• Title/Summary/Keyword: Safety and Health Levels

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Detection of Foodborne Pathogens and Mycotoxins in Eggs and Chicken Feeds from Farms to Retail Markets

  • Lee, Minhwa;Seo, Dong Joo;Jeon, Su Been;Ok, Hyun Ee;Jung, Hyelee;Choi, Changsun;Chun, Hyang Sook
    • Food Science of Animal Resources
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    • v.36 no.4
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    • pp.463-468
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    • 2016
  • Contamination by foodborne pathogens and mycotoxins was examined in 475 eggs and 20 feed samples collected from three egg layer farms, three egg-processing units, and five retail markets in Korea. Microbial contamination with Salmonella species, Escherichia coli, and Arcobacter species was examined by bacterial culture and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The contamination levels of aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and zearalenone in eggs and chicken feeds were simultaneously analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection after the post-derivatization. While E. coli was isolated from 9.1% of eggs, Salmonella species were not isolated. Arcobacter species were detected in 0.8% of eggs collected from egg layers by PCR only. While aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and zearalenone were found in 100%, 100%, and 85% of chicken feeds, their contamination levels were below the maximum acceptable levels (1.86, 2.24, and 147.53 μg/kg, respectively). However, no eggs were contaminated with aflatoxins, ochratoxins, or zearalenone. Therefore, the risk of contamination by mycotoxins and microbes in eggs and chicken feeds is considered negligible and unlikely to pose a threat to human health.

Biopsychosocial Factors and Perceived Disability in Saleswomen with Concurrent Low Back Pain

  • Pensri, Praneet;Janwantanakul, Prawit;Worakul, Puangsoi;Sinsongsook, Thanes
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.1 no.2
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    • pp.149-157
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    • 2010
  • Objectives: To quantify disability level in salespeople with concurrent low back pain (LBP) and to determine the relative associations between demographic, occupational, psychosocial and clinical factors and back disability. LBP is the most common cause of work-related disability in people under 45 years of age and the most expensive cause of work-related disability, in terms of workers' compensation and medical expenses. Evidence suggests high prevalence of LBP in salespeople. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in which 184 saleswomen with a current episode of self-reported LBP working in a large up-scale department store filled out a battery of 6 self-administered questionnaires and received a standardised physical examination. Results: Saleswomen with concurrent LBP had low disability levels. Factors significantly associated with disability were pain intensity, measured by a visual analogue scale, in the past week (p < 0.001), physical and mental health status (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively), fear avoidance scores for both work and physical activities (p = 0.031, p = 0.014, respectively), past history of LBP (p = 0.019), and self-reported frequency of pushing or pulling objects placed in high positions during work (p = 0.047). A significant level (45%) of the variance in disability status was explained by these variables. Conclusion: In clinical management of LBP workers who required prolonged standing, such as salespeople, clinicians should look for modifiable risk factors associated with disability. Specific measures need to be taken to prevent disability due to LBP among salespeople.

The Relationship between Frequency Score of Wearing Personal Protective Equipment and Concentration of Urinary Organophosphorus Pesticide Metabolites in Farmers (일부 농업인의 개인보호구 착용빈도 점수와 요 중 유기인계 농약 대사체 농도와의 연관성)

  • Choi, Jihee;Moon, Sun-In;Roh, Sangchul
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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    • v.45 no.6
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    • pp.583-593
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    • 2019
  • Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the frequency score of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and concentration of urinary organophosphorus pesticide metabolites in farmers. Methods: The study was conducted in Chungcheongnam-do Province of South Korea. We collected urine samples from 308 farmers from September to December 2017 and May to July 2018. Among them, 17 farmers with urinary creatinine levels outside the normal range were excluded. Information on the frequency of wearing PPE was obtained from the farmers through face-to-face survey. Each frequency of wearing for seven types of PPE was converted into a score and expressed as a total score, which was divided into quartiles. Four types of urinary organophosphorus pesticide metabolites were analyzed using a gas chromatography mass selective detector. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify concentrations of urinary organophosphorus pesticide metabolites affected by the frequency of wearing PPE. Results: The average frequency score of wearing PPE was 8.0. The quartiles of frequency score of wearing PPE were divided as follows: 1st quartile (≤1), 2nd quartile (1-6), 3rd quartile (6-12), and 4th quartile (>12). Compared with subjects with a low frequency score of wearing PPE (reference), subjects with a high frequency score of wearing PPE (4th quartile) had lower concentrations of urinary diethyl phosphate (DEP) (p<0.01) and dialkyl phosphate (ΣDAP) (p<0.05), which is the sum of dimethyl phosphate (DMP), DEP, dimethyl thiophosphate (DMTP), and diethyl thiophosphate (DETP). Conclusion: Concentrations of urinary organophosphorus pesticide metabolites were associated with frequency score of wearing PPE. Particularly as the frequency score of wearing PPE increased, concentrations of urinary DMP, DEP, DETP, and ΣDAP significantly decreased. The findings of this study can contribute to the management of health effects among farmers working with pesticides.

Safety and Effects on General Health, Skin Condition and Lipid Profile of a Soy Lecithin-Based Dietary Supplement in Healthy Dogs

  • Oh, Ye-In;Lee, Jae-Hee;Jeong, In-Seong;Joo, Beom-Sung;Jang, Dong-suk;Han, Sang-Hun;Lee, Gi-Jong
    • Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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    • v.36 no.4
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    • pp.219-224
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    • 2019
  • The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effects of a soy lecithin-based supplement on the general health, skin condition, and blood lipid levels of dogs. Twenty-five, healthy, privately-owned dogs were enrolled in the study. Oral supplementation was administered for 8 weeks in the treatment group. Evaluation items included a thorough physical examination, owner responses to a questionnaire, blood analysis (CBC, CRP, serum chemistry, lipid profile). The results showed a significant improvement in amount of exercise, water intake, skin exfoliation in the treatment group (P < 0.05) but no significant changes in the other evaluation items, including no significant changes in blood component results following administration of the supplement. Most dogs well tolerated the treatment, and there were no serious adverse events. We suggest that soy lecithin has potential as a nutraceutical for the positive effect of general health condition such as activity and skin condition. Further studies are needed to establish the appropriate dose level and administration frequency of soy lecithin in dogs.

2-Week repeated oral dose toxicity study of 1,4-dichlorobutane in rats (1,4-Dichlorobutane의 랫드 2주 반복경구투여독성시험)

  • Kim, Jong-Kyu;Lee, In-Chul;Kim, Sung-Hwan;Baek, Hyung-Seon;Bae, Jin-Sook;Song, Si-Whan;Kim, Jong-Choon;Chung, Yong-Hyun
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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    • v.23 no.1
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    • pp.1-10
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    • 2013
  • Objectives: The present study investigated the potential subacute toxicity of 1,4-dichlorobutane (1,4-DCB) by a 2-week repeated oral dose in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: The test chemical was administered once daily by gavage to male rats at dose levels of 0, 74, 222, 667, and 2000 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks. All rats were sacrificed at the end of treatment period. During the test period, clinical signs, mortality, body weights, food and water consumption, urinalysis, hematology, serum biochemistry, gross findings, and organ weights were examined. Results: At 2000 mg/kg/day, treatment-related clinical signs, as evidenced by hypothermia, decreased locomotor activity, piloerection, lying on side, and prone position were observed. All the rats were found dead on test day 2. At 667 mg/kg/day, polyuria, suppressed body weight gain, food consumption, and spleen and thymus weights, and increased adrenal gland and liver weights were observed.Hematological and serum biochemical investigations revealed increases in the alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphataseand total bilirubinand decreases in the serum $Na^+$ level, white blood cell count and lymphocyte ratio. There were no treatment-related adverse effects in the 74 and 222 mg/kg/day groups. Conclusions: In the present experimental conditions, target organs were determined to be spleen, thymus,and liver. The no-observed-adverse-effect level was considered to be 222 mg/kg/day in male rats.

Sleep Quality and Attention May Correlate With Hand Grip Strength: FARM Study

  • Lee, Gyuhyun;Baek, Sora;Park, Hee-won;Kang, Eun Kyoung
    • Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
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    • v.42 no.6
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    • pp.822-832
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    • 2018
  • Objective To determine the socio-demographic, psychologic, hematologic, or other relevant factors associated with hand grip strength in Korean farmers. Methods A total of 528 healthy Korean farmers were enrolled. Hand grip strength was measured in both hands using a hydraulic dynamometer. Socio-demographic characteristics were assessed and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Psycho-cognitive measurements such as sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and Go/No-Go test response time were conducted. In addition to physical measurements, serologic parameters including insulin-like growth factor 1 were measured. The factors associated with hand grip strength were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis after adjusting for age, height, and weight. Results The mean hand grip strength was associated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total score (${\beta}=-0.12$, p=0.01), the Go/No-Go test response time (${\beta}=-0.18$, p=0.001), vitamin D (${\beta}=0.12$, p=0.02), and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels (${\beta}=0.1$, p=0.045). In female farmers, hand grip strength was only associated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total score (${\beta}=-0.32$, p<0.001). Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that hand grip strength was associated with sleep quality and attention in Korean farmers.

Assessment of Estimated Daily Intake of Sorbic Acid and Benzoic Acid in the Korean Population (한국인의 소르빈산 및 안식향산 섭취수준 평가)

  • Lee, Kyung-Hyun;Kim, Ae-Young;Choi, Sung-Hee;Lim, Ho-Soo;Choi, Jae-Chun;Kim, Mi-Hye;Kim, So-Hee;Ha, Sang-Do
    • Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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    • v.28 no.4
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    • pp.293-298
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    • 2013
  • In this study, sorbic acids and benzoic acids frequently used in foods retailed in Korea were monitored and their estimated daily intakes were assessed for a purpose to ensure food additives safety management. The estimated daily intakes were calculated by categorizing the assessment items into the national average, by gender, by age and the high intake ($95^{th}$) groups based on concentrations of preservatives in foods as well as national health and nutrition survey data. The calculations were then compared with the ADI of the JECFA and the possibility of risk to be imposed on the people was examined. The results indicated that the estimated daily average intakes of preservatives were $221.60{\mu}g/kg{\cdot}bw/day$ of sorbic acids and $27.30{\mu}g/kg{\cdot}bw/day$ of benzoic acids. Compared to the ADI, the intake levels were 0.89 and 0.55% respectively, which were in a safe range. The estimated daily intakes of sorbic acids and benzoic acids in the high intake group ($95^{th}$) were $1140.27{\mu}g/kg{\cdot}bw/day$ and $194.95{\mu}g/kg{\cdot}bw/day$, which were 4.56% and 3.90% of the ADI (%) respectively, indicating that the intake levels of sorbic acids and benzoic acids in the high intake group were within a safe range. As for gender difference, the amount of benzoic acids intake was slightly larger in men than in women. However, gender differences were not observed in terms of the intake of sorbic acids. In terms of the levels of intake by age, the rates were found to be in the range of 0.52-2.10% for sorbic acids and 0.15-1.23% for benzoic acids. Therefore, the levels of sorbic acids and benzoic acids intakes were found not to exceed the ADI in all groups, and thus were within the safe ranges.

Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity Study of 1,4-Dichlorobutane (1,4-Dichlorobutane 생식능 및 차세대영향시험)

  • Chung, Yong Hyun;Kim, Jong Kyu;Yu, Wook Joon
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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    • v.23 no.3
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    • pp.273-286
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    • 2013
  • Objectives: The present study was conducted in order to investigate the reproductive toxicity in rats exposed to 1,4-dichlorobutane. Methods: The test chemical was administered orally at 0, 8.3, 50 and 300 mg/kg/day. Males were administered daily for 10 weeks prior to the mating period. Females were administered from between two weeks before mating to the 21stday of lactation. Results: In both sexes, a decrease in body weight and an increase in the weights of the liver and kidneys were observed. In males, discoloration of the liver, hepatocyte hypertrophy and mineralization in the kidneys were observed. In females, animal deaths, dystocia and pup deaths due to maternal dysfunction were observed. In F1 animals of both sexes, a decrease in body weight was observed at 300 mg/kg/day. An increase in the weights of the liver in both sexes, mineralization in the kidneys of males, animal deaths, hepatocyte hypertrophy and pup deaths due to maternal dysfunction were observed at 50 mg/kg/day. Mineralization in the kidneys of males was observed at 8.3 mg/kg/day. Therefore, the no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) of 1,4- dichlorobutane were considered to be under 8.3 mg/kg/day for males, 8.3 mg/kg/day for females, more than 300 mg/kg/day for fertility in both sexes, 8.3 mg/kg/day for maternal functions and 50 mg/kg/day for F1 offspring. The absolute toxic dose was believed to be 8.3 mg/kg/day for males, 50 mg/kg/day for females, 50 mg/kg/day for maternal functions and 300 mg/kg/day for F1 offspring. However NOAEL for fertility could not be determined since there were no treatment-related changes. Conclusions: Under the present experimental conditions, 1,4-dichlorobutane is a Category 1B Reproductive Toxicant (presumed human reproductive or developmental toxicant).

An Application of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for Safety measurement in Malaysian Construction Industry

  • Samad Doostdar;Zubaidah Ismail
    • International conference on construction engineering and project management
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    • 2013.01a
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    • pp.66-73
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    • 2013
  • Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a famous method amongst Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), set up by Saaty in 1980. AHP can be determined as a methodology of hierarchical analysis following reasonable decision making with make simpler a difficult crisis. Decision making in systems of Safety management concerned multipart challenges. AHP is process for get better the composite decisions understanding with analyzes of the problem in a structure of hierarchy. The integration all of applicable decision criteria, their pair wise judgment permits the decision maker to establish the trade-offs amongst objectives. In recent years, Malaysian's economy and infrastructure development have significantly and rapidly risen. The construction industry continues to play a major role in this development as many construction activities have been carried out to meet the high demands of the expansive market. However, the construction industry has faced a wide range of challenges, one of which is the frequent occurrences of accidents at the workplace. An effective safety program can substantially reduce accidents because it can help management to build up safer means of operations and create safe working environments for the workers. Furthermore, by having an effective safety programs, good safety culture can be embedded in organization because it can encourage mutual cooperation between management and workers in the operations of the programs and decisions that affect their safety and health. The focus of this research is development methodology of Analytics Hierarchy Process (AHP) in construction safety factors and investigates the levels of some effective elements in SMS in Malaysian construction industries.

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Effects of 'Dietary Education for Children's Health UP' on the Changes in Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Nutrition and Food Safety in 5th Grade Elementary School Students in Incheon (인천지역 초등학교 5학년 대상 '어린이 건강UP 안전한 식생활교육'의 영양식품안전 지식, 태도, 실천의 변화에 대한 효과)

  • Bae, Mi Ae;Park, So Hyun;Han, So Hee;Chin, Jeong Hee;Chang, Kyung Ja
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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    • v.34 no.1
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    • pp.14-22
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    • 2019
  • This study examined the effects of 'Dietary education for children's health UP' (DECHUP) on the changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of nutrition and food safety in $5^{th}$ grade elementary school students in Incheon. The DECHUP program was conducted from May to October 2018 and consisted of education and activities focusing on the children's levels of understanding. Data were collected before, immediately after, and 6 weeks after DECHUP using the same method. All data were analyzed using SPSS ver 20.0. The level of knowledge and attitudes of the subjects to nutrition and food safety was significantly higher after than before DECHUP, but the attitude of boys did not show any significant difference after 6 weeks. Although there were no significant differences in the behavior for nutrition in the practice of the subjects, there were significant positive changes in the behavior of food safety. The higher the satisfaction of DECHUP, the more positive the change in knowledge, and the more positive the attitude and practice behaviors. Therefore, DECHUP has positive effects on the KAP of the subjects, and it will be helpful for elementary school students to form desirable eating habits if it can be carried out periodically and continuously.