator by the Low Back Pain Scoring System. The relation of low back pain score to general characteristics of worker was also analyzed. We analyzed the relationship between low back pain score and individual efforts to prevent low back pain. We measured the ergonomic factors of each computer terminal operator - Trunk Jnclination(TI), Arm Flexion(AF), Elbow Angle(EA), Head Tilting(HT), Knee Angle(KA), using of foot plate and gap between the popliteum and chair. The correlations between these ergonomic factors and low back pain score were then analyzed. And the results are as follows: 1. The prevalence rate of low back pain in computer terminal operators was 39.8% in this study, when low back pain score was converted by the low back pain scoring system. 2. According to general characteristics of workers related to low back pain, the scores were higher in the older age group, the married and the longer work carriers. (p < 0.05) 3. In the analysis of the relationship between low back pain score and individual effort to prevent low back pain, regular exercise, history of schooling for prevention of low back pain, and declaration of intention to participate in low back pain education or exercise were stastistically significant(p < 0.05). And the more severe the low back pain, the higher the intention to participate in low back pain education they had in this study. 4. In the analyses of relationships or correlations between low back pain score and each of the 7 categories of ergonomic factors, only head tilting had a weak reverse correlation with low back pain(r=-0.2999, p < 0.01). From now on, cohort studies for the risk factors of low back pain of workers, who have been forced to work in non-ergonomical positioning at the work site, will be necessary. On the background of these ergonomic studies, the occupational health profession should be required to manage ergonomic working conditions.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Social Distancing in COVID-19: What Are the Implications for Musculoskeletal Problems and the Quality of Life?
Tae-Hyeong Kim, Hyun-Jun Jee, Chan-Woo Bae, Sil-Ah Choi
The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy.2021; 33(2): 84. CrossRef
Effects of a Horse Riding Simulator, Gym-ball and McKenzie Exercises on Back Pain and Balance in Patients with Chronic Back Pain in Their 20s
Jong-Won Choi, Min-Young Kim, Sung-Hwa Kim, Bo-Hyun Son, Su-Min Lee, Yu-Jeong Lee, Da-Vin Jang, Hyo-Min Je, Ki-Hyun Kim
Journal of The Korean Society of Physical Medicine.2019; 14(3): 117. CrossRef
Risk Factor, Job Stress and Quality of Life in Workers With Lower Extremity Pain Who Use Video Display Terminals
Sehoon Choi, Seong Ho Jang, Kyu Hoon Lee, Mi Jung Kim, Si-Bog Park, Seung Hoon Han
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2018; 42(1): 101. CrossRef

70 View
0 Download
3 Crossref

Original Article

A Study on Immunity of Welders: Su Ill Lee, Bong Soo Cho, Young Wook Kim, Kwang Wook Koh, Won Keun Cho, Young SIl Kim, Soo Yong Kang, In Kyung Hwang, Byung Man Cho, Don Kyoun Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1997;9(1):75-84. Published online February 28, 1997; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1997.9.1.75

Abstract PDF: The authors examined human immunity indicators such as CD4, CD8, Natural Killer (NK) cell, IgG, IgA, and IgM, and heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Cd to evaluate the health hazard of welders. We selected total 126 male subjects, 60 welders who had more than 5 year working history as an exposure group, and 66 office workers and medical college students as a control group. This immunity evaluation approach is the first newly designed study that has never been tried in past studios on welder's heath evaluation. And the results were as follows. 1. Total lymphocyte count of peripheral blood was significantly higher in welder group, 2,615+/-650 ea/microliter compared with 2,368+/-681 ea/microliter in control group (p<0.05). 2. The proportion of CD4, CD8, NK cell in welder group was 37 5+/-9.4%, 24.0+/-8.8%, and 21.0+/-9.5%, respectively, and 35.5+/-6.5%, 25.0+/-6.9%, and 19.6+/-8.8% in control group. CD4 and NK cell were slightly higher, and CD8 was slightly lower in welder group. But there was no statistical significance between two groups (p> or =0.05). 3. IgG, IgA, and IgM in welder group were 15.9 mg/dl, 2.7 mg/dl, and 1.5 mg/dl, respectively, and 15.6 mg/dl, 2.9 mg/dl and 1.7 mg/dl in control group. There was no statistical significance between two groups(p> or =0.05). 4. Blood lead, cadmium and chromium concentrations were 4.2+/-1.8 microgram/dl, 0.4+/-0.38 microgram/dl, 1.2+/-0.6 microgram/dl in welder group and 3.2+/-1.7 microgram/dl, 0.44+/-0.29 microgram/dl, 1.1+/-0.6 microgram/dl in control group, respectively, and these value were within normal ranges.

44 View
0 Download

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search