• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.281-287
• /
• 2016

Earlier studies conducted on lead-exposed workers have determined the reticulocyte count (RC) (%), but the parameters of Absolute Reticulocyte Count (ARC), Reticulocyte Index (RI), and Reticulocyte Production Index (RPI) were not reported. This study assessed the effect of lead (Pb) exposure on the status of reticulocyte count indices in workers occupied in lead battery plants. The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 391 male lead battery workers. The blood lead levels (BLL) were determined by using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The RC (%) was estimated by using the supravital staining method. The parameters, such as ARC, RI, and RPI, were calculated by using the RC (%) with the red cell indices (RBC count and hematocrit). The levels of RBC count and hematocrit were determined by using an ABX Micros ES-60 hematology analyzer. The levels of reticulocyte count indices - RC (%), ARC, RI, and RPI significantly increased with elevated BLL. The association between BLL and reticulocyte count indices was positive and significant. The results of linear multiple regression analysis showed that the reticulocyte count (${\beta}=0.212$, P < 0.001), ARC (${\beta}=0.217$, P < 0.001), RI (${\beta}=0.194$, P < 0.001), and RPI (${\beta}=0.208$, P < 0.001) were positively associated with BLL. The variable, smoking habits, showed a significant positive association with reticulocyte count indices: RC (%) (${\beta}=0.188$, P < 0.001), ARC (${\beta}=0.174$, P < 0.001), RI (${\beta}=0.200$, P < 0.001), and RPI (${\beta}=0.151$, P < 0.005). The study results revealed that lead exposure may cause reticulocytosis with an increase of reticulocyte count indices.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.43 no.6
• /
• pp.467-477
• /
• 2017

Objectives: Oxidative stress and DNA damage have been proposed as mechanisms linking pesticide exposure to health effects such as cancer and neurological diseases. We investigated whether protective measures could significantly reduce the levels of biomarkers for oxidative stress and DNA damage in agricultural workers. Methods: In the present study, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), biomarkers related to oxidative stress and DNA damage, respectively, were analyzed in urine samples collected from agricultural workers in two provinces of Korea (n=60). The influence of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and performing protective behaviors on the levels of these two biomarkers was also evaluated. Results: The median urinary levels of MDA and 8-OHdG were 10.45 nmol/mg creatinine and 14.42 ng/mg creatinine in subjects living in region A, while they were 6.25 nmol/mg creatinine and 24.77 ng/mg creatinine in subjects living in region B, respectively. The levels of MDA and 8-OHdG were higher in male farmers. Farmers wearing greater numbers of PPE and performing more protective behaviors had significantly lower levels of MDA. Greater numbers of protective behaviors was significantly associated with lower levels of 8-OHdG. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that pesticide exposure could induce oxidative stress and DNA damage in agricultural workers, and that protective measures are important for mitigating pesticide exposure.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.69-77
• /
• 2020

Purpose: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of metabolic abnormalities has rapidly increased in Korea. Sleep may play a role in determining its prevalence. However, the relationships between MetS and the duration and quality of sleep are not yet clear. This study aimed to examine the associations between the duration and quality of sleep and the prevalence of MetS. Methods: Study participants included 348 Korean blue-collar workers employed by six small-sized companies in Korea. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the effects of the factors related to MetS. Results: The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent factors that contributed to the prevalence of MetS were being male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=4.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.58~15.0) and lower sleep quality (aOR=5.12, 95% CI=1.90~14.30). Sleep duration was related to the prevalence of some MetS components, but it was not associated with MetS prevalence. Conclusion: Sleep quality was negatively associated with MetS prevalence when covariates, such as sleep duration, were controlled. When developing a MetS risk-reduction program, focus should be given to sleep quality as well as sleep duration in an intervention for Korean blue-collar workers.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.250-260
• /
• 2020

The purpose of the present study was to explore the most effective body region and cooling temperature to alleviate heat strain of workers in hot environments. We developed liquid cooling hood, vest, sleeves and socks and applied the water temperatures of 10, 15, 20, and 25℃ through the liquid cooling garments in a hot and humid environment (33℃ air temperature and 70% RH air humidity). A healthy young male participated in a total of 16 experimental trials (four cooling garments × four cooling temperatures) with the following protocol: 10-min rest, 40-min exercise on a treadmill and 10-min recovery. The results showed that rectal temperature, mean skin temperature, and ratings of perceived exertion during exercise; heart rate and diastolic blood pressure during recovery; and total sweat rate were lower for the vest condition than other garment conditions(p < .05). However, there was no differences in mean skin temperature among the four cooling garments when we compared the values converted by covering area(%BSA). When we classified the results by cooling temperature, there were no consistent differences in thermoregulatory and cardiovascular responses among the four temperatures, but 25℃ water temperature was evaluated as being the most ineffective cooling temperature in terms of subjective responses. In conclusion, the results indicated that wearing cooling vest with < 20℃ cooling temperature can alleviate heat strain of workers in hot and humid environments. If the peripheral body regions are cooled with liquid cooling garments, larger cooling area with lower cooling temperature than 10℃ would be effective to reduce heat strain of workers. Further studies with a vaild number of subjects are required.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.196-204
• /
• 2020

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitations associated with chronic inflammatory response due to noxious particles or gases in the lung. Increasing oxidative stress associated with COPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influencing factors of biomarkers for oxidative stress in retired miners with COPD. Methods: The levels of total peroxide(TPx), total antioxidant capacity(TAC), and oxidative stress index(TPx/TAC ratio, OSI) in plasma as biomarkers for oxidative stress, serum C-reactive protein(CRP) as a biomarker for inflammation, and general characteristics were measured in 93 male subjects with COPD. COPD was defined as post bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC<0.7 by spirometry. Results: Mean levels of TPx(p=0.013), TAC(p=0.010), OSI(p=0.040), and CRP(p=0.024) were higher in current smokers. Levels of TPx(β=0.445, p<0.001), TAC(β=0.490, p<0.001), and OSI(β=0.351, p<0.001) were related to CRP levels, and CRP levels were related to %FEV₁ predicted(β=-0.295, p=0.003) and current smoking(β=0.214, p=0.032). Conclusions: These results suggest that oxidative stress was related to inflammation, and inflammation were related to decreasing %FEV₁ predicted and current smoking in retired miners with COPD.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.232-235
• /
• 2018

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the heat stress and semen quality among male workers in a steel industry in Iran and investigate the relationship between heat stress indices and semen parameters. Methods: The study was conducted on workers exposed (n = 30) and unexposed (n = 14) to heat in a steel industry. After obtaining a brief biography of the selected employees, scrotal temperature, oral temperature, and environmental parameters were measured, and their semen samples were analyzed according to the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization. The heat stress indices, including wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and predicted heat strain (PHS), in their workplace were calculated according to environmental parameters (ISO 7243:1989 and 7933:2004, respectively). Results: Time-weighted averages of WBGT and PHS ($35.76^{\circ}C$ and 491.56 $w/m^2{\frac{w}{m^2}}$, respectively) for the exposed group were higher than threshold limit values. The mean difference of environmental, physiological, and semen parameters (exception: pH of semen), and also WBGT and PHS indices were statistically significant (p < 0.05) between the two groups. Mean semen parameters were in the normozoospermic range. WBGT and PHS indices showed significantly "negative" correlation with physiological parameters (scrotal and oral temperature) and most semen parameters (semen volume, sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm count; p < 0.05); moreover, the correlation of WBGT with these parameters was stronger than PHS. Conclusion: Semen parameters of the studied workers exposed to heat were in the borderline level of normozoospermic range, and their semen parameters were significantly lower than controls. For better assessment of occupational environment concerning physiological and semen parameters in steel industries, WBGT can be a more useful index.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
• /
• v.18 no.8
• /
• pp.281-291
• /
• 2020

This study identifies the factors influencing Quality of Life (QoL) in both male and female workers with diabetes mellitus and examines the differences between them. Using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for 2010-2017, 1693 workers (1082 males; 611 females), aged 19 or over, with diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the study. Data were analyzed by complex sample linear regression using SPSS/WIN 23.0. The factors influencing QoL differed between males and females. The common factors included household income, education, job, stress, disease duration, and disease complications. The additional factors in males included working style, and, in females included age, marital status, drinking habits, and the treatment and control of the disease. Males had a higher QoL than females in all the sub-factors. Patients with diabetes mellitus require gender-specific intervention and governmental and social policies that can support it must be developed.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.314-322
• /
• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine associations between job stress and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMS) in street sanitation workers. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 87 male street sanitation workers at E Gu in Seoul. The Job stress and WRMS were measured by using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form and the KOSHA GUIDE H-9-2012 instrument, respectively. The WRMS was evaluated according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health criteria. Results: The participants reported greater levels of insufficient job control and interpersonal conflict than the general Korean population. Of the participants, 44.8% reported WRMS at any body parts. Specifically, 28.7% reported WRMS at upper parts, while 16.5% reported WRMS at lower parts. Compared to low levels of job demand, its high levels were significantly associated with WRMS at both upper and lower parts of the body (OR=3.62, 95% CI=1.15~11.38; OR=3.60, 95% CI=1.04~12.39). Compared to low levels of occupational climate, its high levels were significantly associated with WRMS at upper parts of the body (OR=3.18, 95% CI=1.22~8.26). Conclusion: Among street sanitation workers, job stress may be a correlate of WRMS. Therefore, nursing strategies for reducing job stress are needed to prevent and manage WRMS.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
• /
• v.7 no.6
• /
• pp.1463-1469
• /
• 2012

This study aims to identify the relations between self-reported symptoms of industrial workers work-related musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial factors. The subjects of the study were 120 male workers who were using the rehabilitation center of K company and they were voluntarily interviewed with a use of organized questionnaire. Except the responses from eighteen subjects whose responses were insincere and who had disorders in musculoskeletal areas, the responses of 102 ones were decided for the final analysis. The results showed that there were significant differences in self-reported symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders between the subjects according to smoking, physical burden and self-efficacy. To prevent and control work-related musculoskeletal disorders, multi-characteristic aspects of how the disorders appeared and psychological factors, in particular, self-efficacy, should be carefully considered. Then, as psychosocial factors affect musculoskeletal disorders, relations between the disorders and factors should be analysed through long-term follow-up studies, psychosocial factors should be actively intervened, and the effect should be evaluated.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.259-269
• /
• 2019

Objective: This study was conducted to prepare fundamental data and assess the relationship between level of exposure to airborne respirable dust, chest radiation findings, and the results of pulmonary function tests among workers in a cloth manufacturing factory. Methods: The number of total subjects was 144 (124 female and 20 male) workers in a cloth manufacturing factory in the city of Busan. This study measured the concentration of airborne respirable dust by gravimetric analysis and performed pulmonary function testing, and got chest radiation findings from December 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017. Collected data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS statistical package program (ver. 24.0). Results: The mean concentration of respirable dust was the highest in the cutting process. The effecting factors on $FEV_1/FVC$ were age, sex, and working process. The effecting factors on chest radiation findings were doing no exercise and concentration of respirable dust. Conclusions: Based on the above results, the authors consider there to be a need to secure sufficient working space and improve the engineering systems, for example the overall or local ventilation, in order to minimize the exposure to respirable dust. Health education and health promotion activities should also be improved in order to maintain optimal health status. The authors expect further studies to be performed on pulmonary function testing, chest radiation findings, and symptoms related to pulmonary function, including continuous observation, among workers in a cloth manufacturing factory.