• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.193-200
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• 2011

Objectives: Blood lead and hyperhomocysteinemia have been found to be associated with cardiovascular disease. The objective of the present study was to assess the relationship of lead biomarkers on plasma homocysteine and blood pressure. Methods: To evaluate the effect of lead biomarkers including blood lead on plasma homocysteine and blood pressure in retired lead workers, 66 retired lead workers without any occupational exposure to organic solvent, mercury and arsenic were agreed to participate this study. For the control subjects 42 controls were recruited from same area of retired lead workers with consideration of demographic characteristics. Results: The mean levels of blood lead and ZPP of retired lead workers were significantly higher than control group. There were positive significant correlations between blood lead and plasma homocysteine, also systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The multiple linear regression analysis also reveled that plasma homocysteine was significantly associated with blood lead after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, lead exposure, smoking and drinking. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly associated with blood lead, plasma homocysteine, and total cholesterol; whereas, systolic blood pressure was significantly associated with plasma homocysteine only. Conclusions: Blood lead showed significant association with plasma homocysteine and blood pressure even after more than mean 10 years from their retirements.

• 대한임상독성학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.127-132
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• 2021

Purpose: It is known that the most common cause of gas poisoning in Korea is suicide attempts by burning ignition coals. Ignition coals are made from waste wood, and studies have been reported that heavy metals are emitted when this coal is burned. However, there was no study on how much heavy metal poisoning occurs in the human body through this, so this study was planned to find out whether the concentration of heavy metals in the blood increased in patients exposed to ignition coal combustion. Methods: From April 2020 to April 2021, blood lead, mercury, and cadmium concentrations were investigated in carbon monoxide poisoning patients who visited one regional emergency medical center in Seoul, and their association with exposure time, source of poisoning, and rhabdomyolysis were investigated. Results: During the study period, a total of 136 carbon monoxide poisoning patients were tested for heavy metals, and 81 cases of poisoning by ignition coal were reported. When comparing poisoning caused by combustion of ignition coal and other substances, there was no difference in the concentrations of lead, mercury, and cadmium in the blood, and there was no difference in the number of patients above the reference range. However, the patients exposed to more than 5 hours of ignition coal gas exposure are more frequent than those in the group less than 5 hours in lead (51.4% vs. 23.9%, p=0.012). Conclusion: Compared to poisoning with other combustible substances, the blood concentration of lead, mercury, and cadmium does not increase further in patients with gas poisoning by ignition coal. However, prolonged exposure may result in elevated levels of lead.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.267-275
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• 2020

Objectives: The causes of dementia have been reported in various ways, but there has been little research on the interrelationship between heavy metals and dementia, and the results also show little consistency. Therefore, it is imperative to compare the levels of heavy metal exposure between the dementia-suffering group and a control group to confirm the correlation between the level of heavy metal exposure and the likelihood of dementia. Methods: In order to assess the dementia level of the elderly, the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were applied. To analyze the concentration of heavy metals in the blood, blood was collected from the veins of study subjects and measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: There was a statistically significant correlation between lead and manganese concentrations in the blood and the MMSE and GDS. It was found that there was a statistically significant correlation between cadmium concentration in the blood and the GDS, but the MMSE was less relevant. It was found that the blood mercury concentration and the MMSE and GDS were less relevant. The lead concentration in the blood was 0.95±0.74 ㎍/dL in the dementia patient group and 0.33±0.22 ㎍/dL in the normal group, while cadmium was 0.69±0.37 ㎍/L in the dementia group and 0.18±0.10 ㎍/L in the normal group. Mercury was 0.81±0.31 ㎍/L in the dementia group and 1.16±0.80 ㎍/L in the normal group. Manganese was 6.83±2.01 ㎍/L in the dementia group and 4.78±1.59 ㎍/L in the normal group. All of these show statistically significant differences. Conclusions: As the concentration of lead, cadmium and manganese in the blood increases, the MMSE scores and GDS scores were found to worsen, and it was confirmed that there is a correlation between heavy metal exposure and cognitive degradation.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제54권3호
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• pp.192-200
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• 2022

혈액 중금속과 비만 사이의 연관성은 많은 연구에서 조사되었다. 그러나 일관되지 않은 연구 결과가 여전히 존재한다. 이 연구는 2005년과 2008년부터 2017년까지 11년간 119,181명의 참가자를 대상으로 한 국민건강영양조사의 데이터를 사용하여 수행되었다. 혈액 중금속 검사, 건강면접 자료, 건강검진 자료가 누락된 피험자는 연구에서 제외하였다. 연구 모집단에 포함될 자격이 있는 1,844명(남성 972명, 여성 872명)으로 구성되었다. 비만과 복부 비만은 혈중 수은 증가(P<0.001) 및 알라닌 아미노전이효소(ALT) 증가(P<0.001) 모두와 관련이 있는 것으로 나타났다. 교란요인들을 보정한 결과, 높은 ALT 수치와 가장 높은 삼분위수의 수은 수치에 동시에 해당되는 사람은 비만(오즈비 4.46, 95%, 신뢰구간 2.23~8.90, P<0.001) 및 복부 비만(오즈비 5.36, 95%, 신뢰구간 2.57~11.17, P<0.001)의 위험이 증가되는 것으로 나타났다. 수은과 ALT의 상호 관계는 체질량지수(P for interaction=0.009)와 허리둘레(P for interaction=0.012)에 대해 각각 유의하게 관찰되었는데, 이는 이 상호 관계가 비만과 복부 비만에 기여할 수 있음을 암시한다.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제42권6호
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• pp.450-464
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• 2016

Objectives: This study developed and validated reference materials (RMs) to analyze metal compounds in blood. Methods: We referred to KoNEHS (Korea National Environmental Health Survey) to estimate concentrations of blood metals (cadmium, Cd; lead, Pb; mercury, Hg) and applied analytical methods (inductively coupled plasma - mass spectroscopy, ICP-MS, for Cd and Pb; graphite furnace - atomic absorption spectrometry, GF-AAS, for Cd and Pb; and direct mercury analyzer, DMA, for Hg). Homogeneity and stability tests were carried out. In addition, certified values and uncertainties of RMs were calculated through internal and external experiments. All RMs were developed and assessed in various forms according to element, analytical method, and two types of concentration levels high concentration for occupational exposure and low concentration for environmental exposure. Results: All samples showed acceptable homogeneity, except for low concentration of Cd in the GF-AAS method. Short- and long-term stabilities were satisfied by ANOVA testing. In the inter-laboratory comparison, robust medians were lower than the certified values of all RMs (robust median/reference value; $1.301/1.327{\mu}g/L$ for Cd, ICP-MS, low concentration; $3.152/3.388{\mu}g/L$ for Cd, ICP-MS, high concentration; $1.219/1.301{\mu}g/L$ for Cd, GF-AAS, low concentration; $3.074/3.321{\mu}g/L$ for Cd, GF-AAS, high concentration; $14.473/14.516{\mu}g/L$ for Pb, ICP-MS, low concentration; $50.069/50.114{\mu}g/L$ for Pb, ICP-MS, high concentration; $12.881/14.147{\mu}g/L$ for Pb, GF-AAS, low concentration; $47.015/47.591{\mu}g/L$ for Pb, GF-AAS, high concentration; $4.059/4.218{\mu}g/L$ for Hg, DMA, low concentration; $11.474/11.181{\mu}g/L$ for Hg, DMA, high concentration). Conclusion: This study demonstrates procedures for developing and validating RMs for biomonitoring in the field of the environmental health.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.27-42
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• 1995

수은이 마우스의 세포성 및 체액성 면역반응에 미치는 영향을 밝히고자 실험을 통해 얻은 결과를 다음과 같이 요약하는 바이다. $10^{-2}mM$이상의 농도에서 수은은 시험관내의 마우스 비장세포에 대한 명백한 독성 작용(toxic effect)을 나타냈다. 수은에 의한 마우스 생존을(survival rate)은 0.8mg(per 100g body weight) 이하의 농도에서는 100%생존율을 나타냈으며, 0.9mg 이상의 농도에서는 5일 이내에 100% 치사율을 나타냈다. Subtoxic 농도의 수은 투여에 따른 Arthus 및 DTH반응의 결과는 $Arthus(T_3)$반응에 있어서 수은 투여군과 대조군 사이에 유의한 차이가 나타나지 않았던 반면, $T_{24},\;T_{48}$의 DTH반응은 수은 투여군이 대조군에 비하여 억제되었다. 수은 투여 마우스의 면양적혈구(SRBC)에 대한 항체반응을 측정한 결과 면양적혈구에 대한 총응집소가는 수은 투여 농도에 의존적으로 대조군의 값에 비해 억제되었다. 시험관 내에서 마이토젠에 대한 비장세포의 증식 반응은 수은 농도에 의존적으로 억제되었다. 수은 투여군의 IgE 생산은 농도 증가에 따라 $1.7\sim2.0$배의 수준으로 증가하였으며, $IgG_1$의 경우도 증가의 경향을 보였으나 대조군에 비해 큰 차는 아니었다. 이상의 결과를 살펴볼 때 수은 중독시 출현할 수 있는 면역반응의 변화로서, 초기에는 세포성 면역반응의 감소가 현저할 것으로 사료되나 중독이 진행됨에 따라 Ig농도의 상승을 제외한 체액성 면역반응의 전반적인 감소가 수반될 것으로 예측된다.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제44권1호
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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.)

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제49권5호
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• pp.262-274
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• 2023

Background: Exposure levels for heavy metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) have increased due to human activities. They are known to be a public health concern. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the exposure levels to heavy metals in the blood and urine of South Korean adults and to present the contribution rate of exposure pathways using an exposure algorithm for men aged 19~64, women aged 19~64, and all seniors aged 65 or older. Methods: We analyzed data from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) Cycle 4 (2018~2020). A total of 2,646 participants aged ≥19 years were included. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting heavy metal concentrations. The contribution rate was calculated by applying three exposure algorithms for ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. Results: Factors that commonly affect heavy metal concentrations in blood and urine were gender and age. The main influencing factors for Pb and Cd were education level and smoking status, while frequency of fish consumption and of alcohol consumption were indicated to be the main influencing factors for mercury. The contribution rates of lead and cadmium from food ingestion were 78.03~79.62% and 88.39~92.89%, respectively. Additionally, the highest contribution for mercury was accounted for by food at 81.69~85.77%. As a result of the risk assessment, cadmium was found to pose a potential health risk a with total cancer risk (TCR) of more than 1×10^-6. Conclusions: The KoNEHS could be an important study for determining the level of exposure to heavy metals and their influencing factors. Integrated exposure to heavy metals could assess the main exposure pathways, and this methodology could be applied to exposure management of heavy metals.

• 대한화학회지
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• 제57권5호
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• pp.568-573
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• 2013

A selective and sensitive method for simultaneous determination of copper in blood by adsorptive differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry is presented. The procedure involves an adsorptive accumulation of Cu(II)-ETSC (4- ethyl-3-thiosemicarbazide) on a hanging mercury drop electrode, followed by a stripping voltammetry measurement of reduction current of adsorbed complex at about -715 mV. The optimum conditions for the analysis of copper (II) ion are : pH 10.3, concentration of 4-ethyl-3-thiosemicarbazide $3.25{\times}10^{-6}$ M and an accumulation potential of -100 mV. The peak current is proportional to the concentration of copper over the range 0.003-125 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.001 ng/mL and an accumulation time of 60 s. Moreover, with the use of the proposed method, there is a considerable improvement in the detection limit, the linear dynamic range and the deposition time, compared with the methods of adsorptive stripping voltammetry for the determination of copper. The developed method was validated by analysis of whole blood certified reference materials.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제44권6호
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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.