• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.236-243
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• 2022

Background: In the case of multiple exposures to different types of heavy metals, such as the conditions faced by residents living near a smelter, it would be preferable to group hazardous substances with similar characteristics rather than individually related substances and evaluate the effects of each group on the human body. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of factor analysis in the assessment of health effects caused by exposure to two or more hazardous substances with similar characteristics, such as in the case of residents living near a smelter. Methods: Heavy metal concentration data for 572 people living in the vicinity of the Janghang smelter area were grouped based on several subfactors according to their characteristics using factor analysis. Using these factor scores as an independent variable, multiple regression analysis was performed on health effect markers. Results: Through factor analysis, three subfactors were extracted. Factor 1 contained copper and zinc in serum and revealed a common characteristic of the enzyme co-factor in the human body. Factor 2 involved urinary cadmium and arsenic, which are harmful metals related to kidney damage. Factor 3 encompassed blood mercury and lead, which are classified as related to cardiovascular disease. As a result of multiple linear regression analysis, it was found that using the factor index derived through factor analysis as an independent variable is more advantageous in assessing the relevance to health effects than when analyzing the two heavy metals by including them in a single regression model. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that regression analysis linked with factor analysis is a good alternative in that it can simultaneously identify the effects of heavy metals with similar properties while overcoming multicollinearity that may occur in environmental epidemiologic studies on exposure to various types of heavy metals.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.245-258
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• 2021

Objectives: In many previous studies, endocrine disruptors (EDCs) have been found to affect delays in puberty. Various EDCs have been reported on, but there have been only limited epidemiologic studies on the effects of exposure to environmental heavy metals and pyrethroid pesticides on puberty delay. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of exposure to environmental mercury, cadmium, and pyrethroid pesticides with delayed puberty in children based on national survey data that represents Korean children. Methods: We selected 450 children at the ages of 9-11 years old from the third Korean National Environmental Health Survey (3rd KoNEHS). The relations of urinary Hg, Cd, and 3-PBA with pubertal development were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: Urinary Hg levels were significantly associated with delayed puberty in boys [testicle development: OR=0.41 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.84); genitalia development: OR=0.35 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.81)]. Girls with higher Hg levels were more likely to experience delayed menarche [OR=0.23 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.90)]. We observed a significant 49% reduction in odds for menarche per increasing unit of urinary cadmium levels [OR=0.51 (95% CI: 0.24, 1.01)]. In addition, urinary 3-PBA showed a negative association with genitalia development in boys and menarche in girls [genitalia development: OR=0.73 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.96); menarche: OR=0.56 (95% CI: 0.32, 1.00)]. Conclusions: The results of this study support the hypothesis that exposure to environmental mercury, cadmium and pyrethroid pesticides may affect puberty delays. Additional evidence needs to be obtained through further prospective studies.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.139-142
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• 2016

The coexistence of Wilson disease with Alport syndrome has not previously been reported. The diagnosis of Wilson disease and its ongoing monitoring is challenging when associated with an underlying renal disease such as Alport syndrome. Proteinuria can lead to low ceruloplasmin since it is among serum proteins inappropriately filtered by the damaged glomerulus, and can also lead to increased urinary loss of heavy metals such as zinc and copper. Elevated transaminases may be attributed to dyslipidemia or drug induced hepatotoxicity. The accurate diagnosis of Wilson disease is essential for targeted therapy and improved prognosis. We describe a patient with a diagnosis of Alport syndrome who has had chronic elevation of transaminases eventually diagnosed with Wilson disease based on liver histology and genetics.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.181-188
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• 2022

Objectives: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was approximately 16% in populations of over age 30 years, and deaths from diabetes mellitus became the sixth most prevalent cause of death by disease. To assess the relationship between HbA1c and heavy metal level in blood and urine, targeted residents were evaluated in a vast steel industrial complex. Methods: We selected 414 subjects for analysis after applying the following exclusion criterion: 18 persons with diabetes mellitus. They took part in a questionnaire survey and underwent blood and urinary assessments. HbA1c and lead (Pb) level were measured in blood and, cadmium (Cd), inorganic arsenic (iAs) and mercury (Hg) were evaluated in urine. Two subgroups were divided by HbA1c 6.5%. Each subgroup was divided by 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th and 90th percentile levels of biological exposure index of the heavy metals for logistic regression. Results: Odd ratios have a tendency to increase as they go from the 90th to the 10th percentile of cadmium. However, lead, arsenic and mercury did not have significant relationships with HbA1c. In correction of age, region, gender and smoking history, a higher distribution in the subgroup with cadmium above 0.8318 ㎍/g creatinine (30th percentile) was demonstrated in the subgroup with HbA1c levels above the 6.5%, with an odds ratio of 5.26 (95% C.I. ; 1.44~19.17). Conclusion: This study found a significant correlation between urinary levels of cadmium and HbA1c in correction of several factors. It is meaningful that this outcome may be used as a basis for a study to establish the acceptable limit of urinary cadmium in Korea.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.25-35
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• 2024

Background: There are concerns about the health effects of various environmental pollution exposures among residents living near coal-fired power plants (CFPP). Objectives: This study attempted to compare the concentrations of heavy metals in blood and urine and those of urinary volatile organic compound (VOC) metabolites according to the residential separation distance. Methods: Participants in the study totaled 334 people who have lived for more than 10 years in areas within 10 km of a CFPP. The separation distance was analyzed in quartiles by dividing it into Q1 (88 people), Q2 (89 people), Q3 (89 people), and Q4 (68 people). We explained the purpose of this study to the participants and collected blood and urine after obtaining signatures on a participation agreement. Results: The study participants were 102 males (30.5%) and 232 females (69.5%), with an average age of 71. The average length of residence and distance were 43.8 years and 4,800 meters. The geometric mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Hg in blood and As and Cd in urine were respective 1.35 ㎍/dL, 1.43 ㎍/L, 3.16 ㎍/L. They were 167.88 ㎍/g for creatinine and 1.58 ㎍/g creatinine. The metabolite concentrations of VOCs were 50.67 ㎍/g creatinine in t, t-muconic acid (t, t-MA), 10.73 ㎍/g creatinine in benzyl mercapturic acid, 317.05 ㎍/g creatinine in phenylglyoxylic acid, 123.55 ㎍/g creatinine in methylhippuric acid, and 190.82 ㎍/g creatinine in mandelic acid. The concentration of Pb in the blood and Cd and t, t-MA in the urine of residents within affected area of the CFPP showed statistically significant differences among distance groups. Conclusions: The concentration of urinary VOCs metabolites, especially t, t-MA, differed according to the distance groups of residents within the affected area of CFPP (p<0.05).

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.338-345
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• 2015

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution of urine cadmium levels of residents in the surrounding areas of an industrial complex. Methods: During the period of three month from August to October 2012, informed consent was obtained from a total of 362 residents in Kwangyang and Yeosu. We collected urine sample from all subjects and their demographic characteristics, including alcohol drinks and smoking habits, using a questionnaire. The urine samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometer. Results: The urinary cadmium geometric mean concentration of total participants was $0.87{\mu}g/g\;cr$. The results of this study showed that higher urine cadmium levels were observed in females and some subjects with a higher level of education level and a lower BMI. Also, those subjects who preferred to take vegetables and took fish 3 days before urine sampling procedure revealed higher urine cadmium concentrations. The urine cadmium concentrations of subjects in the exposed area($0.91{\mu}g/g\;cr$) were significantly higher than those in the control area($0.78{\mu}g/g\;cr$). Conclusions: An additional study is needed to assess health risks of residents in the vicinity of environment-unfriendly areas, coupled with endeavors to examine possible heavy metals contamination factors that may affect the human body.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.227-244
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• 2021

Objectives: The Korean National Environmental Health Survey provides representative biomonitoring data for environmental pollutants in South Korea. Over the last decade, there have been various studies published using this data. In this study, we aimed to provide information and implications by reviewing each study. Methods: We searched comprehensive electronic databases from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Naver Academic database using the key words 'Korean National Environmental Health Survey' and 'KoNEHS' through March 2021. A total of 57 studies were selected after reviewing the relevance of the data. Results: The most frequently studied pollutants were heavy metals (10), Cotinine (8), Bisphenol A (7), and Phthalates (6), in that order. In particular, Phthalates, Bisphenol A, and Parabens were often studied together (6). A decline in urinary cotinine and heavy metals in the body was shown over time among studies on exposure association. It was demonstrated that Phthalates and Bisphenol A were significantly related to obesity and diabetes from the studies of health impacts. Cross-section study design, spot urine, and insufficient health status information were mostly reported as limitations of the data. Conclusion: Since research has been focused on adults, further investigations of children and adolescents are required. In this regard, it is necessary to maintain the consistency of the data structure and provide integrated weights for all ages. In addition, it would allow the measurement of several environmental pollutants by considering subsample design. Lastly, integrated studies with multi-cycles and the health effects from co-exposure to multiple chemicals would be expected to provide important knowledge.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.597-607
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• 1996

This study has been investigated the potenial of increased dietary cysteine to alter the effects of cadmium and lead on tissure and bone metal concentrations, excretion and tissue metallothionein(MT) concentrations. Fifty-four male rats of Sprgue-Dawley strain weighing 149$\pm$17g were divided into 9 groups according to body weight. Nine experimental diets with different cadmium (0ppm, 400ppm), lead(0ppm, 710ppm) and cysteine (0.06%, 0.45%, 0.90%) levels were given to rats for 30 days ; Food intake, weight gain, F.E.R, and weights of liver, kidney and femur were decreased in cadmium supplied groups than in cadmium free groups. Urinary and fecal cadmium excretions were increased and MT synthesis we induced in liver, kidney and small intestine in cadmium supplied groups. In lead supplied groups, weight gain and F.E.R were decreased. With cysteine supplementation in cadmium supplied groups, weight gain and F.E.R, and weights of liver, kidney and femur were increased. Cadmium excretion in feces and MT concentrations in liver and kidney were also increased with cysteine supplementation. In lead supplied groups, there was no significant increase in food intake, weight gain and F.E.R with cysteine supplementation. Lead excretion in feces was increased in cysteine supplemented groups. In conclusion, effect of cadmium administration was more toxic than lead adminstration. Cysteine alleviated cadmium and lead toxicity by increasing metallothionein concentration and fecal excretions of heavy metals. Especially, effect of cysteine supplementation was more effective in cadmium groups than in lead groups. Effect of cysteine supplementation was not different with level of cysteine supplementation in both cadmium and lead groups.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.572-580
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• 2018

Objectives: Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a measurement of the chemicals and their metabolites in human biological samples and has been successfully employed to determine the exposure levels of environmental chemicals. In this study, we analyzed seasonal variations of the blood or urinary levels of chemicals, and assessed that these differences could affect the results of association study. Methods: The Korea National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) is a nationwide survey that analyzes exposure levels of environmental pollutants, 19 kinds of chemicals including heavy metals and organic chemicals, and the exposure factors in the general population. Based on KoNEHS data, we analyzed the levels of chemicals concentrations over the total survey period (2012-2014) and each season, and assessed the association of thyroid measures with phthalate metabolite and BPA. Results: Exposure levels of blood mercury and lead were lower in summer compare to winter. Bisphenol A and PAHs metabolites were higher in spring and summer, but lower in autumn. VOCs metabolites were generally lower in summer and autumn. Phthalate metabolites were higher in all other seasons than in winter. Pyrethroid metabolite, 3-PBA, was higher in summer and autumn. Regarding seasonal variation of chemical exposures, the statistical significance and size of effects between thyroid measures and phthalate and BPA were changed with season. Conclusion: Seasonal variations of chemical exposure and health outcome should be considered for interpreting biomonitoring results from a public health context.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.90-110
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• 2011

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the parental recognition and utilizing patterns of oriental medical care in children who live in Seong-Dong district. Methods 802 day-care center children's parents participated in the survey on recognition and utilizing patterns of oriental medical care, and 702 of the surveys were analyzed. Results: 1. 38.33% has received previous oriental medical treatments and most were received at the children's age under 12-24 months. Majority of the treatments took place in the clinical settings. By recommendation, some also received their treatment at the medical centers. One of the reasons why they receive oriental medical treatments was that they prefer to balance their treatment with the orental medical treatments along with the western's. 2. 53.85% of those who received oriental medical treatments were satisfied with their treatments. The effective treatment results were the major reason for the satisfaction. 3. 49.56% of those who had oriental medical treatments chose specific oriental medical facilities for the children's ailment. Most specific oriental medical facilities were local oriental medical clinics. Reputation fame were the main reason in choosing the clinics. 4. In 2009, 55.26% had received care in the specific oriental medical clinics for the diseases, such as respiratory symptoms, systemic symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, skin problems, neurological and psychiatric disease for infants, and respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, systemic symptoms, skin problems, neurological and psychiatric symptoms, urinary symptoms and musculoskeletal symptoms for toddlers. 5. The average duration of herbal treatment were 7-14 days, preferably 4-6 days, and preferred number of medical visits were once a week on Saturdays and preferred day for night cares were on Friday nights. Average treatment fee per treatment was less than 10,000 won which coincided with the preferred treatment fee per visit. 6. The very first medical institutions chosen by parents once their children are ill are the following; Western medical institutions, western medical clinics, pharmacies, oriental medical clinics, health centers, and lastly, oriental medical institutions. The major concerns in receiving oriental medical cares include pesticides in herbs and hazardous substances in heavy metals. Preferred form of oriental medicine was decoction, the negative feedback of oriental medicine was mostly due to the bitter taste of the oriental herbal decoctions. Preferred frequency of intake was twice a day with less than 10cc~20cc per single intake. Conclusions: Taken all together, we conclude that the growing recognition of Oriental Pediatric medicine is needed among parents.