• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.349-354
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• 1993

To investigate the relations between the physical constitutions, the acid-base balance, and the autonomic nervous function, the blood gas, the heart rate and the concentrations of Na, K of serum were measured pre-and poststimulation. As the result, it is shown that in the normal condition the macro-negative(strong liver- weak lung type) is the metabolic alkalosis, the macro-positive (strong lung-weak liver type) is the metabolic acidosis, the micro-negative(strong kidney-weak spleen type) is the alkalosis and the micro-positive (strong spleen-weak kidney type) is the acidosis. And the ntacro-positive and micro-positive are the sympathetic lead, the macro-negative and micro-negative are the parasympathetic lead. In the macro-positive and micro-positive subjects, the concentration of K in serum is relatively high. This si coincided with the acidosis. But in the macro-negative and micro-negative subjects, the concentration of K in serum is relatively low. This is coincided with the alkalosis.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.348-357
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• 2011

Objectives: This study was conducted in order to examine the relationship between heavy metal concentrations in the soil and the level of heavy metals in the blood or urine of 216 local residents living near abandoned metal mines. Methods: Residents around abandoned metal mines were interviewed about their dietary habits, including seafood consumption, medical history, cigarette smoking, and drug history. Metal concentrations in the soil were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA-7000, Shimadzu, Japan). Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contents in the blood or urine were analyzed by GF-AAS (AA-6800, Shimadzu). Mercury (Hg) contents in the blood were determined by means of a mercury analyzer (SP-3DS, NIC). Arsenic (As) content in the soil and urine were measured by a HG-AAS (hydride vapor generation-atomic absorption spectrophotometer). Results: The heavy metal concentrations in the soil showed a log normal distribution and the geometric means of the four villages were 8.61 mg/kg for Pb, 0.19 mg/kg for Cd, 1.81 mg/kg for As and 0.035 mg/kg for Hg. The heavy metal levels of the 216 local residents showed a regular distribution for Pb, Cd, Hg in the blood and As in the urine. The arithmetic means were 3.37 ${\mu}g$/dl for Pb, 3.07 ${\mu}g$/l for Cd and 2.32 ${\mu}g$/l for Hg, 10.41 ${\mu}g$/l for As, respectively. Conclusions: As a result of multi-variate analysis for the affecting factors on the bodily heavy metal concentrations, gender and concentration in the soil (each, p<0.01) for blood lead levels; gender and smoking status (each, p<0.01) for blood cadmium levels; gender (p<0.01) for urine arsenic levels; gender, age and concentration in the soil (p<0.01) for blood mercury levels were shown to be the affecting factors.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.27 no.3 s.47
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• pp.547-556
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• 1994

In order to identify the necessary information of biochemical Indices for renal effect of lead for the early detection in medical surveillance of lead worker, the reference values of urinary N-acetyl-$\beta$-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities were studied with 205 office workers in one industrial complex area who were not exposed to lead occupationally. While study variables selected for lead exposure were blood lead (PbB), blood zinc protoporphyrin(ZPP) and $\delta$-aminolevulinic acid (DALA) in urine, those for renal effect were urinary N-acetyl-$\beta$-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine(Cr), serum uric acid (Ua), and urinary total protein(U-TP). The results obtained were as follows: 1. The mean values of blood lead, ZPP and DALA in all subjects were $14.39{\pm}4.02{\mu}g/dl,\;21.61{\pm}8.00{\mu}g/dl,\;and\;2.73{\pm}0.90mg/l$ respectively. 2. The mean value of urinary NAG activities in all subjects was $3.51{\pm}2.01U/l$. The mean value of urinary NAG activities, which calculated from NAG activities divided by urinary creatinine concentration (CNAG), was $5.42{\pm}5.53U/g$ creatinine and log-arithmic normal distributed. 3. The reference value of urinary NAG activity was 12.06 U/g creatinine(95% CU=10.57-14.76 U/g creatinine). 4. Logarithmic CNAG(r=0.781 p<0.0l), U-TP(r=0.670 p<0.01) and ZPP(r=0.172 p<0.05) showed statistically significant correlation with CNAG.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.258-266
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• 2019

Objectives: In this study, blood lead was analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAs) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We tried to examine the difference and consistency of the analytical values and the applicability of the analytical method. Methods: We selected 57 people who agreed to participate in this study. After confirming the linearity of the calibration standard curves in GF-AAs and ICP-MS, the concentrations of lead in quality control material and samples were measured, and the degree of agreement was compared. Results: The detection limit of the ICP-MS was lower than that of GF-AAs. The coefficient of variation of reference materials was shown to be stable in the ICP-MS and GF-AAs. When the correspondence between the two equipments was verified by bias of the analysis values, a concordance was shown, and approximately 98% of the ideal reference lines were present within ${\pm}40%$ of the deflection. Conclusion: GF-AAs showed high sensitivity to single heavy metal analysis, but it took much time and showed higher detection limit than ICP-MS. Therefore, it would be considered necessary to switch to ICP-MS analysis method, considering that the level of lead exposure is gradually decreasing.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 2011

Objectives: This study assessed the factors that have an influence on the residents exposed to heavy metals, and we utilized the findings to establish the proper management of abandoned metal mines in the future. Methods: For a total of 258 residents who lived close to abandoned mines in Gangwon-province and Gyeonggi-province, the exposure factors and biomarkers in their blood and urine were comparatively analyzed via multiple regression analysis. Results: The blood levels of lead and mercury and the cadmium levels in urine were found to be higher in the study group than that in the average Korean. For the blood levels of heavy metals according to each exposure factor, all of them were found to be significantly higher in both of the group residing for a longer period of time and the group living closer to the source of pollutants. Multiple regression analysis disclosed that all the heavy metals, except lead, in their blood were significantly reduced in proportion to the increased distance of inhabitancy from the mines. Their other biomarkers were within the normal ranges. Conclusions: We found that the distance between the residential village and the mines was a factor that affects the blood level of heavy metals in the villagers. This finding could be an important factor when developing a management model for the areas that surround abandoned metal mines. (ED note: I much like this important study.)

• Toxicological Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.93-98
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• 2012

This study has attempted to establish an analysis method through validation against heavy metals in the body (Pb, Cd and Hg) using ICP-MS and Gold amalgamation and find out the relevance between heavy metal and Alzheimer's disease after analyzing the distribution of heavy metal concentration (Pb, Cd and Hg) and correlations between a control group and Alzheimer's disease group. In this study, Pb and Cd levels in the blood and serum were validation using ICP-MS. For analysis of Hg levels in the blood and serum, the gold amalgamation-based 'Direct Mercury Analyzer' has been used. According to an analysis on the heavy metal concentration (Pb, Cd and Hg concentration) in the blood, Cd concentration was high in the Alzheimer's disease group. In the serum, on the contrary, Pb and Hg were high in the Alzheimer's disease group. For analysis of correlations between heavy metal levels in the blood and serum and Alzheimer's disease, t-test has been performed. Even though correlations were observed between the blood lead levels and Alzheimer's disease, they were statistically insignificant because the concentration was higher in a control group. No significance was found in Cd and Hg. In the serum, on the other hand, no statistical significance was found between the heavy metal (Pb, Cd and Hg) and Alzheimer's disease. In this study, no statistical significance was observed between heavy metal and decrease in cognitive intelligence. However, it appears that a further study needs to be performed because the results of the conventional studies were inconsistent.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.31 no.1 s.60
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• pp.112-126
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• 1998

To investigate the effectiveness of the interventions in working environment and personal hygiene for the occupational exposure to the lead, the blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) concentrations of 131 workers (100 exposed subjects and 31 controls) of a newly established battery factory were analyzed. They were measured in every 3 months up to 18 months. Ai. lead concentration (Pb-A) of the workplaces was also checked for 3 times in 6 months interval from August 1987. Environmental intervention included the local exhaust ventilation and vacuum cleaning of the floor. Intervention of the personal hygiene included the daily change of clothes, compulsory shower after work and hand washing before meal, prohibition of cigarette smoking and food consumption at the work site and wearing mask. Mean blood ZPP concentration of the controls was $16.45{\pm}4.83{\mu}g/d\ell$ at the preemployment examination and slightly increased to $17.77{\pm}5.59{\mu}g/d\ell$ after 6 months. Mean blood ZPP concentration of the exposed subjects who were employed before the factory was in operation (Group A) was $17.36{\pm}5.20{\mu}g/d\ell$ on employment and it was increased to $23.00{\pm}13.06{\mu}g/d\ell$ after 3 months. The blood ZPP concentration was increased to $27.25{\pm}6.40{\mu}g/d\ell$ on 6 months (p<0.01) after the employment which was 1 month after the initiation of intervention program. It did not increase thereafter and ranged between $25.48{\mu}g/d\ell$ and $26.61{\mu}g/d\ell$ in the subsequent 4 results. Mean blood ZPP concentration of the exposed subjects who were employed after the factory had been in operation but before the intervention program was initiated (Group B) was $14.34{\pm}6.10{\mu}g/d\ell$ on employment and it was increased to $28.97{\pm}7.14{\mu}g/d\ell$ (p<0.01) in 3 months later(1 month after the intervention). The values of subsequent 4 tests were maintained between $26.96{\mu}g/d\ell$and $27.96{\mu}g/d\ell$. Mean blood ZPP concentration of the exposed subjects who were employed after intervention program had been started (Group C) was$21.34{\pm}5.25{\mu}g/d\ell$ on employment and it was gradually increased to $23.37{\pm}3.86{\mu}g/d\ell$ (p<0.01) after 3 months, $23.93{\pm}3.64{\mu}g/d\ell$ after 6 months, $25.50{\pm}3.01{\mu}g/d\ell$ after 9 months, and $25.50{\pm}3.10{\mu}g/d\ell$ after 12 months. Workplaces were classified into 4 parts according to Pb-A. The Pb-A of part I, the highest areas, were $0.365mg/m^3$, and after the intervention the levels were decreased to $0.216mg/m^3$ and$0.208mg/m^3$ in follow-up test. The Pb-A of part II which was resulted in lowe. value than part I was decreased from $0.232mg/m^3$ to $0.148mg/m^3$, and $0.120mg/m^3$ after the intervention. The Pb-A of part III was tested after the intervention and resulted in $0.124mg/m^3$ in January 1988 and $0.181mg/m^3$ in August 1988. The Pb-A of part IV was also tested after the intervention and resulted in $0.110mg/m^3$ in August 1988. There was no consistent relationship between Pb-A and blood ZPP concentration. The blood ZPP concentration of the group A and B workers in the part of the highest Pb-A were lower than those of the workers in the parts of lower Pb-A. The blood ZPP concentration of the workers in the part of the lowest Pb-A increased more rapidly. The blood ZPP concentration of the group C workers was the highest in part III. These findings suggest that the intervention in personal hygiene is more effective than environmental intervention, and it should be carried out from the first day of employment and to both the exposed subjects, blue color workers and the controls, white color workers.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2011

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the dietary intake and blood concentrations for examination of exposure levels and exposure characteristics of Cd and Pb via food among college students aged 20 years living in Busan area. Methods: Food duplicate per a day and venous blood samples were accepted from healthy man and women college students. The samples were analyzed with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: Dietary intake of Cd and Pb in the participants were $17.5{\mu}g\;Cd/day$, $21.7{\mu}g\;Pb/day$. Blood concentrations were $2.01{\mu}g\;Cd/L$, $4.32{\mu}g\;Pb/dL$, respectively. Conclusions: Smoking and drinking habits might be high influential factors in 20 years college students. Dietary intake of Cd and Pb, however, from food group of seaweed, or fish and shellfish in 20 years college students were lower than that in any other age group.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.350-360
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• 2017

Purpose: This study examined and compared the associations of the iron status and food intake with the blood lead, mercury, and cadmium concentrations among Korean adolescent girls, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women. Methods: The data from the 2010~2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) was used. The subjects were classified into three groups: adolescent girls (n = 268), premenopausal women (n = 1,157), and postmenopausal women (n = 446). The iron status was assessed by hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum ferritin, and iron concentrations, as well as the total iron binding capacity (TIBC). The food intake was estimated by a food frequency questionnaire. Results: The blood heavy metal concentrations and poisoning rate in postmenopausal women were higher than in the other groups. The iron status in the adolescent girls and postmenopausal women was higher than that in the premenopausal women. In the adolescent girls, the iron status was inversely associated with the blood cadmium concentration. The dairy food intake was inversely related to the blood lead and cadmium concentrations. In premenopausal women, the iron status was inversely associated with the cadmium concentrations. The fish and shellfish food intakes were positively associated with the mercury concentrations. In postmenopausal women, the iron status was positively associated with the mercury and cadmium concentrations. Fast foods and fried foods were inversely associated with the lead concentration. Conclusion: The premenopausal women showed a lower iron status than the adolescent girls and postmenopausal women. The associations of the iron status with the blood heavy metal concentrations were different among the adolescent girls, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women. In addition, the relationships of the food intakes with the blood heavy metal concentrations differed among adolescent girls, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women. Further studies will be needed to confirm these findings.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.157-164
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• 2000

Objectives : This study was peformed to determine the reference values of blood lead, manganese, aluminium, and silicon in healthy adults. Methods : The subjects were 132 (67 male and 65 female), and classified to three age groups $(\leq39,\;40\sim49,\;and\;50\leq)$. Blood lead, manganese and aluminium were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and blood silicon was analyzed by direct current plasma optical emission spectrometer. Results : Blood lead levels(geometric mean, S.D) were (3.49, 1.70) ${\mu}g/dL$ in male and (3.04, 1.65) ${\mu}g/dL$ in female, but the difference is not significant, and there was no significant difference between age groups. Mean blood manganese level was $0.99{\pm}0.41{\mu}g/dL$, and there was no significant difference between sex or age groups. Mean blood aluminium level was $0.59{\pm}0.35{\mu}g/dL$, and there was no significant difference between sex or age groups. Mean blood silicon level was $54.41{\pm}27.64{\mu}g/dL$ in male and $43.34{\pm}23.51{\mu}g/dL$ in female, and the level in male was significantly higher than that in female (p<0.05). There was significant difference between age groups, and the oldest showed the highest level in male (p<0.05), but no significant difference between age groups in female. Conclusions : Authors hope that this study would provide basic data for determining reference values and evaluating health effects.