• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.325-340
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• 1998

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between sick building syndrome(SBS) and the environmental factors affecting SBS on 130 underground workers and 60 controls. The study consisted of 1) a review of environmental condition 2) measurement of temperature, $O_2$, $CO_2$, CO, and formaldehyde and 3) a questionnaire survey of symptom prevalence and perception of environmental conditions using indoor Air Quality questionnaire recommended by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Bronchitis and dust allergy were more prevalent in underground workers significantly(p < 0.05). Among the 18 symptoms related to the indoor air pollution, the experience rate of dry, itching or irritated eyes, sore or dry throat, chest tightness, tired or strained eyes and dry or itchy skin symptom was significantly different between the underground workers and controls. The diagnostic criteria of SBS was defined as at least 1 symptom is experienced 1-3 times a week during the last 1 month among 18 indoor air pollution related symptoms which can be relieved by moving out of the underground. Applying the criteria, the mean symptom score was significant higher in underground workers than controls significantly (p < 0.05). These resalts indicated that underground workers are under inappropriate ergonomic and physical condition and inadequate ventilation. Their experience rate of symptoms related to indoor air pollution and prevalence of SBS was significantly higher than controls. To reduce the prevalence of SBS of underground workers, the surveillance system of indoor air quality, restriction of using fuel in underground and legislative regulations for the environment are needed to establish a better indoor air quality. Early detection, treatment and prevention of SBS through medical attention is also needed.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.11-21
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• 2000

This study was conducted to reveal the effects of musculoskeletal risk factor on farmer's syndrome. We sampled 97 farmers aged above 30 in 3 villages of Kyunggi-do. Self-administered questionnaire for general characteristics, farmer's syndrome, musculoskeletal risk factor, blood pressure, and laboratory tests were conducted. According to the score of musculoskeletal risk factor, we divide the subjects high risk group and low risk group. The most common musculoskeletal risk factor is repetitiveness, bending of waist and rapid movement in order. The prevalence of farmer's syndrome of all subjects is 28.9%. In female the prevalence of farmer's syndrome(45.2%) is higher than in male(16.4%) significantly. High musculoskeletal risk group had higher score of farmer's syndrome(5.9) than low musculoskeletal risk group(4.4). The most common symptom is lumbago(76.3%), the second was numb limb and shoulder stiffness(54.6%, 54.6%). The prevalence of numb limb and shoulder stiffness higher in high musculoskeletal risk group than low musculoskeletal risk group, but that of lumbago did not show significant differences. In linear regression, score of farmer's syndrome was related to musculoskeletal risk factor as well as gender. Blood pressure and laboratory test did not show significant differences between two groups. These results suggest that musculoskeletal risk factor would influence farmer's syndrome. Further ergonomic evaluation and intervention of farmer's works and musculoskeletal diseases are needed.