Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume 16 (2); June 2004

Case Report

Occupational Allergic Contact Dermatitis Like Erythema Multiforme Induced by Bolivian Rosewood: Joo Youn Shin, Yun Chul Hong, Jong Han Leem, Shin Goo Park, Jee Na Lee, Hwan Chul Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):220-226. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.220

BACKGROUND
Woods are capable of causing allergic or irritant contact dermatitis which typically occurs on exposed areas. Because Bolivian rosewood exclusively contains the strong sensitizer R-3,4-dimethoxydalbergione, an increasing number of cases of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis has been reported.
CASE
REPORT: A 49-year-old, male, wood worker, who handled a variety of woods, developed allergic contact dermatitis. A patch test confirmed a positive reaction to one of the exotic woods, Bolivian rosewood. Allergens found in Bolivian rosewood caused this patient's dermatitis, which cleared when he avoided this wood.
CONCLUSION
Exotic woods such as Bolivian rosewood can induce occupational contact dermatitis. Measures to lower the incidence of work-related dermatitis are needed in the workplace. Especially, when cutting or sanding woods, workers should wear proper personal protection.

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Occupational Skin Diseases in Korea
Yeon-Soon Ahn, Min-Gi Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S46. CrossRef

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Case Report

A Case of Toxic Hepatitis in a Worker Exposed to a Cleansing Agent Mainly Composed of Methylene Chloride: Bong Goo Ha, Jin Seok Kim, Jay Young Yu, Kuck Hyun Woo, Jung Oh Ham, Seong Yong Yoon, Yong Seok Jang, Sang Je Jung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):210-219. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.210

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To report a case of toxic hepatitis in a worker exposed to a cleansing agent mainly composed of methylene chloride.
METHODS
A 27-year-old female worker who had worked in an inspection and packing position of semiconductor parts in a factory using methylene chloride as a metal cleansing solvent was hospitalized due to fever, chill and generalized aches. We evaluated her with blood tests, abdominal ultrasonographic scan and abdominal CT scan and also took her occupational history.
RESULTS
The patient showed acute hepatitis in blood and radiologic tests after admission. The serologic tests for viral hepatitis A, B, C and autoimmune hepatitis were negative. She had no history of significant alcohol use, recent medication or drug allergy. After admission, her symptoms were improved and liver enzyme levels(AST and ALT) were markedly reduced. She returned to her workplace after discharge. Thereafter, however, her previous symptoms were recurred and she was hospitalized again 2 days after returning to her workplace. After this second admission, she showed acute hepatitis in blood tests and her symptoms were improved and liver enzyme levels were markedly reduced with the same pattern as those of the first admission. On the 11th day of the second admission, liver enzyme levels were normalized and she was discharged from hospital.
CONCLUSIONS
We presume that this patient`s liver injury was related to the methylene chloride presence at her workplace due to her clinical symptoms, blood tests, radiologic tests and occupational history.

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Death Due to Acrylic Adhesive (Dichloromethane): A Case Report
Ho Bong Hyun, Jo Youn Park, Hyeong Sin Park, Jeong Hyun Hong, Myung Guon Ko, Hyun Wook Kang, Hyoung Soo Lim
Korean Journal of Legal Medicine.2022; 46(4): 133. CrossRef
A case report of toxic hepatitis caused by chloroform in automotive parts manufacturer coating process
Jong Hyun Hwang, Jung Il Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupational Hepatic Disorders in Korea
Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Tae Woo Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S36. CrossRef

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Original Article

Associations of ALAD Genotype with Renal Function Indices in Lead Workers: Sung Soo Lee, Jin Ho Kim, Nam Soo Kim, Hwa Sung Kim, Kyu Dong Ahn, Byung Kook Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):200-209. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.200

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
delta-Aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) is a polymorphic enzyme that has two alleles, ALAD1 (ALAD1-1 as genotype) and ALAD2 (ALAD1-2 or ALAD2-2 as genotype). ALAD genotype has been reported to modify the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of lead. The authors investigated the influence of ALAD genotype polymorphism on renal function in lead workers METHODS: We studied 935 male lead workers and 87 male non-lead workers in the same industries. For cross-sectional renal indices, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, serum uric acid and urine total protein were selected. Blood lead level was also measured an index of lead exposure. Information on weight, age, job duration, and smoking and drinking habits was collected.
RESULTS
Whereas the mean blood lead level of lead workers was 25.4+/-10.9 microgram/dL, that of non-lead workers in the same premise was 10.1+/-2.8 microgram/dL, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. Whereas the prevalence of the variant allele, ALAD2 in 935 lead workers was 10.6%, that in 87 non-lead workers was 4.6%. However there was no difference of prevalence between the two groups. The mean blood lead level of subjects with ALAD1 was 23.9+/-11.4 microgram/dL, which was slightly lower than that of subjects with ALAD2 (25.8+/-10.7 microgram/dL). However, this difference was not statistically significant. After adjustment for the covariates, the subjects with ALAD2 allele were 12.8% less likely to have a median value or more of BUN than subject with ALAD1. The adjusted odds ratio was 0.59 (95% confidence interval; 0.38-0.91). After adjustment for the covariates, the subjects with ALAD2 allele were 9.3% less likely to have a median value or more of serum creatinine than subject with ALAD1. The adjusted odds ratio was 0.64 (95% confidence interval; 0.41-0.98).
CONCLUSIONS
From the above results, it was found that the variant allele, ALAD2 appeared to modify the association of lead and renal function, and that ALAD2 genotype may be supportive for the protective effect of lead.

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Effects of Factors Associated with Urine Hippuric Acid Correction Values in Urinary Creatinine by HPLC and Jaffe Method and Specific Gravity HPLC Jaffe Method
Key-Young Kim, Jong-Gyu Kim, Ki-Nam Yoon, Wha-Me Park, Hun-Hee Park
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(4): 493. CrossRef
Environmental Exposure to Lead (Pb) and Variations in Its Susceptibility
Jina Kim, Youngeun Lee, Mihi Yang
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C.2014; 32(2): 159. CrossRef

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Original Article

Prevalence of Occupational Asthma in TDI-Exposed Workers: Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Cheol Woo Kim, Yun Chul Hong, Hyung Joon Chun, Chi Nyon Kim, Hyun Soo Kim, Jee Na Lee, Joo Yeon Shin, Dong Hee Koh, Jaehoon Roh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):191-199. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.191

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of isocyanate-induced occupational asthma in toluene diisocyanate (TDI) exposed workers.
METHODS
We examined 170 workers who had been directly exposed to TDI through a medical questionnaire, physical examination, and pulmonary function test. Based on screening examination, workers with suspected occupational asthma were selected for further evaluation such as methacholine and TDI challenge tests.
RESULTS
Eleven (6.9%) among 170 workers complained of symptoms of occupational asthma, and 7 among these 11 symptomatic workers showed positive responses to the methacholine challenge test (4.1%). One spray painter was confirmed as having the TDI induced occupational asthma following a positive response to TDI challenge test.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of TDI-induced asthma was at 0.58% was lower than that for former studies (2-20%). Improved workplace environment, lower level of TDI exposure compared to the past, and the healthy workers effect may have contributed to this low rate of asthma prevalence in workers with TDI exposure.

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Original Article

Effects of Familiarity with Computer and Type of Keyboard on Computerized Neurobehavioral Performance Tests: Man Joong Jeon, Chang Yoon Kim, Jong Hak Chung, Woo Taek Lim, Joon Sakong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):178-190. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.178

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
A stratified cross-over study was conducted to evaluate the effects of familiarity with computer on the performance of computerized neurobehavioral tests. Effects of keyboard type on the relationship between familiarity with computer and performance of computerized neurobehavioral tests were also examined.
METHODS
We tested 70 persons classified into three groups according to degree of familiarity with computer: Group 1 was people with no computer competency, Group 2 had slight working experience on the computer, and Group 3 were highly competent and efficient on the computer. For each group, we executed 4 tests of the Korean version of the Swedish Performance Evaluation System (Simple Reaction Time, Addition, Symbol Digit, and Finger Tapping Speed). Three types of keyboard were applied for all three groups. Type 1 keyboard was a conventional layout with 106 keys. We removed the unused keys except for the 17 which were used in the test and remodeled the normal keyboard into Type 2 keyboard with 17 keys (10 numeric keys, 4 arrow keys, space bar, and both Ctrl keys). Type 3 keyboard with 11 keys consisted of 10 numeric keys and the space bar was newly developed for the computerized neurobehavioral performance test.
RESULTS
It was found that Simple Reaction Time, Addition, and Finger Tapping Speed were not affected by familiarity with computer and type of keyboard. The mean reaction time of Symbol Digit adjusted by age and educational level with Type 1 keyboard was found to have significant difference among the three groups (F=3.347, p=0.041). The performance of Symbol Digit in Group 1 was found to be significantly lower than that in Group 2. The performances of Symbol Digit measured with Types 2 and 3 keyboards were not found to have significant differences among the three groups. In Groups 1 and 3, the performances of Symbol Digit measured with Type 1 keyboard were found to be significantly lower than those of other keyboards.
CONCLUSIONS
According to the above results, Simple Reaction Time, Addition, and Finger Tapping Speed have high priority over other neurobehavioral tests for the workers having varying degrees of computer familiarity. It is also suggested that familiarity with computer and keyboard type needs to be considered in interpretation of the performance of Symbol Digit. We recommended executing the computerized neurobehavioral test with keyboards 2 or 3 to reduce the effect of computer familiarity.

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Performance assessment on the Korean Computerized Neurobehavioral Test using a mobile device and a conventional computer: an experimental study
Young Seok Byun, Sung Kyu Park, Joon Sakong, Man Joong Jeon
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Effects of computer familiarity and computer type on the performance of Korean computerized neurobehavioral test
Nak Joon Baek, Gun Il Park, Young Seok Byun, Man Joong Jeon, Joon Sakong
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2016;[Epub] CrossRef
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Tae-Hoon Kim, Man-Joong Jeon, Joon Sakong
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Choong Ryeol LEE, Kyoung Sook JEONG, Yangho KIM, Cheol In YOO, Ji Ho LEE, Young Hee CHOI
INDUSTRIAL HEALTH.2005; 43(2): 320. CrossRef

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Original Article

Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Related Factors for Nurses and Radiological Technologists Wearing a Lead Apron for Radiation Protection: Jung Im Yoo, Jung Wan Koo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):166-177. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.166

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To determine the complaint rates of musculoskeletal symptoms and understand the related factors of musculoskeletal symptoms in nurses and radiological technologists wearing a lead apron for radiation protection.
METHOD
The study subjects were 192 nurses and radiological technologists who work at the cardiac catheterization room or angioroom in the department of radiology. A self-recording questionnaire was used to investigate the general characteristics, occupational characteristics, characteristics related to wearing a lead apron, and subjective musculoskeletal symptoms designed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
RESULTS
Complaint rates of musculoskeletal symptoms by NOISH were 51.0% in the upper /lower back, 49.0% in the shoulder, and 47.9% in the leg/knee/ankle. From multiple logistic regression analysis, musculoskeletal symptoms of the shoulder were influenced by two-piece type apron and long time wearing an apron, symptoms of upper/lower back by long time wearing an apron, sex, higher average working hours per a day and short resting time, symptoms of leg/knee/ankle by long time wearing an apron, working career at the present department (cardiac catheterization room or angioroom) and short resting time.
CONCLUSION
The complaint rates of the musculoskeletal symptoms were affected by the characteristics of wearing a lead apron for radiation protection such as wearing time and apron type. Therefore, it is suggested that the workers who are wearing an apron need the proper wearingtime and resting time, and suitable apron type and size for the body.

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Dae-Ho Kim, Sang-Hyun Kim
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Jae-Hwan Cho, Moo-Seong Cho, Jae-Ouk Ahn
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Original Article

Work Related Factors Affecting Perceived Fatigue in Male Metal Assemblers: Jun Ho Jang, Dongmug Kang, Sang Baek Koh, Jungwon Kim, Byung Mann Cho, Su Ill Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):155-165. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.155

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To find work related factors affecting perceived fatigue among male metal product assemblers.
METHODS
The study subjects were metal product assemblers from three metal product companies (476 car parts assemblers, 610 car engine assemblers, 454 ship engine assemblers). From the total of 1,540 subjects, 1,136 (73.8%) were included and 38 respondents with insufficient replies were excluded. Associations between fatigue score and other variables (general characteristics, job related factors, workload, job stresses) were investigated in terms of the concept of multidimensional fatigue construct by self administered questionnaire. Using MFS (Multidimensional Fatigue Scale), JCQ (Job Content Questionnaire), and Borg's scale, we estimated the fatigue, job stress, and workload, respectively. Fatigue score was estimated by 'sum of fatigue' in MFS. Associations were tested by linear regression analysis using SAS v.8.0.
RESULTS
In this study, the fatigue related factors were older age, longer working hours per week, higher workload, higher job demand, lower decision latitude, and lower supervisor support.
CONCLUSIONS
Prolonged working hours, higher workload, higher job demand, poor supervisor support and lower decision latitude were fatigue related factors among the male metal product assemblers of this study.

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Original Article

Analysis of Occupational Diseases Compensated with the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance from 2001 to 2003: Yeon Soon Ahn, Seong Kyu Kang, Kwang Jong Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):139-154. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.139

Abstract PDF

AIMS: The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of the occupational diseases compensated with the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance that is operated by the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation (KLWC).
METHODS
Using the KLWC database, we collected 4,240 cases of compensated occupational disease occurring between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2003. We analyzed the characteristics (sex, age, type of occupational disease, exposure material, type of industry and occupation, etc.) of occupational diseases using the KLWC electronic data and compensated with the data of claimed cases investigated by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA).
RESULTS
KLWC approved 4,240 cases, including 1,199 deaths (28.3%). Men accounted for 92.6% (3,925 cases) of the approved cases. The most common age group was 50-59 years of age (n=1,433, 33.8%). The majority of diseases were respiratory diseases (2,906 cases, 68.5%), occupational hearing loss (687 cases, 16.2%), infectious disease (238 cases, 5.6%), intoxication (117 cases, 2.8%), skin diseases (111 cases, 2.6%) and cancer (41 cases, 1.0%). The causal hazardous agents were dust (2,870 cases, 67.7%), physical agents (770 cases, 18.2%), biological agents (301 cases, 7.1%), chemical agents (242 cases, 5.7%), and heavy metals (51 cases, 1.2%). The major types of industry were mining and quarrying (2,708 cases, 63.9%), manufacturing (1,112 cases, 26.2%), health and social work (159 cases, 3.8%) and construction (63 cases, 1.5%). The type of occupation included craft and related trades workers (2,622 cases, 61.8%), elementary occupations (730 cases, 17.2%), senior officials and managers (327 cases, 7.7%) and plant and machine operators and assemblers (225 cases, 5.3%).
CONCLUSIONS
We were able to elucidate the kinds of occupational disease and the characteristics of workers through this study. Many compensation cases occurred among non-manufacturing and non-mining workers, especially health care workers, and there were various kinds of disease. This suggests that a management policy must be established to prevent occupational diseases occurring among workers in the above types of industry.

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WOORIM KIM, YOUNG CHOI, TAE-HOON LEE, SUK-YONG JANG, KYU-TAE HAN, EUN-CHEOL PARK
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Jun-Pyo Myong, Yeon-Soon Ahn, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Youn Jeong Kim, Chung Yill Park, Jung-Wan Koo
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health.2013; 19(4): 344. CrossRef
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Kyung-Taek Rim
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Occupational Lymphohematopoietic Cancer in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Won Jin Lee, Mia Son, Seong-Kyu Kang
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Occupational Respiratory Cancer in Korea
Hye-Eun Lee, Hyoung Ryoul Kim
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Infectious Diseases among Healthcare Workers
Yeon-Soon Ahn
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2010; 53(6): 454. CrossRef
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Dae-Seong Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
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Occupational Psychiatric Disorders in Korea
Kyeong-Sook Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
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Occupational Skin Diseases in Korea
Yeon-Soon Ahn, Min-Gi Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S46. CrossRef
Occupational Hepatic Disorders in Korea
Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Tae Woo Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S36. CrossRef
Mycobacterial infections in coal workers’ pneumoconiosis patients in South Korea
Young Mi Kim, Myungshin Kim, Seong Keun Kim, Kyoungsil Park, Song-Hyo Jin, Ui Sun Lee, Yonggoo Kim, Gue Tae Chae, Seong-Beom Lee
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases.2009; 41(9): 656. CrossRef
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Original Article

Relationship of Biological Indices of Manganese with Pallidal Index on MRI in Liver Cirrhotics: Younghee Choi, Neung Hwa Park, Jung Woo Shin, Hyo Kyung Kim, Sung Ryul Kim, Tae Heum Jeong, Ji Kang Park, Hun Lee, Cheol In Yoo, Choong Ryeol Lee, Ji Ho Lee, Yangho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):129-138. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.129

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to clarify which biological manganese exposure indices reflect the pallidal signal intensities in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in liver cirrhotics.
METHODS
We examined whole blood, plasma, RBC and urinary manganese concentrations, as well as, brain MRI in 22 cirrhotic patients and 10 healthy controls. From MRI scans we calculated the signal intensity of the globus pallidus using the pallidal index (PI), the ratio of the globus pallidus to subcortical frontal white-matter signal intensity in axial T1-weighted MRI planes multiplied by 100. In addition, we studied the relationships between PI and other measurements.
RESULTS
The high signal intensity in the globus pallidus on T1-weighted MRI was observed in 18 (81.8%) patients. There was a significant correlation between whole blood and RBC manganese concentration, and PI on MRI. According to multiple linear regression, whole blood and RBC manganese concentration reflected PI on MRI better the other indices did.
CONCLUSIONS
Whole blood and RBC manganese concentrations could be useful as biological manganese exposure indices that reflect PI on MRI.

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Original Article

Assessment of Neurobehavioral Performance Among Rotogravure Printing Workers Exposed to Toluene: Soo Young Chung, Seong Kyu Kang, Dae seong Kim, Se Hoon Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):115-128. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.115

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The aims of this study were to investigate the occupational exposure level to toluene among rotogravure printers and neurobehavioral effects among them.
METHODS
Fifty rotogravure printers and 147 controls participated in this study. Environmental and biological monitoring was performed for the investigation of toluene exposure level, and neurobehavioral performance test were performed by using the Behavioral Assessment and Research System with Korean language instructions(BARS-K).
RESULTS
The major results were as follows; 1. Geometric mean toluene concentrations in the ambient air of 5 rotogravure printing workplaces were 10.5 (GSD 5.9)~181.9 (GSD 17.7), with a grand total of 56.7 (GSD60.9) ppm. 2. The geometric mean urinary hippuric acid level for rotogravure printers of 5 workplaces were 0.31 (GSD 0.11)~5.14 (GSD 0.55), with the grand total of 1.87 (GSD 2.06) g/g creatinine. 3. There was a linear correlation between hippuric acid levels in urine and the exposed toluene in air: urine hippuric acid (g/g creatinine)=0.03 toluene (ppm) + 0.15 (r=0.899, p<0.01, n=50). 4. After adjustment for confounders, significant associations were found between toluene exposure and Digit span forwards, Digit span backwards, Tapping preferred hand, Symbol digit and Selective attention trials.
CONCLUSIONS
1. Rotogravure printers were occupationally exposed to relatively high concentration to toluene, and their neurobehavioral performances were decreased. 2. The BARS neurobehavioral testing program, which minimizes the use of text in the instructions, was very effective in overcoming the cultural barriers in neurobehavioral testing.

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Mansour A. Balkhyour, Radhouane Chakroun, Faycal Faidi
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences.2023; 30(2): 103538. CrossRef

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