• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.34
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• pp.21.1-21.13
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• 2022

Background: Because particulate matter (PM) and asthma are closely related, the prevalence of school absence among adolescents with asthma can be affected by the concentration of PM. We aimed to investigate the relationship between school absences due to asthma and the total number of days that the PM concentration exceeded the standard. Methods: We used the data from the 16th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the PM levels of 17 metropolitan cities and provinces gathered from the AirKorea. Information on the characteristics of asthmatic adolescents and the prevalence of school absence was obtained using a questionnaire, while the PM levels based on the total number of days with poor and very poor PM grades were collected from the AirKorea website. Both χ² test and logistic regression analysis were performed using the weights presented in the original dataset. Results: In the case of particulate matter of 10 microns in diameter or smaller (PM₁₀), the odds ratio (OR) after adjusting for confounders (sex, school year, body mass index, smoking history, diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and city size) was 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.13) for absents due to asthma when the total days of poor and very poor grades of PM₁₀ (81 ㎍/m³ or higher) increased by 1 day. In the analysis of particulate matter of 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller (PM_2.5), the OR after adjusting for confounders was 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00-1.03) for absents due to asthma when the total number of days with poor and very poor PM_2.5 grades (36 ㎍/m³ or higher) increased by 1 day. Conclusions: A significant association was observed between the total number of days of poor and very poor PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 grades and school absence due to asthma; PM can cause asthma exacerbation and affect the academic life.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.360-367
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• 2024

Background: In the food manufacturing industry, exposure to inhalable aerosols contributes to respiratory illnesses such as occupational asthma and rhinitis. However, there is a lack of comprehensive exposure assessment studies. This study evaluated occupational exposure to inhalable aerosols in an instant powdered food manufacturing plant during work operations involving dried food and powders. Methods: In total, 50 workers from an instant powdered food manufacturing plant were recruited. Personal inhalable aerosol exposure measurements were taken for both full-shift and task-based activities. The concentrations of inhalable aerosols were analyzed to identify any variation within and across departments, as well as between seasons, handedness, and sex. Results: In total, 134 personal air samples were collected, and the particulate mass was determined gravimetrically. The concentrations of inhalable aerosols ranged from 0.1 to 27 mg/m³ for full-shift exposure measurements and 3.1 to 73 mg/m³ for task-based measurements. Statistically significant differences in mean aerosol concentrations were found across departments (A:B p < 0.001, A:C p < 0.05, B:C p < 0.001) and between seasons (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed high exposure to inhalable aerosols among workers, particularly those involved in manual weighing, mixing, and adding powders. The significant differences between departments highlight the specific activities contributing to increased inhalable aerosol concentrations. Seasonal variations were also evident, with autumn showing higher concentrations of inhalable aerosols in all departments compared with summer. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the distribution of aerosol concentrations across different work tasks and departments, particularly during different seasons.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.147-157
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• 2010

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to propose appropriate strategic directions and road maps for successful achievement of programs preventing winter disease in the summer. Methods : Details on programs preventing winter disease in the summer such as clear concept, theoretical basis, current status, intervention or available prescriptions and indication/contraindication/caution were prepared through the related journal review, upon which an observational study was devised and done for simulation to find out even a trivial problem and to guarantee the safety beforehand. The experimental group was divided into 5 groups by the size of pill and the way ginger is treated; 1cm pill with ginger group, 3cm pill group without ginger, 3cm pill group dipped into ginger, 3cm pill group applying ginger to acupoints and 3cm pill group with ginger Results 1. program preventing winter disease in the summer was defined as representative winter diseases such as common cold, influenza, chronic asthma, chronic bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, emphysema, chronic gastritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and preventive care in the summer, reinforcing deficient yang qi of five viscera by using exuberant yang qi from summer heat. 2. It was based upon historically established theories which is 'nourishing yang qi in the spring and summer', 'long summer, namely rainy spell in the summer overwhelms the winter, because of earth winning water according to the five phases theory' and 'To replenish yang qi is major principle to treat winter diseases, which can be most appropriately and timely applied to the patient with deficient yang qi of five viscera inherently, especially in the three dog days of the summer, because of exuberant exterior yang qi and deficient interior yang qi in the five viscera'. 3. In the adjacent China and Taiwan, acupoint applying method in the three dog days named 'San Fu Tie' have been stirring a boom throughout the nation, in which Xiaochuan Gao was used as a basic prescription and it mainly was applied at bilateral $BL_{13}$, $_{15}$ and $_{17}$ for about 4 hours. As far as domestic current status, the necessity of adopting the above method prior to Herbal formula was also recognised, because not a few koreans have apprehension for the safety of it including medicinal herbs and are reluctant to take it any more due to negative advertisement of narrow minded doctors' association. 4. Indication of acupoint applying method in the three dog days included most of winter diseases such as common cold, influenza, chronic asthma, chronic bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, emphysema, chronic gastritis. contraindication was pregnant woman and the weak such as infants and the old. More attention was paid to grasp firmly the normal reaction following the treatment for preventing side effect and teasing blister. recommendation was also given to abstain from food inducing phlegm and dampness such as meat, shrimp and crab as well as cold drinks and foods 5. In the simulation observational study based upon the above findings following review the related articles, no blister was shown on the acupoints icluding bilateral $BL_{13}$, $_{15}$ and $_{17}$ in every experimental group during 24hr observation following the acupoint applying treatment with pills made by modified and devised prescription. At 4 hr, the effectiveness of it reached a peak showing redness and mild tenderness and there is little difference between groups 3cm pills groups regardless of the way ginger was treated. abdominal distention and growling was found in all the volunteers during the treatment at CV 8. Strategic directions and road maps : Through successful fulfillment of the program preventing winter disease in the summer, Korean traditional medicine should be integrated into mainstream national health care services. Cultural access was thought to be as important as Scientific EBM approach. First of all, To evoke potential cultural homogeneity from campaigns and press advertisement was needed for promoting public awareness about preventing winter disease in the summer by enhancing immunity via acupoint applying treatment in the three dog days, and then indigenous name as Sambokcheop, protocol, Clinical Research Form for data collection of it should be developed and prepared. Once the first step was taken this summer, through a thorough data collection and scrutinized scientific evaluation, drawbacks should be compensted for and the efficacy and safety should be substantiated.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.91-100
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• 2010

Purpose : Recurrent otitis media (ROM) is usually defined as ${\geq}$3 distinct and well-documented episodes within 6 months or ${\geq}$4 episodes within 12 months. ROM is sufficiently important to warrant consideration of chemoprophylaxis, tympanostomy tube placement. There also is evidence that children with ROM are at risk for both hearing loss and speech delay. However, studies of ROM have been notably insufficient. In addition, even though environmental, racial, and sociocultural differences can affect risk factors, few studies have been conducted with regard to recurrent otitis media in Korea. Methods : This study was conducted from July 2009 to January 2010 with infants and children who were younger than 60 months old, who visited the out-patient clinics at Han-Il General Hospital and Kyunghee University Hospital. Data were collected by interview using a pre-formed sheet. Among a total of 892 infants and children, 457 were excluded, and the remaining 435 were allocated to 104 with ROM and 331 as a control group. Results : Attendance at daycare centers (P<0.001, OR=2.85), allergic rhinitis (P=0.026, OR=2.32), past history of bronchiolitis (P=0.003, OR=2.33), and low socioeconomic status (P=0.005, OR=2.00) were found to have a close significant correlation with ROM. Risk factors such as sex, having a sibling, breast-feeding, use of pacifiers, atopy, pneumococcal vaccination, influenza vaccination, smoking of parents, and indoor smoking are not relevant. Conclusion : Attendance at daycare centers, allergic rhinitis, past history of bronchiolitis, and low socioeconomic status have been identified as risk factors for ROM.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.367-382
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• 1997

The author analyzed 46 cases of allergic rhinitis patients, who were treated in the Kwang-ju Oriental Medical Hospital of Wonkwang University from January 1997 to April 1996. I've examined the 46 cases in the view of age and sex distribution, seasonal distribution, distribution of the job, duration of the disease, past history, family history, distribution of complicated signs, the degree of recovery about the total patient, the relationship of the ages and the remedial value, the relationship of the duration of disease and the remedial value. The following results are obtained. 1. The ratio of under teenagers was $32.61\%$(15 cases), teenagers was $30.43\%$(11 cases), 2th decade was $17.39\%$(8 cases), 3th decade was $17.39\%$(8 cases), 4th decade was $4.35\%$(2 cases), 5th decade was $2.17\%$(1 case), over sixty was $2.17\%$(1 case). 2. The ratio of the male was $58.70\%$(27 cases) and femal was $41.30\%$(19 cases). 3. The ratio of spring was $21.74\%$(10 cases), summer was $8.70\%$(4 cases), fall was $43.48\%$(20 cases), winter was $43.48\%$(20 cases) and unknown was $10.87\%$(5 cases). 4. The ratio of the students was $45.65\%$(21 cases), house-wives was $15.22\%$(7 cases), office men was $10.87\%$(5 cases), farmers was $4.35\%$(2 cases), driver was $2.17\%$(1 case) and unemployed was $21.74\%$(10 cases). 5. The ratio of the under six months was $8.70\%$(4 cases), under 1 year was $17.39\%$(8 cases), under 3 years was $32.60\%$(15 cases), over 3 years was $41.31\%$(19 cases). 6. The ratio of atopic dermatitis was $32.61\%$(15 cases), allergic dermatitis was $21,74\%$(10 cases), the asthma was $17.39\%$(8 cases), digestion disorder was $6.52\%$(3 cases) and etc. 7. The ratio of paternal line was $21.74\%$(10 cases), maternal line was $13.04\%$(6 cases), paternal and maternal lines was $4.35\%$(2 cases), brother or sisters was $13.04\%$(6 cases) and non-significant was $47.83\%$(22 cases). 8. The ratio of sneezing was $100\%$(46 cases) , nasal discharge was $100\%$(46 cases), nasal obstruction was $86.96\%$(40 cases), pruritus was $45.65\%$(21 cases), headache was $13.04\%$(6 cases), asthma was $10.87\%$(5 cases), digestion disorder was $6.52\%$(3 cases), light phovia was $6.52\%$(3 cases), tears was $4.35\%$(2 cases), nosebreeding was $2.17\%$(1 case). 9. The total remedial value of the 46 patients was revealed $52.17\%$. 10. The remedial value of under teenagers, teenagers were higher than the total remedial value($52.17\%$). 11. The remedial value of under 6 months, under 1 year were higher than the total remedial value($52.17\%$). These results demonstrated that in the point of remedial view, the patients who were younger and shorter of the duration of disease, would be well recovered.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.84-94
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• 2005

Objective: In order to help clinical approach on OME patient in progress observation and decision on improvement by clinical research results using tympanometry. Methods: Data was collected from 163 ears of 96 patients who were treated in Dept. of Oriental Medical Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology & Dermatology, Kyung-Hee Medical Center from 2001-2-12 to 2005-4-29 for Otitis Media with Effusion(OME). Tympanometry was applied to all patients and the test result was used to evaluate progress and improvement. F/U cases below 3 times were excluded. Results & conclusion: 1. Age and sex distribution was as follows: Mean Age 5.5years old(Standard deviation: 2.1), age distribution 2-61years old, below 10years old 151cases(92.6%) and above 10years old 12cases(7.4%). Male and female ratio was 1.81:1. 2. There were 67people(69.8%) with bilateral affected ear. Unilateral was 29people(30.2%). Affected ear distribution according to sex came out similarly. 3. Affected period distribution was as follows: over 12weeks 71cases(43.6%), under 12weeks 92cases(56.4%). Out of under 12weeks cases, 2-4weeks was 34cases(20.9%), 0-1weeks and 5-8weeks 20cases(12.3%), 9-12weeks 18cases(11.0%). There was evident difference about affected period between male and female. 4. All patients who served previous Tx in medical clinic(118 cases) took antibiotics. Only 6cases took tube insertion. The period of Taking antibiotics was as fellows: over 6weeks 42cases(35.6%), under 5weeks 37cases(31.4%). unknown 25cases(21.2%), jntermittent 14cases(11.9%). 5. In Period of Tx distribution, 5-6weeks showed 40cases(24.5%) which was highest number. In Improved cases(85cases), 3-4weeks and 5-6weeks each 22cases(25.9%) which was highest number. 1-2weeks 3cases(3.5%), 7-8weeks 12cases(14.1%), 9-10weeks 9cases(10.6%), 11-12weeks 10cases(11.8%), over 12weeks 7cases(8.2%). 6. The cases which have gastrointestinal Sx were 71cases(43.6%), the others 92cases(56.4%). Details of gastrointestinal Sx were as follows: Sx associated with appetite 47cases(47.5%), constipation 15cases(15.2%), abdominal pain and diarrhea 14cases(14.1%), frequent vomitting Teases(7.1%), etc 4cases(4.0%). 7. The cases which have accompanying disease were 116case(71.2%), the other 47cases(28.8%). Details a accompanying disease were as follows: sinusitis 57cases(35%), rhinitis 55cases(3.7%), allergic rhinitis 20cases(12.3%), atopic dermatitis 19cases(1.7%), urticaria 4cases(2.5%), asthma 3cases(1.8%), nasal polyp and conjunctivitis 2cases(1.2%) each, laryngitis 1case(0.6%).

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.933-942
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• 2006

This experiment was carried out to investigate effects of honeybee venom treatment on the humoral immune response in pigs. Corresponding author : S. K. Cho, Dept. of Animal Sci. Chung-Buk National University, Kaesin-dong, Cheongju, 361-763, Korea. phone : 043-261-2551. E-mail : deercho@chungbuk.ac.kr To investigate effects of natural honeybee venom on the concentration of immunoglobulin G, A, and M, 20 piglets(LY×D) from 3 sows were allocated into two groups bee venom-treated group(10 piglets) and non-treated control(10 piglets). Natural honeybee venom was treated at 0, 3, 6 days after birth and the acupoints were Hai-men(ST-25), Du-kou(CV-8) and Jiao-chao(GV-1) points at 0, 3 days after birth and the regions of castration and tail amputation point at 6 days. Control group was injected 1㎖ of saline to the same site. Concentrations of IgG, A, and M were measured with immunoturbidimetric method at 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment. To investigate the effect of bee venom on the production of antibodies against hog cholera and atrophic rhinitis vaccines that were used as indicator antigens, 40 piglets(LYxD) from 5 sows were grouped as bee venom-treated group (20 piglets) and control group(20 piglets). Natural honeybee venom was treated at 0, 3days(castration, tail amputation) and 21days after birth. The acupoints were Hai-men(ST-25), Du-kou(CV-8) and Jiao-chao (GV-1) points at 0 day, the regions of castration and tail ampution at 3 days and Jiao-chao(GV-1) and Bai-hui(GV-20) points at 21days after birth(weaning). Control group was injected 1ml of saline to the same site. Atrophic rhinitis vaccine was injected twice at 24 and 44 days after birth and hog cholera vaccine was also injected twice at 44 and 64 days after birth. Antibody titers against Bordetella bronchiseptica and hog cholera virus were measured by using tube agglutination and ELISA tests at 24, 34, 44, 54 and 74 days after birth. Concentrations of IgG of treated group were 339.52, 366.48, 296.52, 242.06 and 219.06mg/dl at 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after birth, respectively. In contrast, concentrations of IgG in control group were respectively 347.10, 334.14, 243.28, 205.18 and 191.58mg/dl during same periods with treated group. Concentrations of IgG at 0 day was not significantly different between the treated group and control group but treated group were significantly increased by 10.28% at 3 days after birth (P<0.02), 21.88% at 7 days after birth(P<0.01), 18.0% at 14 days after birth(P<0.07) and 14.3% at 21 days after birth(P<0.01). Concentrations of IgA and Ig M were not significantly different. Antibody titers against hog cholera virus were significantly increased by 57.0% at 24 days after birth(P<0.03), 74.6% at 34 days after birth (P<0.006), 48.6% at 44 days after birth(P<0.017), 45.0% at 54 days after birth(P<0.16) and 44.4% at 74 days after birth (P<0.006) in bee venom treated group in comparison with control group. Antibody titers against the Bordetella bronchiseptica was significantly increased in Beevenom treated group as 9.1% (P<0.32) at 24days, 39.7% (P<0.002) at 34days, 31.9% (P<0.02) at 44days, 33.4% (P<0.01) at 54days and 57.3% (P<0.007) at 74 days after birth when compared with those of control group pigs. Collecting together, the results in this study showed that immune responses were increased by treatment of natural honeybee venom to pigs. These results suggested that the treatment of bee venom could be used effectively for the increase of productivity in livestock industry.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2002

Disodium disulphite, the HPV chemical, was assigned to Korea in order to implement OECD SIDS program in 1999. It was produced about 3,200 ton/year in 1998. This report evaluates the toxic potency of disodium disulphite based on the environmental and mammalian effects as well as human exposure. Oral $LD_{50}$ in rats is 1,540 mg/kg b.w. and effects was observed to the stomach, liver and the GI track that was filled with blood. For repeated dose toxicity, the predominant effect was the induction of stomach lesion due to local irritation. The no observed adverse effect lever for local (stomach irritation) was about 217 mg/kg bw/day. There is no evidence that disodium disulphite is genotoxic in vivo. No reproductive or developmental toxicty of disodium disulphite was observed for the period up to 2 yr and over three generation. In humans, urticaria and asthma with itching, edema, rhinitis, and nasal congestion were reported. Disodium disulphite is unlikely to induce respiratory sensitization but may enhance symptom of asthma in sensitive individuals. This chemical would be mainly transported to water compartment when released to environmental compartments since it is highly water soluble (470 g/l at 20). Low K oc (2.447) indicates disodium disulphite is so mobile in soil that it may not stay in the terrestrial compartment. The chemical has been tested in a limited number of aquatic species. hem acute toxicity test to fish, 96 hr-$LC_{50}$ was > 100 mg/1. For algae, 72 hr-$XC_{50}$ was 48.1 mg/1. For daphnid, the acute toxicity value of 48 hr-$EC_{50}$ was 88.76 mg/1, and chronic value of 21day-NOEC was > 10 mg/1. Therefore, PNEC of 0.1 mg/l for the aquatic organism was obtained from the chronic value of daphnid using the assessment factor of 100. Based on these data the disodium disulphite was recommended as low priority for further post-SIDS work in OECD.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.756-762
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to investigate the confirmation and prevalence of porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) infection of pigs in Korea using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Four hundred-eighty one sera tested were collected from the areas of Kyonggi, Kangwon, Chungcheong, Cholla, Gyongsang and Cheju during the year of 1991 to 1997 except 1994. PCMV antigen, OF-1 strain, for ELISA, was prepared 19-PFT-F cell line originated from porcine fallopian tube. Positive control was used by sera made from the specific pathogen free piglets which were infected with OF-1 strain. Three hundred-sixty seven of 481 sera (76.3%) were positive against PCMV. Antibody titers of these seropositives were classified by 129 (26.8%) cases in more than 1 : 12,800, 77 (16.0%) in 1 : 6,400, 76 (15.8%) in 1 : 3,200, 44 (9.2%) in 1 : 1,600, and 41 (8.5%) in 1 : 800, respectively. Also, the seropositive pigs were divided by 87.4% (76/87) in older than 6 month-old, 73.9% (238/322) in 2~6-month old, and 73.6% (53/72) in less than 2-month old, respectively. Regional prevalence rate of PCMV infection in Korea showed 89.7% (70/78) in Chungchong, 79.8/% (83/104) in Cholla, 79.4% (143/180) in Kyonggi, 79.3% (42/53) in Gyongsang, 50% (15/30) in Kangwon, and 38.9% (14/36) in Cheju area, respectively. In the sera collected in 1991, seropositive rate was appeared as 90.2% (37/41). From 1992 to 1997 except 1994, the average infection rate to PCMV was 77.5%. Consequently, these results confirmed that PCMV in Korean piggeries was introduced at least before the year of 1991. More importantly, PCMV infection has been prevailing nation-wide in pig herds in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.547-555
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• 2014

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the association between subjective distress symptoms and argon welding among workers in Gyeongnam Province shipyard. Method: 31 argon and 29 non-argon welding workers were selected as study subjects in order to measure concentrations of personal dust, welding fumes and other hazardous materials such as ZnO, Pb, Cr, FeO, MnO, Cu, Ni, $TiO_2$, MgO, NO, $NO_2$, $O_3$, $O_2$, $CO_2$, CO and Ar. An interviewer-administered questionnaire survey was also performed on the same subjects. The items queried were as follows: age, height, weight, working duration, welding time, welding rod amounts used, drinking, smoking, and rate of subjective distress symptoms including headache and other symptoms such as fever, vomiting and nausea, metal fume fever, dizziness, tingling sensations, difficulty in breathing, memory loss, sleep disorders, emotional disturbance, hearing loss, hand tremors, visual impairment, neural abnormality, allergic reaction, runny nose and stuffiness, rhinitis, and suffocation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 18. Data are expressed as the mean ${\pm}SD$. An ${\chi}^2$-test and a normality test using a Shapiro wilk test were performed for the above variables. Logistic regression analysis was also conducted to identify the factors that affect the total score for subjective distress symptoms. Result: An association was shown between welding type (argon or non-argon welding) and the total score for subjective distress symptoms. Among the rate of complaining of subjective distress symptoms, vomiting and nausea, difficulty breathing, and allergic reactions were all significantly higher in the argon welding group. Only the concentration of dust and welding fumes was shown to be distributed normally after natural log transformation. According to logistic regression analysis, the correlations of working duration and welding type (argon or non-argon) between the total score of subjective distress symptoms were found to be statistically significant (p=0.041, p=0.049, respectively). Conclusion: Our results suggest that argon welding could cause subjective distress symptoms in shipyard workers.