• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제5권2호
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• pp.106-111
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• 2014

Background: The manufacture of paint involves a variety of processes that present with medical hazards. Safety initiatives are hence introduced to limit hazard exposures and promote workplace safety. This aim of this study is to assess the use of available control measures/initiatives in selected paint factories in Lagos West Senatorial District, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 400 randomly selected paint factory workers were involved in the study. A well-structured World Health Organization standard questionnaire was designed and distributed to the workers to elicit information on awareness to occupational hazards, use of personal protective devices, and commonly experienced adverse symptoms. Urine samples were obtained from 50 workers randomly selected from these 400 participants, and the concentrations of the heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium) were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: The results show that 72.5% of the respondents are aware of the hazards associated with their jobs; 30% have had formal training on hazards and safety measures; 40% do not use personal protective devices, and 90% of the respondents reported symptoms relating to hazard exposure. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mean heavy metal concentrations in the urine samples obtained from paint factory workers as compared with nonfactory workers. Conclusion: The need to develop effective frameworks that will initiate the integration and ensure implementation of safety regulations in paint factories is evident. Where these exist, there is a need to promote adherence to these practice guidelines.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.303-308
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• 2023

Background: Occupational workers at altitudes are more prone to falls, leading to catastrophic outcomes. Acrophobia, height-related anxiety, and affected executive functions lead to postural instabilities, causing falls. This study investigated the effects of repeated virtual height exposure and training on cognitive processing and height-related anxiety. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy volunteers (age 20.48 ± 1.26 years; mass 69.52 ± 13.78 kg) were recruited and tested in seven virtual environments (VE) [ground (G), 2-story altitude (A1), 2-story edge (E1), 4-story altitude (A2), 4-story edge (E2), 6-story altitude (A3), and 6-story edge (E3)] over three days. At each VE, participants identified occupational hazards present in the VE and completed an Attitude Towards Heights Questionnaire (ATHQ) and a modified State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Questionnaire (mSTAIQ). The number of hazards identified and the ATHQ and mSTAIQ scores were analyzed using a 7 (VE; G, A1, A2, A3, E1, E2, E3) x 3 (DAY; DAY 1, DAY 2, DAY 3) factorial repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The participants identified the lowest number of hazards at A3 and E3 VEs and on DAY 1 compared to other VEs and DAYs. ATHQ scores were lowest at G, A1, and E1 VEs. Conclusion: Cognitive processing is negatively affected by virtual altitudes, while it improves with short-term training. The features of virtual reality, such as higher involvement, engagement, and reliability, make it a better training tool to be considered in ergonomic settings. The findings of this study will provide insights into cognitive dual-tasking at altitude and its challenges, which will aid in minimizing occupational falls.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.8-15
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• 1995

사람의 독성 영향을 평가하는데는 생체 시료중 금속의 분석이 중요한 역할을 한다. 우리 나라는 최근에 산업보건 분야에서 이 문제의 필요성이 제기되어 법적인 정도관리 제도를 도입하였다. 연은 특수건강 진단과 산업위생 정도관리 프로그램에서 표준적인 금속으로 이용된다. 과거 20 여년 동안 연중독은 중금속 중독증 발생율이 가장 높았으며 따라서 산업보건 전문기관들은 혈중연 분석의 능력은 필수적인 것으로 되어 왔다. 또한 혈중연은 연 폭로를 평가하는데 가장 중요한 지표이므로 신뢰성과 정확한 분석이 항상 요구된다. 따라서 본 연구는 우리 나라에서 비교적 잘 알려진 산업보건기관에서 혈중연 분석의 실험실간 측정치의 변동을 평가하기 위하여 축전지 제조공장의 68명 연폭로 근로자로부터 2 ml씩 2개의 시료를 채취하여 그 하나는 순천향대 산업의학연구소(SIIM)에서 분석하고 40개의 시료는 C 대학 산업의학연구소(CIIM), 그리고 나머지 28개의 시료는 일본 K 노동위생기술쎈타(JOHC)에서 분석하여 비교하였으며, 한편 일본 전국노동위생연합회(JFOHO)에서 정도관리용 우혈을 농도별로 6종을 구입하여 우리나라 정도관리 프로그램에 참여하고 있는 C 대학 산업의학연구소, 일본 K 노동위생기술쎈타, Y 대학 산업의학연구소, S 대 환경보건과, D 연구소등 6개 기관에서 분석한 결과를 비교하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 1. 순천향대 산업의학연구소와 국내 C 대학 산업의학연구소간 혈중연 농도별 분석결과는 평균값에서 유의한 차이가 없었으며 상대표준편차도 3% 미만인 것으로 나타났으며, 일본 K 노동위생기술쎈타와는 평균값에서 역시 유의한 차가 없었으며 상대표준편차는 최고 6.84% 였다. 2. 순천향대 산업의학연구소와 국내 C 대학 산업 의학연구소간 혈중연 농도별 분석결과가 15% 이하의 차이를 나타낸 시료의 수는 40개중 35개로 87.5%의 일치율을 나타내었으며, 일본 K 노동위생기술쎈타와는 28개 시료중 22개로 78.6%의 일치율을 나타내었다. 3. 순천향대 산업의학연구소의 결과를 종속변수로 그리고 국내 C 대학 산업의학연구소간의 분석치를 독립변수로 하였을 때 단순회귀식은 순천향 = 2.19 + 0.9243 C 대학(p=0.0001), 상관계수는 r = 975(p =0.0001)였으며, 일본 기관과는 순천향 = 1.91 + 0.9794 K 일본(p=0.0001), 상관계수 r = 0.965(p=0.0001)였다. 4. 일본 정도관리시료의 공인 값과 본 연구에서 이들 시료를 분석한 기관들 간의 분석치에 대한 단순회귀식의 설명력(R2)은 모두 0.99 이상이었으며 일본 정도관리 시료의 공인 값을 종속변수로 하고 국내 및 일본 기관들의 정도관리 시료 분석치를 독립변수로 하였을 때 기울기는 0.972에서 1.153으로 정체적으로 양호한 일치율을 나타내었다.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.227-235
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• 2022

Background: Abandoned metal mines are classified as vulnerable areas with the highest level of soil contamination among risk regions. People living near abandoned metal mines are at increased risk of exposure to toxic metals. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between soil contamination levels in areas around abandoned metal mine and the blood lead levels of local residents. Moreover, we assess the possibility of using soil contamination levels as a predictive indicator for human exposure level. Methods: Data from the Survey of Residents around Abandoned Metal Mines (2013~2017, n=4,421) and Investigation of Soil Pollution in Abandoned Metal Mines (2000~2011) were used. A random coefficient model was conducted for estimation of the lower level (micro data) of the local resident unit and the upper level (macro data) of the abandoned metal mine unit. Through a fitted model, the variation of blood lead levels among abandoned metal mines was confirmed and the effect of the operationally defined soil contamination level was estimated. Results: Among the total variation in blood lead levels, the variation between abandoned mines was 18.6%, and the variation determined by the upper-level factors such as soil contamination and water contamination was 8.1%, which was statistically significant respectively. There was also a statistically significant difference in the least square mean of blood lead concentration according to the level of soil contamination (p=0.047, low: 2.32 ㎍/dL, middle: 2.38 ㎍/dL, high: 2.59 ㎍/dL). Conclusions: The blood lead concentration of residents living near abandoned metal mines was significantly correlated with the level of soil contamination. Therefore, in biomonitoring for vulnerable areas, operationally defined soil contamination can be used as a predictor for human exposure level to hazardous substances and discrimination of high-risk abandoned metal mines.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• 제28권
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• pp.17.1-17.3
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• 2013

The fact that hazardous metals do not bio-degrade or bio-deteriorate translates to long-lasting environmental effects. In the context of evidently rapid global industrialization, this ought to warrant serious caution, particularly in developing countries. In the Republic of Fiji, a developing country in the South Pacific, several different environmental studies over the past 20 years have shown levels of lead, copper, zinc and iron in sediments of the Suva Harbor to be 6.2, 3.9, 3.3 and 2.1 times more than the accepted background reference levels, respectively. High levels of mercury have also been reported in lagoon shellfish. These data inevitably warrant thorough assessment of the waste practices of industries located upstream from the estuaries, but in addition, an exposure and health impact assessment has never been conducted. Relevant government departments are duty-bound, at least to the general public that reside in and consume seafood from the vicinities of the Suva Harbor, to investigate possible human effects of the elevated hazardous metal concentrations found consistently in 20 years of surface sediment analysis. Furthermore, pollution of the intermediate food web with hazardous metals should be investigated, regardless of whether human effects are eventually confirmed present or not.

• 한국안전학회지
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• 제21권5호
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• pp.12-16
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• 2006

This paper deals with the noise evaluation and noise reduction of a reciprocating air-compressor. The reciprocating air-compressor is widely used in the small and medium sized industrial firms, many employees exposed and irritated by their noise in the workplace. Thus, appropriate noise control actions should be taken to prevent hearing loss due to the its noise exposure. Lead-wrapping techniques are employed to identify the contribution of principal noise sources which are generally known to be motor, belts, suction valves, discharge valves, moving parts, and flow-induced noise caused by edges or discontinuities along the flow path including expansions, contractions, junctions and bends. As a result, the main noise sources of the air-compressor are categorized by the suction and discharge noise, valve noise, and compressed air tank noise. Based on the investigations, mufflers are designed to reduce both the suction and discharge noise and the compressed-air tank noise. Instead of the conventional valve plate, polyethylene resin is used the reduction of valve impact noise. In addition, attempts are made to reduce the valve noise propagation to the cylinder head and the compressor tank by using the insulation casings. As a result of the countermeasure plans, a noise reduction up to 10dB(A) could be achieved for the air-compressor.

• Advances in environmental research
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.31-38
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• 2022

The current observational epidemiological study analyzed blood lead levels (BLLs) in occupationally exposed workers from Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia and correlated them with the alterations in the differential cell populations of the WBC panel (lymphocytes [Lym %], mixed [Mid %] cells, and neutrophils [Neu %]). In addition, we examined the effect of confounding factors and their relation to BLLs. BLLs were estimated using the LeadCare II analyzer and hematological parameters using the ADVIA 120 analyser. An inferential analysis was conducted to detect association between the observations and the subjects' clinical characateristics. A total of 132 male subjects were included in the final analyses. Based on CDC guidelines, the subjects were categorized as Group I (BLL <10 ㎍/dL; n=118) or Group II (BLL >10 ㎍/dL; n=14) with average BLLs of 4.4 ㎍/dL and 18.1 ㎍/dL, respectively (p <0.0001). The percentages of Mid cells (p <0.0001) and neutrophils (p=0.048), were significantly altered in subjects with High BLL. A regression analysis indicated that subjects > 50 years of age had significantly higher BLLs (53.2 ㎍/dL) than younger age sub-groups (p <0.0001). Age, education, and profession were significant predictors for lead toxicity. Pb exposure is a major public health issue in Saudi Arabia and calls for further investigations on the cellular and molecular effects on hematological system.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.1-11
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• 2013

This review surveys the recent literature on the neurodevelopmental impacts of chemical exposures during pregnancy. The review focuses primarily on chemicals of recent concern, including phthalates, bisphenol-A, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and perfluorinated compounds, but also addresses chemicals with longer histories of investigation, including air pollutants, lead, methylmercury, manganese, arsenic, and organophosphate pesticides. For some chemicals of more recent concern, the available literature does not yet afford strong conclusions about neurodevelopment toxicity. In such cases, points of disagreement among studies are identified and suggestions provided for approaches to resolution of the inconsistencies, including greater standardization of methods for expressing exposure and assessing outcomes.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.76-82
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• 1978

In order to study the change of laboratory parameters of lead poisoning, 8 persona who had not been treated previously for lead poisoning (Group 1 and 6 persons who had been inadequately treated for few months for chronic lead poisoning at local clinic (Group 2) were examined. They had occupational exposure to lead for 3 to 18 years (mean, 7.6). In group 1 blood lead, urine lead, urine coproporphyrin and ${\delta}$-aminolevulinic acid levels before our treatment exceeded the critical levels of lead poisoning. In group 2 urine lead level exceeded but blood lead, urine coproporphyrin and ${\delta}$-aminolevulinic acid levels were within normal limits. All of them were treated with D-penicillamine for 4 months as inpatients at Industrial Accident Hospital. The dose of D-penicillamine was the same in all patients; 600 mg per day p.o. and the chelating agent was administer every other week. For laboratory analysis, 24 hour urine and 10 gm of whole blood were collected every 1 month on last day of non-administration period. The results were as follows: 1. It was found that urine lead level was decreased below the cirtical level of lead poisoning after 4 month's treatment with D-penicillamine and blood lead level was decreased more progressively below the critical level after 1 month treatment. 2. Urine coproporphyrin and ${\delta}$-aminolevulinic acid levels were decreased progressively to normal range after 1 month treatment. 3. Two months after treatment, blood lead, urine lead, urine coproporphyrin and ${\delta}$-aminolevulinic acid levels showed some increasing trends. 4. Urine lead level should be checked in a person who had been inadequately treated with chelating agents because blood lead, coproporphyrin and ${\delta}$-aminolevulinic acid might be in normal range.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• 제35권
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• pp.28.1-28.12
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• 2023

Background: Owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, being exposed to work from home and work during nonwork time simultaneously can lead to sleep disturbance; however, their combined effect is unclear. We aimed to investigate the combined effect of work from home and work during nonwork time on sleep disturbance. Methods: This study used data from the Sixth Korean Working Condition Survey and included 27,473 paid workers. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between work from home, work during nonwork time, and sleep disturbance according to sex. We re-classified participants into 4 groups based on their working from home (No/Yes) and working during nonwork time (No/Yes). The relative excess risk due to interaction was calculated to examine the effect of exposure to both telecommuting and non-regular work hours on sleep disturbance. Results: Workers exposed to work from home and work during nonwork time had significantly higher risks of sleep disturbance for all, men, and women workers (OR [95% CI]: 1.71 [1.46-2.02], 1.79 [1.43-2.23], and 1.64 [1.29-2.08] for work from home and 3.04 [2.70-3.42], 3.61 [3.09-4.22], and 2.41 [2.01-2.90] for work during nonwork time, respectively). Compared to those who were not exposed to both factors, when workers had both job factors, the ORs (95% CI) of sleep disturbance for all, men, and women were 3.93 (2.80-5.53), 5.08 (3.21-8.03), and 2.91 (1.74-4.87), respectively. The relative excess risk due to interaction of work from home and work during nonwork time was not significant for sleep disturbance. Conclusions: Work from home and work during nonwork time were each associated with sleep disturbance, but the interaction between the two factors on sleep disturbance was not observed in both men and women.