• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제28권4호
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• pp.382-392
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• 2018

Objective: Allergic diseases such as asthma due to fungal exposure in houses have increased, and proper management is urgent. Mold can grow in the air, floor, walls, and other areas according to environmental conditions, and there are many limitations to the conventional methodology for examining fungal exposure. For this reason, the degree of fungal contamination is being evaluated by ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index), a quantitative analysis method proposed by the EPA. In this study, we compared ERMI values between water-damaged dwellings and non-damaged ones to evaluate the effectiveness of Korean ERMI values. We also explored the association of ERMI values with the level of airborne mold and characteristics of dwellings. Methods: Floor dust was collected after installing a Dustream collector on the suction port of a vacuum cleaner. The collected samples were filtered to remove only 5 mg of dust, and DNA was extracted using the FastDNA SPIN KIT protocol. Results: The ERMI values were found to be 19.6 (-6.9-58.8) for flooded houses, 7.5 (-29.2-48.3) for leaks/condensation, and 0.8 (-29.2-37.9) for non-damaged dwellings. The airborne concentration of mold for flooded, leakage or condensed, and non-damaged houses were $684CFU/m^3$, $566CFU/m^3$, and $378CFU/m^3$, respectively. The correlation between ERMI values and the levels of airborne mold was low (R = 0.038), but a weakly significant association of the ERMI values with the concentration of particulate matter ($PM_{10}$) was observed as well(R=0.231,P<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings show that the reference value using ERMI can be used to distinguish water-damaged and non-damaged dwellings. It is believed that ERMI values could be a promising tool for assessing long-term fungal exposure in dwellings.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.285-296
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• 2020

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of exposure to humidifier disinfectants (HDs) and their association with the presence of a person who experienced the adverse health effects in general households in Korea. Methods: During the month of December 2016, a nationwide online survey was conducted on adults over 20 years of age who had experience of using HDs. It provided information on exposure characteristics and the experience of health effects. The final survey respondents consisted of 1,555 people who provided information on themselves and their household members during the use of HD. Exposure characteristics at the household level included average days of HD use per week, average hours of HD use per day, the duration within which one bottle of HD was emptied, average input frequency of HD, amount of HD (cc) per one time used, and active ingredients of HD products (PHMG, CMIT/MIT, PGH, or others). The risk of the presence of a person who experienced adverse health effects in the household was evaluated by estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for monthly income and region using a multiple logistic regression model. Subgroup analyses were conducted for households with a child (≤7 years) and households with a newborn infant during HD use. Results: The level of exposure to HD tended to be higher for households with a child or newborn infant for several variables including average days of HD use per week (P<0.0001) and average hours of HD use per day (P<0.0001). The proportion of households in which there was at least one person who experienced adverse health effects such as rhinitis, asthma, pneumonia, atopy/skin disease, etc. was 20.6% for all households, 25.3% for households with children, and 29.9% for households with newborn infants. The presence of a person who experienced adverse health effects in the household was significantly associated with average hours of HD use per day (P_trend<0.001), duration within which one bottle of HD was emptied (P_trend<0.001), average input frequency of HD (P_trend<0.001), amount of HD per one use (P_trend=0.01), and use of HDs containing PHMG (OR=2.23, 95% CI=1.45-3.43). Similar results were observed in subgroup analyses. Conclusion: Our results suggest that level of exposure to HD tended to be higher for households with a child or newborn infant and that exposure to HD is significantly associated with the presence of a person who experienced adverse health effects in the household.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.1-22
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• 2017

'The worstest environment disaster', 'World's first biocide massacre', 'Home-based Sewol ferry disaster' are all phrases attached to the recent humidifier disinfectant disaster. In the spring of 2011, four of 8 pregnant women including 1 adult man passed away at a university hospital in Seoul due to breathing failure. Epidemiologic investigation conducted by the Korean CDC soon revealed the inhalation of humidifier disinfectant, which had been widely used in Korea during the winter, to be responsible for the disease. As well as lung fibrosis hardening of the lungs, other diseases including asthma, rhinitis, skin disease, liver disease, fetal disease or cancers have been researched for their relation with exposure to the products. By February 9, 2017, 5,342 cases had registered for health problems and 1,131 of them were already dead (20.8% mortality rate). Based on studies by government agencies and a telephone survey of the general population by Seoul National University and civic groups, around 20% of the general public of Korea has used these products. Since the market release of the first product by SK Chemical in 1994, over 7.1 million items from around 20 brands were sold up to 2011. Most of the products were manufactured by well-known large conglomerates such as SK, Lotte, Samsung, Shinsegye, LG, and GS, as well as some European companies including UK-based Reckitt Benckiser and TESCO, the German firm Henkel, the Danish firm KeTox, and an Irish company. Even though this disaster was unveiled in 2011 by the Korean government, the issue of the victims was neglected for over five years. In 2016, an unexpected but intensive investigation by prosecutors found that Reckitt Benckiser manipulated and concealed animal tests for its own brand and brought several university experts and company employees to court. The matter was an intense social issue in Korea from May to June with a surge in media coverage. The prosecutor's investigation and a nationwide boycott campaign organized by victims and environmental groups against Reckitt Benckiser, whose product had been used by more than 70% of victims, led to the producer's official apology and a compensation scheme. A legislative investigation organized after the April 2016 national election revealed the producers' faults and the government's responsibility, but failed to meet expectations. A special law for the victims passed the National Assembly in January 2017 and a punitive system together with a massive environmental epidemiology investigation are expected to be the only solutions for this tragedy. Sciences of medicine, toxicology and environmental health have provided decisive evidence so far, but for the remaining problems the perspectives of social sciences such as sociology and jurisprudence are highly necessary, similar to with the Minamata disease and Wonjin Rayon events. It may not be easy to follow this issue using unfamiliar terminology from medical and chemical science and the long, complicated history of the event. For these reasons the author has attempted to write this article in a question and answer format to render it easier to follow. The 17 questions are: Q1 What is humidifier disinfectant? Q2 What kind of health problems are caused by humidifier disinfectant? Q3 How many victims are there? Q4 What is the analysis of the 1,112 cases of death? Q5 What is the problem with the government's diagnostic criteria and the solution? Q6 Who made what brands? Q7 Has there been a recall? What is still on sale? Q8 Was safety not checked by any producers? Q9 What are the government's responsibilities? Q10 Is it true that these products were sold only in Korea? Q11 Why and how was it unveiled only in 2011 after 17 years of sales? Q12 What delayed the resolution of the victim issue? Q13 What is the background of the prosecutor's investigation in early 2016? Q14 Is it possible to report new victim cases without evidence of product purchase? Q15 What is happening with the victim issue? Q16 How does it compare with the cases of Minamata disease and Wonjin Rayon? Q17 Are there prevention measures and lessons?

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제60권3호
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• pp.337-341
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• 2006

목 적: 기관지 탄분 섬유화증은 국내에서 드물지 않게 관찰되는 특징적인 소견으로, 기관지 내시경상 기관지내 탄분 침착 및 협착 소견이 관찰된다. 이는 외국의 보고에서는 찾아보기 힘든 병변이며, 아직 결핵과의 관련성만 추측할 뿐 뚜렷한 원인이나 발병기전에 대해 알려진 바는 없다. 이에 본 저자들은 기관지 내시경상 탄분 침착을 보이는 환자들의 임상양상 및 연관된 질환을 알아보고자 본 연구를 시행하게 되었다. 방 법: 2000년부터 2004년까지 건양대학교 병원에서 기관지내시경 검사를 시행한 환자 1340명중에서 기관지 탄분 섬유화증의 병변이 기술된 70명(5.2%)의 환자의 임상양상 및 최종 진단을 확인하여 후향적으로 분석하였다. 결 과: 대상자의 평균연령은 $60.6{\pm}9.2$세로 대부분 고령이었고, 여성이 44명(62.9%)으로 남성26명(37.1%)보다 많았다. 탄분증과 흡연의 관계는 비흡연가가 56명, 흡연가가 14명으로 비흡연가가 흡연가에 비해 4배정도 많아 탄분증과 흡연은 관계가 없는 것으로 보였다. 거주지를 도시와 농촌으로 비교하였을 때 도농간 차이는 보이지 않았다(34명 vs 36명). 기타 특별한 사회 인구학적 차이는 없었다. 입원 당시 환자들의 증상은 대부분 기침이 주된 증상이었다. 기관지 내시경상 기관지 폐쇄 소견을 보인 환자는 21명(30.0%)이었고 주로 우상엽과 우중엽부위가 많았다. 최종 진단으로는 객담 항산균 검사 및 조직소견(PCR포함) 등으로 확진된 결핵이 34례(48.6%)이고, 나머지 환자 중에 과거에 결핵을 앓은 병력이 있는 환자가 6례로 총 40례(57.1%)에서 결핵과 연관성을 확인할 수 있었다. 그 밖에 고혈압 15례(21%), 당뇨병 9례(13%), 만성폐쇄성 폐질환 7례(10%), 폐암 6례(8.6%), 진폐증 1례(1.4%), 천식 1례(1.4%)로 나타났다. 결 론: 기관지 내시경상 기관지 탄분 섬유화증의 병변은 5.2%의 유병률을 보였으며, 고령의 여자에서 높은 빈도를 보이며, 57.1%에서 결핵과는 연관성이 있었다.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제79권1호
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• pp.14-21
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• 2016

Cough is one of the most common symptom of many respiratory diseases. The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases organized cough guideline committee and cough guideline was developed by this committee. The purpose of this guideline is to help clinicians to diagnose correctly and treat efficiently patients with cough. In this article, we have stated recommendation and summary of Korean cough guideline. We also provided algorithm for acute, subacute, and chronic cough. For chronic cough, upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), cough variant asthma (CVA), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should be considered. If UACS is suspicious, first generation anti-histamine and nasal decongestant can be used empirically. In CVA, inhaled corticosteroid is recommended in order to improve cough. In GERD, proton pump inhibitor is recommended in order to improve cough. Chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis, lung cancer, aspiration, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, habit, psychogenic cough, interstitial lung disease, environmental and occupational factor, tuberculosis, obstructive sleep apnea, peritoneal dialysis, and idiopathic cough can be also considered as cause of chronic cough. Level of evidence for treatment is mostly low. Thus, in this guideline, many recommendations are based on expert opinion. Further study regarding treatment for cough is mandatory.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제45권11호
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• pp.1340-1345
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• 2002

목 적 : 코골음은 소아에서 흔히 보이는 증상 중 하나로, 일부에선 주간의 과다졸음, 주의력 결핍, 과잉행동, 야뇨증, 두통 등의 행동장애와 수면 시간 감소와 수면 중 잦은 깸 등의 수면장애를 일으키고 심한 경우엔 수면 무호흡 증후군을 동반하기도 한다. 수면 무호흡의 고위험 인자로 비만이나 코골음의 가족력 그리고 동반질환의 연관성이 보고되고 있다. 이에 저자들은 초등학교 아동들을 대상으로 설문 조사를 이용하여 코골음의 유병율, 유발인자, 동반되는 수면장애에 대해 알아보는 것이 소아에서 수면 장애를 대처하는데 도움이 될 것으로 판단되어 본 연구를 시행하였다. 방 법: 2001년 7월 광주광역시에 소재 2개 초등학교 학생 1,707명(남학생 816명, 여학생 891명)을 대상으로 설문지를 배분하여 부모님의 지도하에 무기명으로 기입하도록 하여 최근 6개월 이내의 코골음의 발생 빈도 그리고 코골음으로 인해 수면시간 감소, 잠꼬대, 낮잠, 졸음 및 학교 성적 저하 등의 수면장애로 인한 결과들과 비만이나 여러 질환 등의 유발인자와 코골음과 연관성을 연구하였다. 결 과 : 1) 전체 대상 아동 29.0%에서 최근 6개월 이내에 코골음을 경험하였고 15.6%에서는 1주일에 1회 이상씩 자주 경험하였고 거의 매일 코를 고는 아이들은 4.3%이었다. 코골음군에서는 남녀 각각 19.5%, 12.0%로 남아에서 유의하게 높았으나, 연령의 차이는 없었다. 2) 두 군 모두 저녁에 잠자는 시간은 8-10시간이 가장 많았고, 코를 자주 고는 군에서 8시간 미만으로 자는 경우와 수면 중 잠꼬대를 하는 경우가 의의있게 많았으며, 주간에 과다하게 졸음을 느끼는 경우가 많았으나 낮잠, 야뇨증, 학교 성적 저하, 피로감, 아침에 일어나 두통을 호소하는 경우 등은 별다른 차이가 없었다. 3) 코를 자주 고는 군에서는 남아인 경우, 편도 비대, 기관지 천식, 알레르기성 비염, 부비동염, 비만 등이 의의있게 많았고, 의의있는 관련 요인들 중에서 남아인 경우, 편도 비대, 비만, 부비동염 등이 의의있는 위험요인이었다. 특히, 비만인 경우는 고도 비만일수록 코골음과의 연관성은 증가하였다. 결 론 : 1주일에 1회 이상 자주 코를 고는 아이들의 유병율은 15.6%이었고 코골음으로 인해 수면시간의 감소, 수면 중 잠꼬대, 주간의 심한 졸음 등 수면장애로 인한 증상들이 의의있게 많았다. 유발인자들 중에서 편도 비대, 비만, 기관지 천식, 부비동염의 병력이 유의한 위험요인으로 작용하였다. 학동기 아동에서 적극적인 체중 조절과 호흡기 및 알레르기성 질환에 대한 적극적인 대처로 코골음의 발생을 줄여 수면장애를 줄일 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제84권4호
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• pp.263-273
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• 2021

Cough is the most common respiratory symptom that can have various causes. It is a major clinical problem that can reduce a patient's quality of life. Thus, clinical guidelines for the treatment of cough were established in 2014 by the cough guideline committee under the Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. From October 2018 to July 2020, cough guidelines were revised by members of the committee based on the first guidelines. The purpose of these guidelines is to help clinicians efficiently diagnose and treat patients with cough. This article highlights the recommendations and summary of the revised Korean cough guidelines. It includes a revised algorithm for the evaluation of acute, subacute, and chronic cough. For a chronic cough, upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), cough variant asthma (CVA), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should be considered in differential diagnoses. If UACS is suspected, first-generation antihistamines and nasal decongestants can be used empirically. In cases with CVA, inhaled corticosteroids are recommended to improve cough. In patients with suspected chronic cough due to symptomatic GERD, proton pump inhibitors are recommended. Chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis, lung cancer, aspiration, intake of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, intake of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, habitual cough, psychogenic cough, interstitial lung disease, environmental and occupational factors, tuberculosis, obstructive sleep apnea, peritoneal dialysis, and unexplained cough can also be considered as causes of a chronic cough. Chronic cough due to laryngeal dysfunction syndrome has been newly added to the guidelines.