• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• /
• v.35
• /
• pp.5.1-5.14
• /
• 2023

Background: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals widely used in various products in everyday life. Due to its unique strong binding force, the half-life of PFAS is very long, so bioaccumulation and toxicity to the human body are long-standing concerns. In particular, effects on kidney function have recently emerged and there are no studies on the effect of PFAS on kidney function through epidemiological investigations in Korea. From 2018 to 2020, the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 4, conducted an epidemiological investigation on the blood concentration of PFAS for the first time in Korea. Based on this data, the relationship between PFAS blood concentration and kidney function was analyzed for adolescents. Methods: We investigated 5 types of PFAS and their total blood concentration in 811 middle and high school students, living in Korea and included in KoNEHS cycle 4, and tried to find changes in kidney function in relation to PFAS concentration. After dividing the concentration of each of the 5 PFAS and the total concentration into quartiles, multivariable linear regression was performed to assess the correlation with kidney function. The bedside Schwartz equation was used as an indicator of kidney function. Results: As a result of multivariable linear regression, when observing a change in kidney function according to the increase in the concentration of each of the 5 PFAS and their total, a significant decrease in kidney function was confirmed in some or all quartiles. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study of Korean adolescents based on KoNEHS data, a negative correlation between serum PFAS concentration and kidney function was found. A well-designed longitudinal study and continuous follow-up are necessary.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.319-327
• /
• 2015

The present study was carried out to develop biological criteria for aquatic ecosystem health assessment using composition and diversity of collected species. The sampling sites were a total of 67 sites in the Han River (29 sites) and the Nakdong River (38 sites), May and September 2012. During the survey period fish were collected totally 93 species. In each water system, 73 and 61 species were collected in the Han River and the Nakdong River respectively. The current composition of fish species between the Han River and Nakdong River showed similar pattern. The dominant species was Zacco platypus of the Han River, and the Nakdong River was Opsariichthys uncirostris. In particular, ecological characteristics of O. uncirostris frequently appeared in general polluted waters. In conclusion, in the Nakdong River, average value of FAI (Fish Assessment Index) was averaged 41.3, indicating a "poor condition", and the Han River was 53.1, indicating a "poor condition". The aquatic health of the Nakdong River assessed based on FAI was considered to be worse than that of the Han River.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.517-521
• /
• 2021

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether working long hours was related to infertility among female Korean workers, while taking age into consideration. Methods: We used data from the 2018 National Survey on Fertility and Family Health and Welfare in Korea that is a cross-sectional, nationally representative, and population-based survey. Infertility was defined as women who were not pregnant after regular unprotected intercourse for a year. Working long hours was classified as ≥52 hours, and subgroups as per age were classified on the basis of being younger or older than 40 years of age. Differences in infertility risk between the long working hour group and none were estimated in crude and fully adjusted logistic regression models with age-group stratification. Results: Of 5,909 Korean female workers, the crude and adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of infertility for working long hours were 1.295 (0.948-1.737) and 1.303 (0.921-1.809), respectively. In the subgroup of patients below 40 years of age, the crude and adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.957 (1.216-3.039) and 1.921 (1.144-3.120), whereas those aged 40 years or older had 0.994 (0.647-1.471) and 0.939 (0.560-1.501), respectively. The weighted prevalence of infertility increased as weekly working hours increased only for the younger than 40-year subgroup. Conclusions: Infertility is associated with working long hours, especially in young-aged workers. Thus, the working schedule must be structured to better suit young female workers.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.398-409
• /
• 2020

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate environmental exposure to tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) by conducting an analysis of the concentration of TSNAs in deposited dust collected from a fertilizer plant and the surrounding village, a simulation of high-temperature drying of tobacco waste, and CALPUFF modeling. Methods: The raw materials of the products, deposited dust (inside and outside the plant and residential area), soil, and wastewater were sampled and the TSNA concentrations were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. As the plant was closed down before the investigation, simulation tests were conducted to confirm the substances discharged during high-temperature (300℃) drying of tobacco waste. CALPUFF modeling was performed to identify the area of influence due to exposure to TSNAs. Results: TSNAs were detected in organic fertilizers estimated to contain tobacco waste, deposited dust, and soil collected from inside and outside the plant. N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 4-(methylnitrosoamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), and N'-nitrosoanatabine (NAT) components were detected in five of 15 deposited dust samples collected from the residential area around the plant, while TSNAs were not detected in the five sampling points in the control area. Also, the simulation test for the high temperature drying of tobacco waste found emissions of TSNAs. The CALPUFF modeling results showed that the survey area was likely to be included in the area of influence of TSNA emissions from the plant. Conclusions: It is estimated that harmful tobacco ingredients such as TSNAs were dispersed in nearby areas due to the illegal use of tobacco waste as a raw material to produce organic fertilizers at the plant. These findings assume that the residents have been exposed to TSNAs and suggest that the need for the establishment of measures to manage environmental health.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.167-175
• /
• 2017

Objectives: Children may be more exposed to certain environmental contaminants because they react with greater sensitivity and have different food intakes and breathing rate per unit of body weight compared to adults. The aim of this study was to determine general exposure factors such as skin surface area, period and frequency of exposure, and others among Korean children aged ${\leq}18$ years old. This study was carried out as the first of its kind in Korea. Methods: We developed 23 recommended exposure factors for Korean children aged 0 to 18 years by reclassifying raw data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the National Statistical Information Service, as well as through investigation by experiments in the absence of related data. Results: Reflecting the activity patterns of about 9,000 children, the daily inhalation rates for long-term exposure ranged from $9.49m^3/day$ for children from birth to <2 years to $14.98m^3/day$ for children aged 16 to <18 years. The research found that Korean children spent an average of 22.21 hours indoors, 0.67 hours outdoors, and 1.12 hours in-transit every day. Young children (${\leq}2$ years old) spent approximately 34 more minutes outdoors on weekends than they did on weekdays. Conclusion: Various physiological variables in the human body reflect characteristics of children that can directly influence risk exposure. Therefore, the identification of general exposure factors based on Korean children is required for appropriate risk assessment.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.293-301
• /
• 2009

This study was conducted to investigate the distribution of the concentrations of selected trace metals and inorganic anions in five types of drinking water samples (mineral spring water, well water, small community water, municipal tap water, and commercial mineral water) collected from Chuncheon, Gangwon-do in 2007. Forty four samples were analyzed for five metals and five anions using an atomic absorption spectrometer and an ion chromatograph, respectively. Arsenic (As) and nitrate (${NO_3}^-$) concentrations in some groundwater samples did not meet the future (10 ${\mu}g/L$) and current (44 mg/L) Korean drinking water standards, respectively. On the other hand, any municipal tap water samples, the sources of which were lake surface water, satisfied the Korean standards. Human health risk assessment results showed that arsenic in all types of water, especially groundwater including commercial mineral water, may pose both noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic effects on the residents. It is concluded that groundwater is not safe drinking water any longer and that a national survey and follow-up measures need to be taken.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• /
• v.34
• /
• pp.43.1-43.11
• /
• 2022

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have become common pollutants with industrial development. Although the effect of exposure to PAHs on allergic disease in humans has been evaluated, evidence of an association is sparse. The association between PAH exposure and serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels was evaluated in Korean adults. Methods: In total, this study included 3,269 participants in the Third Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2015-2017). Four urinary PAH metabolites were used to assessed exposure to PAHs: 1-hydroxypyrene, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, 2-naphthol, and 2-hydroxyfluorene. The analyses were performed on 3 cutoff levels (100 IU/mL, 114 IU/mL, and 150 IU/mL) set as the total IgE elevation. Prevalence of total IgE elevation by PAH exposure group and general characteristics (age, sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol drinking, and occupation) were analyzed using the Rao-Scott χ² test. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for total IgE elevation by PAH exposure groups. Results: Total IgE elevation differed significantly by age, sex, smoking status, alcohol drinking status, and occupation. For 2-hydroxyfluorene, the fourth quartile showed a significant association with IgE elevation compared to the first quartile in the analyses of cutoff-level 100 IU/mL (OR: 1.372, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.007-1.869) and 114 IU/mL (OR: 1.643, 95% CI: 1.167-2.312). In the analysis of cutoff-level 150 IU/mL, the adjusted ORs of the third and fourth quartile of 2-hydroxyfluorene were significantly higher than the first quartile (3rd quartile: OR: 1.478, 95% CI: 1.034-2.113; 4th quartile: OR: 1.715, 95% CI: 1.161-2.534). However, there were no significant positive associations for the other metabolites. Conclusions: This study implied that PAHs exposure is associated with total IgE elevation in Korean adults. More research is needed to confirm the effect of exposure to PAHs on serum IgE and allergic diseases.

• Journal of Korean Medical Science
• /
• v.33 no.44
• /
• pp.278.1-278.12
• /
• 2018

Background: We evaluated the association of blood pressure (BP) with blood levels of cadmium, lead, and cadmium and lead together (cadmium + lead) in a representative sample of adolescents from Korea. Methods: We used 2010-2016 data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This cross-sectional study enrolled adolescents aged at 10-18 years-old who completed a health examination survey and had blood measurements of lead and cadmium. The association of adjusted mean differences in diastolic and systolic BP with doubling of blood lead and cadmium were estimated by regression of BP against ${\log}_2$-transformed blood metals and their quartiles after covariate adjustment. Adjusted odds ratio for prehypertension were calculated for ${\log}_2$-transformed blood levels of lead and cadmium and their quartiles. Results: Our analysis of adolescents in Korea indicated that blood levels of lead and cadmium were not significantly associated with increased BP or risk of prehypertension. However, the cadmium + lead level was associated with prehypertension. Previous studies showed that blood levels of lead and cadmium were associated with increased BP and risk of hypertension in adult populations. We found no such association in Korean adolescents. Conclusion: We found that the cadmium + lead level was associated with prehypertension. The differences between adults and adolescents are because adolescents generally have lower levels of these blood metals or because adolescents only rarely have hypertension.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.336-346
• /
• 2009

As a follow-up survey of A Study of Monitoring Method on Exposure Level and Biomarkers of Environmental Pollutants-Focused on Ulsan Industrial Comlpex Area, published in 2005, a close examination of the health status was conducted for selected Ulsan residents. Based on the previous study, a total number of 129 subjects were divided into two groups: the exposure group consisted of 39 residents whose blood levels of lead, mercury and/or cadmium were higher than international reference values, and 90 residents of control group with normal levels. Environmental exposure level and its association with health condition were examined by various methods such as questionnaire, analyses of lead, mercury and cadmium in blood and medical examinations. The geometric mean concentrations of lead, mercury and cadmium in blood were respectively $2.07{\mu}g/d{\ell}$ (exposure $2.54{\mu}g/d{\ell}$, control $1.90{\mu}g/d{\ell}$), $5.94{\mu}g/L$ (exposure $8.57{\mu}g/L$, control $5.07{\mu}g/L$), $1.32{\mu}g/L$ (exposure $1.30{\mu}g/L$, control $1.33{\mu}g/L$). The concentrations of the three heavy metals in blood showed lower levels than internationally recommended values except for blood mercury. Also, any abnormal or, peculiar disease, or target tissue damage related to the heavy metals was not observed among the all subjects. Therefore, it can be said that no significant difference of heavy metal concentrations and health conditions was found between the two groups.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 2013

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between internet addiction and health behaviors & mental health among Korean adolescents. Methods: Data from the 2010 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey was analyzed. Using the Korean Internet Addiction Proneness Scale for Youth-Short Form: Self Report developed by the Korean National Information Society Agency in 2008, subjects were classified into 3 groups for internet addiction including general user, potential-risk group, and high-risk group. The health behaviors and mental health were compared among the groups for internet addiction by gender. Results: There was significantly higher prevalence of internet addiction including potential-risk group and high-risk group in boys(14.1%) than in girls(8.8%). There were significant odds ratios of perceived stress, perceived depression, perceived health and happiness, and satisfaction of sleeping in both genders at potential-risk group and high-risk group compared to general user for the internet addiction. The odds ratios of smoking at high risk group, alcohol drinking at potential risk group, eating breakfast at high risk group, and moderate physical activity at both risk groups among boys were significant. Among girls at both risk group, the odds ratios of smoking, alcohol drinking, and eating breakfast were significant. Conclusions: This study reveals a significant association among internet addiction, and health behaviors, and mental health in Korean adolescents.