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Lung Cancer Knowledge among Secondary School Male Teachers in Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia

  • Al-Naggar, Redhwan Ahmed;Kadir, Samiah Yasmin Abdul
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.14 no.1
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    • pp.103-109
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    • 2013
  • Background: The objective of this study is to determine knowledge about lung cancer among secondary school male teachers in Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among three secondary schools located in Kudat district, Sabah, Malaysia during the period from June until September 2012. The protocol of this study was approved by ethics committee of Management and Science University, Malaysia. The aims were explained and a consent form was signed by each participant. Respondents were chosen randomly from each school with the help of the headmasters. Self-administrated questionnaires, covering socio-demographic characteristics and general knowledge of lung cancer, were distributed. Once all 150 respondents completed the questionnaire, they passed it to their head master for collecting and recording. All the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 13. ANOVA and t-test were applied for univariate analysis; and multiple linear regression for multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 150 male secondary school teachers participated in this study. Their mean age was $35.6{\pm}6.5$ (SD); maximum 50 and minimum 23 years old. More than half of the participants were Malay and married (52%, 79%; respectively). Regarding the knowledge about lung cancer, 57.3% of the participants mentioned that only males are affected by lung cancer. Some 70.7% mentioned that lung cancer can be transmitted from one person to another. More than half (56.7%) reported that lung cancer is not the leading cause of death in Malaysian males. As for risk factors, the majority reported that family history of lung cancer is not involved. However, 91.3% were aware that cigarettes are the main risk factor of lung cancer and more than half (52%) believed that second-hand smoking is one of the risk factor of lung cancer. More than half (51.3%) were not aware that asbestos, ionizing radiation and other cancer causing substances are risk factors for lung cancer. Quitting smoking, avoiding second-hand smoking and avoiding unnecessary x-ray image of the chest (53.3%, 96.0%, 87.3%; respectively) are the main preventive measures mentioned by the participants. For the factors that influence the participants knowledge, univariate and multivariate analysis showed that only race was significant. Conclusions: Overall, the knowledge of school male teachers about lung cancer was low. However, few items were scored high: cigarettes are the main risk factor; avoiding second-hand smoking; and avoiding x-rays. Interventions to increase lung cancer awareness are needed to improve early detection behavior. Increase the price of pack of cigarettes to RM 20 and banning smoking in public places such as restaurants are highly recommended as primary preventive measures.

An Estimation of Probable Precipitation and an Analysis of Its Return Period and Distributions in Busan (부산지역 확률강수량 결정에 따른 재현기간 및 분포도 분석)

  • Lim, Yun-Kyu;Moon, Yun-Seob;Kim, Jin-Seog;Song, Sang-Keun;Hwang, Yong-Sik
    • Journal of the Korean earth science society
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    • v.33 no.1
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    • pp.39-48
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    • 2012
  • In this study, a statistical estimation of probable precipitation and an analysis of its return period in Busan were performed using long-term precipitation data (1973-2007) collected from the Busan Regional Meteorological Administration. These analyses were based on the method of probability weighted moments for parameter estimation, the goodness-of-fit test of chi-square ($x^2$) and the probability plot correlation coefficient (PPCC), and the generalized logistics (GLO) for optimum probability distribution. Moreover, the spatial distributions with the determination of probable precipitation were also investigated using precipitation data observed at 15 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) in the target area. The return periods for the probable precipitation of 245.2 and 280.6 mm/6 hr with GLO distributions in Busan were estimated to be about 100 and 200 years, respectively. In addition, the high probable precipitation for 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-hour durations was mostly distributed around Dongrae-gu site, all coastal sites in Busan, Busanjin and Yangsan sites, and the southeastern coastal and Ungsang sites, respectively.

Chemical Properties of the Metallic Elements and the Mass Concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 Observed in Busan, Korea in Springtime of 2006-2008 (2006-2008년 봄철 부산 지역 PM10과 PM2.5의 질량농도 및 금속성분의 화학적 특성)

  • Jeon, Byung-Il;Hwang, Yong-Sik
    • Journal of the Korean earth science society
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    • v.31 no.3
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    • pp.234-245
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    • 2010
  • Twenty-four hour integrated $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ samples were measured during springtime (March, April, and May) in Busan for three years from 2006 to 2008, and mass concentrations and metallic elements of measurement were analyzed to investigate temporal, spatial, chemical characteristics of the mass concentration and metallic elements in association with meteorological conditions including Asian Dust (AD) vs. non Asian Dust (NAD) seasons, and other air mass transport patterns. The result showed that $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10-2.5}$ concentrations were on average of $126.2{\pm}89.8$, $85.5{\pm}41.6$, and $40.7{\pm}54.9{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively, and the $PM_{2.5}/PM_{10}$ and $PM_{10-2.5}/PM_{2.5}$ ratios were 0.70 and 0.48, respectively. The highest concentrations of PM were observed when air parcels were originated from both northwest sector covering Beijing and west sector including Shanghai areas.

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer in the Pakistani Population

  • Luqman, Muhammad;Javed, Muhammad Mohsin;Daud, Shakeela;Raheem, Nafeesa;Ahmad, Jamil;Khan, Amin-Ul-Haq
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.15 no.7
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    • pp.3035-3039
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    • 2014
  • Background: Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in the world and both incidence and mortality rates are continuing to rise in Pakistan. However, epidemiological studies to identify common lung cancer determinants in the Pakistani population have been limited. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, 400 cases and 800 controls were enrolled from different hospitals of all provinces of Pakistan. Information about socio-demographic, occupational, lifestyle and dietary variables was extracted by questionnaire from all subjects. Odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. and dose-response associations were also assessed for suitable factors. Results: Strong associations were observed for smoking (OR=9.4, 95%CI=6.9-12.8), pesticide exposure (OR=5.1, 95%CI=3.1-8.3), exposure to diesel exhaust (OR=3.1, 95%CI=2.1-4.5), red meat consumption (OR=2.9, 95%CI=1.8-4.7) and chicken consumption (OR=2.8, 95%CI=1.7-49). Other associated factors observed were welding fumes (OR=2.5, 95%CI=1.0-6.5), sedentary living (OR=2.0, 95%CI=1.6-2.6), family history (OR=2.0, 95%CI=0.8-4.9), wood dust (OR=1.9, 95%CI=1.2-3.1), tea consumption (OR=1.8, 95%CI=1.2-2.6), coffee consumption (OR=1.8, 95%CI=1.1-2.8), alcoholism (OR=1.7, 95%CI=1.1-2.5) and asbestos exposure(OR=1.5, 95%CI=0.5-4.4). Consumption of vegetables (OR=0.3, 95%CI=0.2-0.4), juices (OR=0.3, 95%CI=0.3-0.4), fruits (OR=0.7, 95%CI=0.5-0.9) and milk (OR=0.6, 95%CI=0.5-0.8) showed reduction in risk of lung cancer. Strongest dose-response relationships were observed for smoking ($X^2=333.8$, $p{\leq}0.0000001$), pesticide exposure ($X^2=50.9$, $p{\leq}0.0000001$) and exposure to diesel exhaust ($X^2=51.8$, $p{\leq}0.0000001$). Conclusions: Smoking, pesticide exposure, diesel exhaust and meat consumption are main lung cancer determinants in Pakistan. Consuming vegetables, fruits, milk and juices can reduce the risk of lung cancer risk, as in other countries.

Effect of Housing on Physiological Responses and Energy Expenditure of Sheep in a Semi-arid Region of India

  • Bhatta, Raghavendra;Swain, N.;Verma, D.L.;Singh, N.P.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.18 no.8
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    • pp.1188-1193
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    • 2005
  • An investigation was carried out to study the effect of two housing systems on physiological responses and energy expenditure of sheep in a semi-arid region of India. Two types of housing management were adopted. First was a shed- $6{\times}3\;m^2$ structure with all the four sides of 1.8 m chain link fencing with a central height of 3 m. The roof was covered with asbestos sheets and with mud floorings. Second was an open corral- $6{\times}3\;m^2$ open space with all the four sides covered with 1.8 m chain link fencing. Thirty-four (32 ewes and 2 rams) sheep of native Malpura breed aged about 18 months (body weight 28 kg ewes; 35 kg rams) were grazed together on a 35 ha plot of native range. All the sheep were grazed as a flock from 08.00 to 17.00 h during a yearlong study. The flock was divided into two groups (16 ewes+1 ram) in the evening and housed as per the systems (Shed and Open Corral). Dry and wet temperatures were recorded at 06.00 h and 21.00 h using a wet and dry bulb-thermometer both inside the shed and in the open corral and temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated. There was significant (p<0.05) difference in the THI between shed and open corral in all the seasons, indicating that shed was always warmer compared to open corral. Rectal temperature (RT) of both the groups of sheep was similar during morning as well as evening throughout the seasons. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in the skin temperature (ST) and respiration rate (RR) between the two groups at both the measurements in all the seasons. Highest energy expenditure (EE) was recorded inside the shed at 21.00 h (224 kJ/h) during monsoon and lowest at 6.00 h during winter (119 kJ/h). There was a significant (p<0.05) difference between the EE inside the shed and that in the open corral. It was concluded that housing had significant effects on the physiological responses and EE of sheep. Provision of housing at night was stressful during monsoon (with less rainfall) and summer, whereas it was protecting the sheep from acute cold during winter in a semi-arid region of India.

The Development of Tobacco Litigation in USA and it's Impact of Law and Politics in Public Health (미국 담배소송의 변천과 보건법정책 효과)

  • Kim, Un-Mook;Kim, Ji-Hyun
    • The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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    • v.12 no.1
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    • pp.133-173
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    • 2011
  • Since mid-1960s the reports from the Surgeon General, the World Health Organization, and other health experts state that there is no risk-free level exposure to smoking and secondhand smoke. Tobacco smoke is made up of more than 7,000 chemicals. Hundreds are toxic, and at least 70 are carcinogens. The chemicals in tobacco smoke reach smoker's lungs quickly every time smoker inhale causing damages immediately. Inhaling even the smallest amount of tobacco smoke can also damage smoker's DNA, which can lead to cancers. Smoking is responsible for more than 87% of lung cancers, but there are a host of other chronic diseases directly related to exposure to tobacco smoke. It's also a major cause of heart disease, stroke, aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and most of the other diseases. In the United States, each year with more than from 440,000 to 520,000 deaths caused by smoking and exposure to involuntary smoke. They conclude that smoking is the single most important source of preventable morbidity and mortality. The United States of America have about 60-year history of tobacco litigation. Tobacco litigation has been an important tool in tobacco control strategies aimed at limiting the activities of tobacco companies and providing redress to people who have become ill as a result of their use of tobacco products. Tobacco litigation is a kind of tort litigation. Quite often, as in the asbestos and other mass tort litigation episodes, tobacco litigation can play an educational role, warning the public about the magnitude of health risks that might otherwise be less clearly perceived. Tobacco litigation allows smokers, their families or other victims of smoking to sue tobacco companies in order to be compensated for the harm they have suffered. Potential benefits of tobacco litigation include compensation for smoking-related damages, strengthening regulatory activity, publicity, documents disclosure and changing tobacco industry behavior. And also tobacco litigation can limit the political activities of tobacco industry, protect human rights of smokers and non-smokers, increase burden to tobacco price-up and enhance the effects of law and politics in public health.

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An Interdisciplinary Approach for the Solution of Enviromental polution (環境汚染의 解決을 위한 綜合科學的 接近方法 (I))

  • Sin, Hyeon-Deok
    • Journal of the Korean institute of surface engineering
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    • v.12 no.3
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    • pp.207-216
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    • 1979
  • Environmental pollution or contaminations caused by various kinds of pollutants have become one of most serious problems of our time. Environ mental pollution is the unfavoralble alteration of our surroundings, through direct or indirect effects of changes in energy patterns, rediation levels, chemical and physical constitution and abundances of organisms. These changes may affect humans directly or through their supplies of water and of agicultural and other biological products, their physical objects or possessions, or their opportunities for recreation and appreciation of nature. Pollutants that meet the criteria of this definition of environmental pollution are numerous: gases (such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) and paniculate matter (such as smoke particles, lead aerosols, and asbestos) in the atmosphere; pesticides and radioactive isotopes in the atmosphee and in waterways; sewage, organic. chemicals, and phosphates in water; solid wastes on land; excessive heating (thermal pollution) of rivers and lakes; and many others. Some of these pollutants are introduced into the environment naturally, others by human actions, and most in both ways. Our major concer is with environmental pollution resulting wholly or largely as a by-product of human activities, because these can be controlled most readily. Environmental pollution cannot be solved by science and technology alone. It should be handled by an interdisciplinary approach with combined methods of science and technology as wen as social science disciplines for the better solution of this critical problem. In this respect, introducing "Environmental Science," a new scientific approach for the solution of environmental problems, which is now widely accepted by most developed countries of the world will be very helpful for systematization of theoretical basis for a new scientific approach to environmental pollution. Environmental science is "the study of all systems of air, land, water, energy, and life that surround Man. It includes all sciences directed to the system-level of understanding of the environment, drawing especially upon such disciplines as meteorology, geophysics, oceanography, and ecology, and utilizing to the fullest knowledge and techniques developed in such fields as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and engineering as well as many social science disciplines, such as economics, such as economics, law, political science and public administration." The components of this discipline are not new, for they are drawn from existing areas of science within biology chemistry, physics, and geoscience. What is really new about environmental science, however, is it siewpoint - its orientation to global problems, its conception of the earth as a set of interlocking, interacting systems, and its interest in Man as a part of these systems.

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Petrological and Mineralogical Characteristics of Amphibolite Used as Rock Bowl and Pot: Implications for Its Utility and Stability (음식 용기로 사용하는 각섬암의 암석-광물학적 특성: 그 효용성과 안정성에 대한 고찰)

  • Kim, Hyeong-Soo;Choi, Ho-Jeong
    • The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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    • v.17 no.3
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    • pp.154-165
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    • 2008
  • Rock bowls and pots used in restaurants are one of the popular usages of natural rocks in Korea. Most rock bowls and pots are made of Mg- and Ca-rich amphibolite composed of hornblende, actinolite, tremolite, diopside, plagioclase. Hornblende occurs as prismatic crystal habit, and belongs to Mg-hornblende to tschermakite. Actinolite and tremolite occur as acicular form (aspect ratio $0.10{\sim}0.13$), and ranges 0.65 to 0.90 in Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratio. These acicular actinolite and tremolite are non-asbestos minerals. However to use of rocks containing these minerals as tableware it is needed to regulatory guidelines for stability and utility based on petrological and mineralogical characteristics. Discrepancy of rock occurrence and mineral chemistry between commercial rock bowls and original rocks indicate that most rock bowls are made of uncertain amphibolite in original location. Consequently, there is a potential risk to use inappropriate amphibolites as tableware. Therefore, it is needed to systematically research on geology and biology, and manage commercial rock bowls and pots used in Korean restaurants.

Characterization of Secondary Exposure to Chemicals and Indoor Air Quality in Fire Station (소방서 실내공간의 화학적 유해인자 2차노출과 실내공기질 특성)

  • Kim, Soo Jin;Ham, Seunghon;Jeon, Jeong Seok;Kim, Won
    • Fire Science and Engineering
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    • v.33 no.4
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    • pp.140-151
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    • 2019
  • It is to assess the indoor air quality of the chemical hazardous materials exposed to the fire after firefighters returned to the fire scene. The research subject randomly selected four fire stations located in Seoul, Korea. Two fire stations were set up as control groups after the return of the firefighting activities at the actual fire scene, and two other fire stations were set up as control groups to measure the air quality of the room at normal levels regardless of the action. We conducted 24-hour monitoring for all fire accidents that occurred in Seoul Metropolitan using fire safety map computer system. Also, indoor air quality was measured immediately after homecoming if the experiment group was to be dispatched due to an accident of intermediate or larger scale. 11 hazardous substance items such as fine dust, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, PAH, VCM, acidity, asbestos, CO2, NO2, O3 were measured according to the process test method. Three of 11 types of harmful substances exceeded domestic and foreign standards, and one of them was found to be close to foreign standards. In particular, total volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide and sulfuric acids were 2.5 times, 2.2 times and 1.1 times higher than the standard. Also, for formaldehyde and sulfuric acid, it was measured higher in the control group than in the case group. This findings could be used in policies to improve indoor air quality in the fire station of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

ESTIMATING THE VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION-WASTE LANDFILL USING GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES (물리탐사 기법을 이용한 건축 폐기물 매립지의 규모 파악)

  • Mun,Yun-Seop;Lee,Tae-Jong;Lee,Chae-Yeong;Yun,Jun-Gi
    • Journal of the Korean Geophysical Society
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    • v.6 no.1
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    • pp.13-23
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    • 2003
  • Dipole-dipole resistivity and ground penetrating radar(GPR) surveys were performed on an abandoned landfill site filled with asbestos containing material. The main purpose of the study was to estimate spatial extension and volume of the landfill for evaluting the cost for developing appropriate remedial alternatives. Assuming that the bedrock is within 10 m depth, dipole spacings of 2, 2.5 and 5m were set for six survey lines for resistivity measurements. For More detailed information, GPR suvey using 225 Mhz antenna was carried out for twelve survey lines for the shallower information. DC resistivity structures showed few tens ~ hundreds ohm-m for the landfill or alluvial laver, and 1,000~ 5,000 ohm-m for the bedrock. The depth to bedrock is found out to be approximately 5m. GPR survey results represented very clear reflection and/or diffraction events from the boundaries as well as from the blocky construction wastes. With high-resolution GPR survey, depth of the bedrock was resolved up to 2m, which in turn, could be a good indicator for estimating the volume of the landfill. Those depths of bedrock were confirmed by backhoe excavation data for 13 sites. The total area and volume of the landfill were to be approximately 3,953 .$m^2$ and 4,033 $m^3$, respectively.

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