• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.64-74
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• 2016

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chemical exposure among workers has relevance to dyspnea using data from the $3^{rd}$ Korea Working Conditions Survey. Methods: The research subjects were 29,711 wage workers. Chemical exposures consist of four factors, (1) breathing in vapors, fumes, dust and dirt, (2) breathing in organic solvent vapors, (3) handling or touching chemicals, and (4) secondhand smoke. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between chemical exposure and dyspnea in the last 12months using proc surveylogistic in SAS 9.3 statistical software excluding people who had received a diagnosis of hypertension or obesity that can affect the respiratory distress symptoms(n=27,842). Results: Chemical exposure among workers was associated with dyspnea after adjustment for demographics and job characteristics. Prevalence of dyspnea was 4.9 per 1,000 among men and 5.8 per 1,000. Compared to a total score of 0 points of chemical exposure among workers, a total score of 1, 2-3, and 4 points tended to have increased risk of dyspnea in a dose-response manner for both men (OR=1.43, 1.93, and 4.26; P-for trend=0.002) and women(OR=1.10, 2.81, and 7.70; P-for trend=0.002). Stratified analysis by duration of current job showed that the association between chemical exposure and dyspnea tended to get stronger until 15 years and then disappeared afterwards, which reflects healthy worker survivor effect. Conclusions: We observed significant association between chemical exposure and dyspnea using the data of the $3^{rd}$ Korea Working Conditions Survey. Our results warrants providing knowledge related to chemical exposure, performing prevention activities, and creating various health policies to protect workers.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.31
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• pp.7.1-7.6
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• 2016

Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate radiation exposure resulting from the comprehensive health examinations of selected university hospital programs and to present basic data for research and management strategies on the health effects of medical radiation exposure. Methods Radiation-based diagnostic studies of the comprehensive health examination programs of ten university hospitals in Seoul, Korea, as introduced in their websites, were analyzed. The medical radiation studies of the programs were reviewed by radiologists. Only the effective doses of the basic studies were included in the analysis. The optional studies of the programs were excluded. Results Among the 190 comprehensive health examination programs, 132 programs (69.5%) included computed tomography studies, with an average of 1.4 scans. The average effective dose of radiation by program was 3.62 mSv for an intensive program for specific diseases; 11.12 mSv for an intensive program for cancer; 18.14 mSv for a premium program; and 24.08 mSv for an overnight program. A higher cost of a programs was linked to a higher effective dose (r=0.812). The effective doses of the examination programs for the same purposes differed by as much as 2.1 times by hospital. Inclusion of positron emission tomography-computed tomography was the most critical factor in determining the level of effective dose. Conclusions It was found that radiation exposure dose from comprehensive health exam programs targeted for an asymptomatic, healthy public reached between 3.6 and 24 times the annual dose limit for the general public. Relevant management policies at the national level should be provided to minimize medical radiation exposure.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.205-212
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• 2006

Objectives: In spite of the recent increased concern for Asian dust storms, there are few studies concerning how dangerous the general public recognizes these dust storms to be. This study examined the public's perceptions of the risk of the Asian dust storms and also the source of the information concerning the risk. Methods: A telephone interview survey using a standardized questionnaire was done for the adults living in Seoul and its metropolitan area from May 15th, 2003 to May 16th, 2003. The contents of the questionnaire were the sociodemographic characteristics, the perceptions of risk to the Asian dust storms, and the coping strategy of the study participants. Results: The study participants get their information on Asian dust storms mainly from TV newscasts and they have a good knowledge of them. They regard it as one of the most dangerous health risks, along with dioxin. They think that it is associated with allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma, etc. Of the 500 study participants, 201 (40.2%) persons suffered bodily discomforts during the Asian dust storm period. Conclusions: Although there are uncertainties about the health risks of Asian dust storms, the public thinks these dust storms are very dangerous to health in many ways This negative perception will not disappear easily. To fill the gap of the public's perceptions of the risk and the objective evidence of its health effects, more studies about its health effects and the methods to reduce exposure are required.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.213-225
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• 2013

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between Agent Orange exposure and self-reported diseases in Korean Vietnam veterans. Methods: A postal survey of 114 562 Vietnam veterans was conducted. The perceived exposure to Agent Orange was assessed by a 6-item questionnaire. Two proximity-based Agent Orange exposure indices were constructed using division/brigade-level and battalion/ company-level unit information. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for age and other confounders were calculated using a logistic regression model. Results: The prevalence of all self-reported diseases showed monotonically increasing trends as the levels of perceived self-reported exposure increased. The ORs for colon cancer (OR, 1.13), leukemia (OR, 1.56), hypertension (OR, 1.03), peripheral vasculopathy (OR, 1.07), enterocolitis (OR, 1.07), peripheral neuropathy (OR, 1.07), multiple nerve palsy (OR, 1.14), multiple sclerosis (OR, 1.24), skin diseases (OR, 1.05), psychotic diseases (OR, 1.07) and lipidemia (OR, 1.05) were significantly elevated for the high exposure group in the division/brigade-level proximity-based exposure analysis, compared to the low exposure group. The ORs for cerebral infarction (OR, 1.08), chronic bronchitis (OR, 1.05), multiple nerve palsy (OR, 1.07), multiple sclerosis (OR, 1.16), skin diseases (OR, 1.05), and lipidemia (OR, 1.05) were significantly elevated for the high exposure group in the battalion/company-level analysis. Conclusions: Korean Vietnam veterans with high exposure to Agent Orange experienced a higher prevalence of several self-reported chronic diseases compared to those with low exposure by proximity-based exposure assessment. The strong positive associations between perceived self-reported exposure and all self-reported diseases should be evaluated with discretion because the likelihood of reporting diseases was directly related to the perceived intensity of Agent Orange exposure.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.367-375
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• 2000

The purpose of this study is to announce the present condition, walking training, and adaptable training of a limb amputated patient. The study is a successful report of the limb amputated patient through the medical treatment of the physical therapy. A cause of the limb amputated patient, a truck driver, was that the patient was hit by a train when the driver alight from the truck. Then, the driver was surgical operated on left AK (Above Knee) amputation and left AE (Above Elbow) amputation by orthopedics at the Young Dong Severance Hospital on Dec.7, 1996. Two weeks after the operation (Dec., 22, 1996), the patient was trained at the Yonsei Medical Center Physical Therapy Hospital for the walking and temper adjust training. It was possible to do a flat surface walking and a slope surface walking without helping due to the patients optimistic personal character and motivation. However, the patient struggled to a dull surface walking and his weak endurance. the patient has several problems when the patient wears artificial legs and hands, fears on fall down, and mentally worries on noise when he walks. It is necessary to approach for this problems by many fields of the helpers, such as Rehabilitation medical doctor, physical therapist, occupational therpist, artificial limbs makers, psychologists, and etc. Therefore, in order for recovering from the amputated parts function after the surgical operation, more approved reports have to be for the amputated patients due to increasing traffic accidents, industrial disaster, cancer, diabetes, obstacles of the peripheral nervous system, and etc.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.387-395
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• 2011

Purpose: This study measured the burden of disease in Korea related to outdoor air pollution using disability-adjusted life year (DALY). Materials and Methods: As a risk factor of outdoor air pollution, particulate matter with a diameter less than 10 ${\mu}m$($PM_{10}$) was used. First, $PM_{10}$-related diseases and their relative risk (RR) were selected by means of a literature review. Second, population attributable fractions were computed by using formulae including RR and population exposure to $PM_{10}$. Third, DALYs of $PM_{10}$-related diseases in Korea were estimated. Finally, the attributable burden of disease due to $PM_{10}$ was measured as the sum of the products that multiplied the DALYs of $PM_{10}$-related diseases by their population attributable fractions. Results: The disease burden of PM10 was 6.9 DALY per 1,000 persons in 2007. The attributable burden of $PM_{10}$ was 2.68 for lung cancer, 2.41 for COPD, 0.62 for ischemic heart disease, 0.61 for pneumonia, 0.55 for asthma, and 0.03 for preterm. Conclusions: This study showed the environmental burden of disease of $PM_{10}$ and burden of $PM_{10}$-related disease through objective data. It also suggested that active efforts are needed to continuously measure and reduce the burden of environmental diseases in Korea.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.105-113
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• 2014

Objectives: It is necessary to apply quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) for the various chemicals with insufficient toxicity data that are used in the workplace, based on the precautionary principle. This study aims to find application plan of QSAR software tool for predicting health hazards such as genetic toxicity, and carcinogenicity for some chemicals used in the electronics industries. Methods: Toxicity prediction of 21 chemicals such as 5-aminotetrazole, ethyl lactate, digallium trioxide, etc. used in electronics industries was assessed by Toxicity Prediction by Komputer Assisted Technology (TOPKAT). In order to identify the suitability and reliability of carcinogenicity prediction, 25 chemicals such as 4-aminobiphenyl, ethylene oxide, etc. which are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) were selected. Results: Among 21 chemicals, we obtained prediction results for 5 carcinogens, 8 non-carcinogens and 8 unpredictability chemicals. On the other hand, the carcinogenic potential of 5 carcinogens was found to be low by relevant research testing data and Oncologic TM tool. Seven of the 25 carcinogens (IARC Group 1) were wrongly predicted as non-carcinogens (false negative rate: 36.8%). We confirmed that the prediction error could be improved by combining genetic toxicity information such as mutagenicity. Conclusions: Some compounds, including inorganic chemicals and polymers, were still limited for applying toxicity prediction program. Carcinogenicity prediction may be further improved by conducting cross-validation of various toxicity prediction programs, or application of the theoretical molecular descriptors.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.144-153
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• 1991

This study was conducted to evaluate worker exposure to airborne asbestos fibers by industry, and to evaluate polarized-light microscopy for determining airborne asbestos fibers. A total of 11 plants including asbestos textile, brake-lining manufacturing, slate manufacturing, and automobile maintenance shops were investigated. Rsults of the study are summarized as follows. 1. Worker exposure levels to airborne asbestos fibers were the highest in asbestos textile industry, followed by brake-lining manufacturing, slate manufacturing, and automobile maintenance shops, in order. In asbestos textile industry, large variation of asbestos levels was found by plants. The worst plant indicated airborne fiber concentrations in excess of 10 fibers/cc, however, the best plant showed concentrations within 0.50 fibers/cc. 2. Characterization of airborne fibers by industry indicated that fibers from asbestos textile industry were the longest with the largest aspect ratio. Fibers from automobile maintenance shops were the shortest with the smallest aspect ratio. Based on characteristics of fibers and the highest levels of concentrations, it is concluded that workers in the asbestos textile industry are exposed to the highest risk of producing asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. 3. Result s obtained using polarized-light microscopy were $43.7{\pm}12.3%$ of the results obtained using phase contrast microscopy. This may be resulted from the worse resolution of polarized-light microscopy than that of phase contrast microscopy. Based on the results, it is recommended that polarized-light microscopy be used for mainly bulk sample analyses and further study be performed to improve the method for determining airborne samples. However, polarized-light microscopy can be used for determining thick fibers.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.282-288
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• 2007

그 동안 많은 역학연구를 통해서 금속가공유(metalworking fluid, MWFs) 노출과 여러 조직에서 암 발생 위험과의 관계를 밝혔지만, 금속가공유 종류(비수용성, 수용성, 합성, 준합성)별로 구분된 위험은 아직 완전하게 규명되지 않았다. 역학조사에서 금속가공유 노출을 대체할 수 있는 인자(surrogate)로서 정성적(qualitative), 명목적(ordinal) 혹은 준정량적인(semi-quantitative) 변수들(금속가공유에 대한 노출 유무, 노출 정도: 높음, 낮음 등, 직업 유무, 근무기간 등)을 이용하여 금속가공유 노출을 평가하였다. 이러한 노출평가방법은 기본적으로 금속가공유 노출 강도(intensity)가 고려되지 않을 뿐만 아니라 노출 분류 오류(misclassification)도 항상 존재할 수 있어 금속가공유 노출은 물론이고 종류별 위험을 밝히기 어렵다. 일부 역학연구에서 금속가공유 종류별 누적 노출양(cumulative exposure level)과 암위험과의 관계를 밝혔다. 이러한 연구결과들은 모두 금속가공유 종류별로 과거노출을 추정할 수 있는 자료(정량적인 노출평가자료, 과거직업력, 취급했던 금속가공유 종류 등)가 잘 기록되어 있는 1개의 대규모 자동차공장에서 나온 것들이다. 따라서 금속가공유에 대한 노출자료가 부족하고 사용특성에 대한 기록이 없거나 부족한 일반 인구나 산업을 대상으로 한 역학연구에서는 금속가공유의 종류별 위험을 밝히는것은 불가능하다. 금속가공유 종류별로 과거 노출에 대한 확률(probability)을 추정하는데 일반적으로 활용할 수 있는 노출확률 메트릭스를 개발하는 것이 필요하다.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.82-98
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• 2007

This study aimed to analyze the factors that influence the job satisfaction of nurses involved in medical insurance reviews. The study involved a self-administered questionnaire survey which was conducted with to 297 nurses who were in charge of medical insurance reviews between April 10 and April 28, 2000. The average job satisfaction of the subjects was 3.04. The sub-items of job satisfaction were noted to be high for 'professional status'(3.79) and low for wage (2.46). The job satisfaction of subjects showed statistically significant differences with regard to education, career, and volume of service(p<0.05). The average job stress of subjects was 2.57. The sub-items of job stress included problems pertaining to human relationships problem(2.84), conflicts with doctors at work (2.79), and the burden of excessive workloads(2.79), in that order. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that job satisfaction was significantly low when the job stress was higher. It also showed that the job satisfaction was significantly high as there was more frequency of judgements and higher education. These results suggest that the job stress of nurses involved in medical insurance reviews has a profound impact on their job satisfaction. Therefore, the efforts should be made to reduce their job stress. It may also be beneficial to reinforce the training with the doctors and nurses in order to improve their communication skills. Disseminating more information about insurance standards may also be considered.