• Title/Summary/Keyword: Safety and Health Information

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Reactogenicity to COVID-19 vaccination in the United States of America

  • Adekunle Sanyaolu;Aleksandra Marinkovic;Stephanie Prakash;Priyank Desai;Nafees Haider;Abu Fahad Abbasi;Nasima Mehraban;Isha Jain;Amarachi Ekeh;Omar Shazley;Chuku Okorie;Verner N. Orish
    • Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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    • v.11 no.1
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    • pp.104-115
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    • 2022
  • Purpose: In the United States, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen's coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine presently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The purpose of this study is to analyze passive surveillance data on COVID-19 vaccine adverse reaction in the United States. Materials and Methods: We analyzed passive surveillance data on COVID-19 vaccine adverse reactions which were retrieved from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System database. Retrieved records on demographic information as well as the top 10 common vaccine adverse events were extracted and assessed from 200 of the most recently reported cases for the study analysis. Results: Local and systemic adverse reactions were reported in the study. A significant difference (p<0.05) was recorded for the top 10 systemic reactions by age category (0.041) and by gender (0.002). Analysis of the top five systemic reactions, stratified by vaccine type yielded a significant difference (p<0.05) for chills (p=0.044), and when stratified by age group and type of vaccination received, it yielded a significant difference (p<0.05) for fatigue (p=0.023). Overall, Pfizer had 182 persons (91.0%) reporting adverse events, Moderna with 13 (6.5%), and Janssen with 5 (2.5%). Conclusion: Mild side effects were reported following vaccination with the EUA COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Thus, continuous monitoring and reporting of all adverse events are recommended to ensure the safety of vaccination.

QSAR Approach for Toxicity Prediction of Chemicals Used in Electronics Industries (전자산업에서 사용하는 화학물질의 독성예측을 위한 QSAR 접근법)

  • Kim, Jiyoung;Choi, Kwangmin;Kim, Kwansick;Kim, Dongil
    • 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.

Development of the Educational Program for Prevention of Sexual Abuse in Children (어린이 성희롱/성폭력 예방교육 프로그램 개발)

  • 이경혜;이자형;배정이;김일옥
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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    • v.33 no.2
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    • pp.189-199
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    • 2003
  • Purpose: The purposes of this study is to develop an educational program to prevent sexual abuse of children and to improve the physical and mental health of children by providing a rape-free environment and safety education. This program will provide parents and children with information on how to prevent sexual abuse in children. Children learn specific methods to avoid being victimized both at home and outside the home through a learning game and simulation, which is based on problem solving. Method: This program was developed based on a literature reviews, surveys and negotiation process. School- aged-children, parents, and teachers were interviewed to reveal their educational needs based on their experiences related to sexual abuse. Result: This program includes useful subjects such as safety education, early detection of sexual abuse, crisis management, resource persons, and phone numbers of available hospital. Counseling is provided by researcher or by a pediatric psychiatrist if needed. Conclusion: This program could be adequately utilized for prevention of sexual abuse of children. It also will provide an intervention strategy for abused children. This educational program was distributed to all of the elementary school through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.

The implementation of Smart Care System for Dementia Patients (치매 환자를 위한 스마트 캐어 시스템 구현)

  • Ha, Eun-Sil
    • Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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    • v.15 no.6
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    • pp.3832-3840
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    • 2014
  • The rapidly aging population is also increasing the number of dementia patients rapidly. Studies have revealed the early signs of slowing progress. Therefore, dementia patient safety, continuous care, daily living, and health care are becoming more important. In this paper, a smart home care system using smart phones and Bluetooth communication technology was used to monitor the state of dementia patients of based on the results of grading dementia, health care of the dementia patients at home and provide for the safety of the system using motion sensors and gas leak sensors to respond to various emergency situations, such as fire, gas leak protection, and loitering. Using this system, the patient can stay longer in their home due to the nature of Korean culture before admission, while reducing the family's economical, physical and psychological burden and allowing the consultation of specialists through the system by building a database of individuals and providing professional service and specialty care referral agencies through the link.

Predictive Factors of Health promotion behaviors of Industrial Shift Workers (산업장 교대근무 근로자의 건강증진행위 예측요인)

  • Kim, Young-Mi
    • Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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    • v.11 no.1
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    • pp.13-30
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    • 2002
  • Industrial shift workers feels suffer mental stresses which are caused by unfamiliar day sleep, noisy environment, sleeping disorder by bright light, unusual contacts with family, difficulty in meeting with friends or having formal social meetings and other social limitations such as the use of transportation. Such stresses influence health of the workers negatively. Thus the health promotion policy for shift workers should be made considering the workers' ways of living and shift work specially. This study attempted to provide basic information for development of the health promotion program for industrial shift workers by examining predictive factors influencing health promotion behaviors of those workers. In designing the study, three power generation plants located in Pusan and south Kyungsang province were randomly selected and therefrom 280 workers at central control, boiler and turbine rooms and environmental chemistry parts whose processes require shift works were sampled as subjects of the study. Data were collected two times from September 17 to October 8, 1999 using questionnaires with helps of safety and health managers of the plants. The questionnaires were distributed through mails or direct visits. Means for the study included the measurement tool of health promotion behavior provided by Park(1995), the tool of self-efficacy measurement by Suh(1995), the tool of internal locus of control measurement by Oh(1987), the measurement tool of perceived health state by Park(1995) and the tool of social support measurement by Paek(1995). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS program. Controlling factors of the subjects were evaluated in terms of frequency and percentage ratio Perceived factors and health promotion behaviors of the subjects were done so in terms of mean and standard deviation, and average mark and standard deviation, respectively. Relations between controlling and perceived factors were analyzed using t-test and ANOVA and those between perceived factors and the performance of health promotion behaviors, using Pearson's Correlation Coefficient. The performance of health promotion behaviors was tested using t-test, ANOVA and post multi-comparison (Scheffe test). Predictive factors of health promotion behavior were examined through the Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis. Results of the study are summarized as follows. 1. The performance of health promotion behaviors by the subjects was evaluated as having the value of mean, $161.27{\pm}26.73$ points(min.:60, max.:240) and average mark, $2.68{\pm}0.44$ points(min.:1, max.:4). When the performance was analyzed according to related aspects, it showed the highest level in harmonious relation with average mark, $3.15{\pm}.56$ points, followed by hygienic life($3.03{\pm}.55$), self-realization ($2.84{\pm}.55$), emotional support($2.73{\pm}.61$), regular meals($2.71{\pm}.76$), self-control($2.62{\pm}.63$), health diet($2.62{\pm}.56$), rest and sleep($2.60{\pm}.59$), exercise and activity($2.53{\pm}.57$), diet control($2.52{\pm}.56$) and special health management($2.06{\pm}.65$). 2. In relations between perceived factors of the subjects(self-efficacy, internal locus of control, perceived health state) and the performance of health promotion behaviors, the performance was found having significantly pure relations with self-efficacy (r=.524, P=.000), internal locus of control (r=.225, P=.000) and perceived health state(r=.244, P=.000). The higher each evaluated point of the three factors was, the higher the performance was in level. 3. When relations between the controlling factors(demography-based social, health-related, job-related and human relations characteristics) and the performance of health promotion behaviors were analyzed, the performance showed significant differences according to marital status (t=2.09, P= .03), religion(F=3.93, P= .00) and participation in religious activities (F=8.10, P= .00) out of demography-based characteristics, medical examination results (F=7.20, P= .00) and methods of the collection of health knowledge and information(F=3.41, P= .01) and methods of desired health education(F=3.41, P= .01) out of health-related characteristics, detrimental factors perception(F=4.49, P= .01) and job satisfaction(F=8.41, P= .00) out of job-related characteristics and social support(F=14.69, P= .00) out of human relations characteristics. 4. The factor which is a variable predicting best the performance of health promotion behaviors by the subjects was the self-efficacy accounting for 27.4% of the prediction, followed by participation in religious activities, social support, job satisfaction, received health state and internal locus of control in order all of which totally account for 41.0%. In conclusion, the predictive factor which most influence the performance of health promotion behaviors by shift workers was self-efficacy. To promote the sense, therefore, it is necessary to develop the nursing intervention program considering predictive factors as variables identified in this study. Further industrial nurses should play their roles actively to help shift workers increase their capability of self-management of health.

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Current Status and Expectations of Orphan Drugs in Korea -In point of supplying medicines for the rare diseases- (국내 희귀의약품의 현황 및 과제 -희귀질환에 대한 의약품 공급을 중심으로)

  • Kim, Hee-Eun;Gwak, Hye-Sun
    • Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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    • v.16 no.2
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    • pp.107-112
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    • 2006
  • This study was aimed to investigate the current status and expectations of orphan drugs in Korea. The Korea Orphan Drug Center was established to supply many medicines for the patients with rare diseases. Among the medicines supplied by the Center, the number designated as the orphan drugs by the KFDA is quite few. However, a few of medicines are not under circulation even if the items are designated as the orphan drugs. Neoplasm-related medicines, infectious and parasitic disease-related medicines, endocrine, nutritional and metabolic disease-related medicines are the ones circulated most. There are several unapproved drugs among the medicines supplied by the Center. It's because the director of the Center can import the goods without a process to getting an approval from the KFDA. The Korea Orphan Drug Center has contributed to the selection of the medicines for treating the rare disease. On the contrary, some problems remain in the supply process. The safety and effectiveness of the medicines supplied by the Center are not guaranteed. So far, rare diseases have no specific legal definition, and therefore are only referred to in terms of the population of patients, which prevent from establishing the range of medicines. The introduction of Special Access Program or Access to Unapproved Therapeutic Goods will be the solution of these problems. In addition, it is another solution to keep intimate relations with the Rare and Intractable Disease Center and the Medicine Safety Information Center which will be open soon.

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Semi-Quantitative Exposure Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Wood Dust and Nasopharyngeal Cancer Risk

  • Ekpanyaskul, Chatchai;Sangrajrang, Suleeporn;Ekburanawat, Wiwat;Brennan, Paul;Mannetje, Andrea;Thetkathuek, Anamai;Saejiw, Nutjaree;Ruangsuwan, Tassanu;Boffetta, Paolo
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.16 no.10
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    • pp.4339-4345
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    • 2015
  • Occupational exposure to wood dust is one cause of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC); however, assessing this exposure remains problematic. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a semi-quantitative exposure assessment method and then utilize it to evaluate the association between occupational exposure to wood dust and the development of NPC. In addition, variations in risk by histology were examined. A case-control study was conducted with 327 newly diagnosed cases of NPC at the National Cancer Institute and regional cancer centers in Thailand with 1:1 controls matched for age, gender and geographical residence. Occupational information was obtained through personal interviews. The potential probability, frequency and intensity of exposure to wood dust were assessed on a job-by-job basis by experienced experts. Analysis was performed by conditional logistic regression and presented in odds ratio (ORs) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Overall, a non significant relationship between occupational wood dust exposure and NPC risk for all subjects was observed (ORs=1.61, 95%CI 0.99-2.59); however, the risk became significant when analyses focused on types 2 and 3 of NPC (ORs=1.62, 95%CI 1.03-2.74). The significant association was stronger for those exposed to wood dust for > 10 year (ORs=2.26, 95%CI 1.10-4.63), for those with first-time exposure at age > 25 year (ORs=2.07, 95%CI 1.08-3.94), and for those who had a high cumulative exposure (ORs=2.17, 95%CI 1.03-4.58) when compared with those considered unexposed. In conclusion, wood dust is likely to be associated with an increased risk of type 2 or 3 NPC in the Thai population. The results of this study show that semi-quantitative exposure assessment is suitable for occupational exposure assessment in a case control study and complements the information from self-reporting.

Dust Explosion Characteristics of Multi-Walled Carbon Nano Tube (다중벽 탄소나노튜브의 분진폭발 특성)

  • Han, In Soo;Lee, Keun Won;Choi, Yi Rac
    • Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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    • v.55 no.1
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    • pp.40-47
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    • 2017
  • Dust explosion hazards are always present when combustible dusts are manufactured or handled in the process. However, industries is experiencing difficulty in establishing chemical accident prevention measures because of insufficiency of information on dust explosion characteristics of combustible dust handled in industry. In this study, we investigated experimentally dust explosion characteristics of two kinds of multi-walled carbon nano tubes (MWCNT) different in particle size distribution and examined classification of dust explosion hazardous area for MWCNT manufacturing or handling process by applying the NFPA 499 code. As a result, $P_{max}$, $K_{st}$, LEL, MIE and MIT of MWCNT 1 having $124.2{\mu}m$ median diameter are obtained 6.3 bar, $56bar{\cdot}m/s$, $125g/m^3$, over 1000 mJ, and over $650^{\circ}C$. $P_{max}$, $K_{st}$, LEL, MIE and MIT of MWCNT 2 having $293.5{\mu}m$ median diameter are 6.2 bar, $42bar{\cdot}m/s$, $100g/m^3$, over 1000 mJ, and over $650^{\circ}C$, respectively. MWCNT 1, 2 are not categorized as combustible dust listed in the NFPA 499 Code for classification of dust explosion hazardous area because explosion severity and ignition sensitivity of MWCNT 1, 2 are below 0.35 and 0.01, respectively.

A Study on the Occurrences and Policy Development for Accident Prevention (한국의 사고발생 실태와 사고예방을 위한 정책 연구)

  • 이경자;이정렬;강규숙;한정석
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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    • v.25 no.2
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    • pp.362-371
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    • 1995
  • There is no national system to manage, evaluate, and analyse the information about accidents, even though it is necessary for accident prevention policies and health promotion of the general public. The existing studies are, also limited as they focus only on particular group(for example : inpatients, emergency room patients) or on particular geographic areas. Thus the results of the studies cannot be ap-plied to the general public. In order to overcome these limitations, this research focuses on data collection and analysis from accident information for the general population. By providing the analysis on types and causes af accidents, this research aims to produce the basic data necessary for accident prevention policy development. The specific aims of this research are to : 1. Analyse the actual occurrences and characteristics of accidents. 2. Suggest for the accident prevention policies and safety education. Accident report form three major newspaper printed in Korea between January 1, 1989 and December 31, 1993 were collected, and the cause, place, time, and personal injury related to the accidents were classified and then analyzed by de-scriptive statistics. The results of this research conclude : 1. The number of accidents reported by the three newspapers were 2155. 2. The highest proportion of accidents were as follows ; occurred during the June-August(31.2%), Sunday(24.8%), and 5 p.m. (7.6%) of the day. 3. The highest proportion of the accident occurred in Seoul(33. l%), Kyunggi province(14.5%), Kangwon province (7.8%), and Kyungnam prov-ince(6.7%) were next highest. 4. The main causes include car accidents(32.4%), drowning(10.9%), falls(8.8%), explosion(7.1%), and poisoning(5.8%). 5. Slightly more than half of injuries(50.5%) and about two fifths of deaths(40.3%) were caused by car accidents. Therefore, the most serious type of accidents were car accidents. 6. The number of males in accidents were almost three times higher than that of females(males 72.3%, females : 27.7%). 7. The age group from 10 to 19 years old represents the highest proportion(21%) of accidents. 8. The number of the accidents in Korea, based on the information collected from the newspapers, is estimated to be 14, 367 per year. The number of in-juries is estimated to be 88, 480 persons, and the number of deaths 29, 007 respectively. It is said that ninety percent of accidents can be prevented. Several accidents prevention policies are suggested here. 1. Safety education should be done more actively throughtout life, with special emphasis on safety education for children. 2. Safety measures for children(halmets for cycling, children car seats, seats belts, and so on) should be emphasized. 3. An injury surveillance system should be initiated. The initiation of injury reporting system in each factory and school could contribute considerably to the reduction of accidents.

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Survey on Annual Excess Trend for Permissible Exposure Limit of Trichloroethylene (트리클로로에틸렌의 허용기준 적용에 따른 연도별 초과 경향 연구)

  • Kim, Ki-Youn
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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    • v.29 no.1
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    • pp.21-26
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    • 2019
  • Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze an excess trend for domestic permissible exposure limit of trichloroethylene based on previous literature review. Materials and Methods: The research object is a trichloroethylene among 13 chemical substances regulated with PEL(Permissible Exposure Limit) in Occupational Safety and Health Act. The information utilized from this study is the work environment measurement data from 2004 to 2013. The highest level among concentration data measured at various workplaces was selected as a representative value through data process. N.D. (Not Detected) data was considered as 1/2 of LOD(Limit Of Detection). Results: Among work environment measurement data between 2004 and 2013, the highest number of excess workplace and excess rate(24 sites & 1.15%) was observed in 2008's data when applying the PEL(50 ppm) of trichloroethylene. When they are compared with the ACGIH's TLV-TWA(10 ppm), 2008's data showed the highest number of excess workplace and excess rate(175 sites & 8.37%). The number of excess workplace and excess rate related to PEL of trichloroethylene showed increase trend in 2005 but tended to decrease after 2008. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained from this study, the exposure level of trichloroethylene in case of domestic workers is not considered as a safe phase regardless of the year of work environment measurement year. Thus, a strictly preventive management in workplace should be provided for reducing exposure level of trichloroethylene.