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- Original Article Seasonal Variations of the Urinary N-Methylformamide Concentration among Workers at a Synthetic Leather Factory
- Kwang Young Lee, Joo Hyun Byeon, Hae Rhan Song, Jin Ha Kim, Kwang Wook Ko, Yong Hwan Lee
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.2.162
Published online: June 30, 2003
1Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Korea. gloryjc@dreamwiz.com 
2Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Korea.
2Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Korea.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study was carried out to identify seasonal variations of urinary concentrations of N-methylformamide (NMF) among workers employed at a synthetic leather factory.
METHODS
Study subjects consisted of 16 male and 6 female workers who were involved in the direct treatment of dimethylformamide (DMF) in a synthetic leather factory. By using health examination data and the results of air measurements and biologic monitoring conducted in February and July, 2001, we identified seasonal variations of the DMF concentrations in the air and NMF concentrations in urine.
RESULTS
1) In winter and summer, average temperatures at the working sites were 3.2 degrees C and 26.5 degrees C, respectively and average humidities were 35.4 % and 84.5 %, respectively. 2) Airborne DMF concentrations were not significantly different between summer (13.78 ppm) and winter (11.55 ppm). 3) NMF concentrations in urine were found to be significantly higher in summer (96.09 mg/g creatinine) than in winter (31.23 mg/g creatinine) (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The seasonal difference in the urinary excretion values of NMF may be due to increased dermal absorption of DMF with the higher ambient temperature and humidity in summer and the increased area of exposed skin.
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