• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.73-81
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• 2012

Object: The aim of this study is to suggest a list of priority chemicals for the Hazard & Risk Evaluation of Chemicals (HREC) controlled by the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA). Method: Screening assessment was done for 642 chemicals whose exposure threshold limit values were set by the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL). Hazard data were collected from Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency (KOSHA) and/or other toxicity database. Exposure data were obtained from KOSHA internal database. The hazard and exposure scores of chemicals were listed by order of priority in accordance with GHS classification and exposure index data. Result: From the result of screening risk assessment for 642 chemicals, we extracted a list of 13 priority chemicals for HREC performed by the ISHA. A priority list of 27 chemicals which have carcinogen, mutagen and/or reproductive toxicity but not controlled by the ISHA was suggested for additional evaluation as "chemicals for special management".

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제8권3호
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• pp.315-317
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• 2017

We present the case of a 45-year-old man with a history of benzene exposure who developed splenic marginal zone lymphoma. For 6 years, he had worked in an enclosed space cleaning instruments with benzene. He was diagnosed with splenic marginal zone lymphoma 19 years after retirement. During his time of working in the laboratory in the 1980s, working environments were not monitored for hazardous materials. We indirectly estimated the cumulative level of past benzene exposure using job-exposure matrices and technical assumptions. Care must be taken in investigating the relevance of occupational benzene exposure in the occurrence of indolent B-cell lymphoma. Because of the long latency period and because occupational measurement data do not exist for the period during the patient's exposure, the epidemiological impact of benzene exposure may be underestimated.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• 제34권
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• pp.5.1-5.10
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• 2022

Background: Some epidemiological studies have estimated exposure among flight attendants with and without breast cancer. However, it is difficult to find a quantitative evaluation of occupational exposure factors related to cancer development individually in the case of breast cancer in flight attendants. That is, most, if not all, epidemiological studies of breast cancer in flight attendants with quantitative exposure estimates have estimated exposure in the absence of individual flight history data. Case presentation: A 41-year-old woman visited the hospital due to a left breast mass after a regular check-up. Breast cancer was suspected on ultrasonography. Following core biopsy, she underwent various imaging modalities. She was diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type (estrogen receptor positive in 90%, progesterone receptor positive in 3%, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu equivocal) with histologic grade 3 and nuclear grade 3 in the left breast. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to reduce the tumor size before surgery. However, due to serious chemotherapy side effects, the patient opted for alternative and integrative therapies. She joined the airline in January, 1996. Out of all flights, international flights and night flights accounted for 94.9% and 26.2, respectively. Night flights were conducted at least four times per month. Moreover, based on the virtual computer program CARI-6M, the estimated dose of cosmic radiation exposure was 78.81 mSv. There were no other personal triggers or family history of breast cancer. Conclusions: This case report shows that the potentially causal relationship between occupational harmful factors and the incidence of breast cancer may become more pronounced when night shift workers who work continuously are exposed to cosmic ionizing radiation. Therefore, close attention and efforts are needed to adjust night shift work schedules and regulate cosmic ionizing radiation exposure.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.215-229
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• 2023

Objectives: To validate the effectiveness of a real-time chemical exposure monitoring system developed by KOSHA (Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency), we applied the system to a workplace in the electronics industry for 153 days. Methods: The monitoring system consisted of a PID chemical sensor, a LTE communication equipment, and a web-based platform. To monitor chemical exposure, four sets of sensors were placed in two manufacturing tasks - inspection and jig cleaning - which used TCE as a degreasing agent. We reviewed previous reports of work environment measurements and conducted a new work environment measurement on one day during the period. The PID sensor systems detected the chemical exposure levels in the workplace every second and transmitted it to the platform. Daily average and maximum chemical exposure levels were also recorded. Results: We compared the results from the real-time monitoring system and the work environment measurement by traditional methods. Generally, the data from the real-time monitoring system showed a higher level because the sensors were closer to the chemical source. We found that 28% of jig cleaning task data exceeded the STEL. Peak exposure levels of sensor data were useful for understanding the characteristics of the task's chemical use. Limitations and implications were reviewed for the adoption of the system for preventing poisoning caused by chemical substances. Conclusions: We found that the real-time chemical exposure monitoring system was an efficient tool for preventing occupational diseases caused by chemical exposure, such as acute poisoning. Further research is needed to improve the reliability and applicability of the system. We also believe that forming a social consensus around the system is essential.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.437-444
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• 2019

Background: Headache/eyestrain symptoms are common health problems that people experience in daily life. Various studies have examined risk factors contributing to headache/eyestrains, and physicochemical exposure was found to be a leading risk factor in causing such symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of headache/eyestrain symptoms with physicochemical exposure among Korean construction workers depended on worksite. Methods: This study used data from the 4th Korean Workers Conditions Survey and selected 1,945 Korean construction workers as participants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship. Results: Exposure to vibrations among all construction workers affected the moderate exposure group [odds ratio (OR) 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-2.32], the high exposure group (OR 1.77 95%CI 1.17-2.67), and the indoor high exposure group (OR 1.61, 95%CI 1.02-2.55) and among outdoor construction workers, the moderate group (OR 6.61, 95%CI 15.4-28.48) and the high group (OR 6.61, 95%CI 1.56-27.98). When exposed to mist, dust, and fumes, the indoor high exposure group was significantly affected (OR 1.63, 95%CI 1.07-2.47). All construction workers exposed to organic solvents were affected, high exposure group (OR 1.69, 95%CI 1.15-2.49) and indoor high exposure group (OR 1.77, 95%CI 1.08-2.89). The high exposure group in all construction worker (OR 1.70, 95%CI 1.20-2.42) and the indoor high exposure group (OR 1.83, 95%CI 1.17-2.89) also were affected by secondhand smoking exposure. Conclusion: Many physicochemical exposure factors affect headache/eyestrain symptoms among construction workers, especially indoor construction workers, suggesting a deficiency in occupational hygiene and health environments at indoor construction worksites.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• 제34권
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• pp.6.1-6.12
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• 2022

Background: To date, little is known about the effects of factors linked to work-related fatigue on vibration-exposed workers. Thus, the purpose of this study was (1) to assess the effects of vibration exposure time per week and work-related fatigue on workers and (2) to identify factors associated with work-related fatigue caused by long-term exposure to occupational vibration. Methods: This study used data collected from the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey. A total of 34,820 non-vibration-exposed and 10,776 vibration-exposed employees were selected from the data. The χ² and multiple logistic regression were used to determine the effect of vibration exposure time per week and the effects of factors of work-related fatigue on workers. Results: The prevalence of work-related fatigue in vibration-exposed workers (30.5%) was higher than that of non-exposed workers (15.9%). The prevalence of work-related fatigue was higher for female and workers with depression, anxiety, and shift work, and those with authority to control their work pace had statistically significantly higher odds than those who did not. The employees who had the authority to control their order of work (odds ratio [OR]: 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81-0.95) and method of work (OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.82-0.98) had statistically significantly lower odds than those who did not. The OR of workrelated fatigue symptoms was highest among employees whose vibration exposure time per week were 30.0%-40.0% (OR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.96-2.83). Lower OR was observed as vibration exposure time per week decreased. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest an association between occupational vibration and work-related fatigue and longer vibration exposure time per week, causing an increased prevalence of work-related fatigue symptoms. Measures to protect workers exposed to occupational vibration from work-related fatigue must be taken.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제11권3호
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• pp.249-261
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• 2020

Background: Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent worker health conditions worldwide. Although the effect of noise exposure on hearing is well researched, other workplace exposures may account for significant hearing loss. The aim of this review was to determine whether occupational hand-arm vibration exposure through use of power or pneumatic tools, independent of noise exposure, is associated with permanent hearing loss. Do workers suffer from hand-arm vibratione-induced hearing loss? Methods: Peer-reviewed articles published in English between 1981 and 2020 were identified through five online databases with five search keywords. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, including online database search methodology, study selection, article exclusion, and assessment of potential study design confounders and biases, were followed. Results: Database searches retrieved 697 articles. Fifteen articles that reported 17 studies met the criteria for review. All but two studies revealed statistically significant associations between occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration and hearing loss. The majority of the study results revealed associations between hand-arm vibration and hearing loss, independent of potential age and noise confounders. Conclusion: Few studies have examined the association between occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration and hearing loss. Dose response data were limited as only one study measured vibration intensity and duration. Although the majority of studies identified statistically significant associations, causal relationships could not be determined. Further research using standardized and uniform measurement protocols is needed to confirm whether the association between occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration and permanent hearing loss is causal and the mechanism(s).

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.191-199
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• 2012

Objectives: The study aim was to evaluate the application of a chemical exposure assessment tool for the Korean workplace. The Ministry of Employment and Labor in Korea (KMOEL) introduced the need for workplace risk assessments in 2011, requiring the Korean chemical industry to consider both domestic and international chemical regulation policies (e.g., estimations of exposure scenarios). Exposure scenarios are required in the European Union as part of material safety data sheets (MSDS) under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) system. Methods: Although many programs for the estimation of exposure have been developed worldwide, to date there is no standard for the Korean workplace. To develop programs suitable for the Korean workplace, we examined the applicability of the European Center for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals target risk assessment (ECETOC TRA), which is recommended by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA). Results: To investigate the applicability of the ECETOC TRA to Korean industry, this study simulated 15 industrial processes. The predicted respiratory exposures for four processes using origin input parameters were underestimated compared to the measured respiratory exposure. Using calibrated input parameters, results for two processes were underestimated compared to the measured respiratory exposure. This result suggests that the use of calibrated input parameters reduces the differences between predicted and measured respiratory exposure. Conclusions: we developed applicable exposure estimating method by modifying the ECETOC TRA program; one suggested the development of exposure estimating program that explains Korea domestic workplace exposure scenario.This study will support the introduction of exposure scenario in MSDS system and protect health of worker from hazardous chemical.

• 한국치위생학회지
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.717-725
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• 2010

Objectives : This study was to determine the level of occupational exposure and quality of life and to investigate the effect of variables related occupational exposure on quality of life in dental hygienists. Methods : A survey questionnaire was mailed to dental hygienists from April 4 to May 15, 2010. The subjects were 256(56.9%), who were worked in dental hospital and clinic with mean age of $29.59{\pm}7.30$. Quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF. It consists of 26 items, each with 5-point likert scale. Self control of occupational exposure was measured using the 3-items. The data were analyzed with chi-square, t-test, one-way ANOVA, pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression using the SPSS WIN 17.0 program. Results : Regarding quality of life, the subjects was a mean of 90.73 out of a maximum 130 points. The level of self control occupational exposure a mean of 3.20 out of a maximum 5 points. Self control of occupational exposure, frequency of panorama radiography, work experience of radiography had a significant impact on quality of life in dental hygienists. Conclusions : Based on the findings, occupational exposure is negatively associated with quality of life in dental hygienists. These results suggest that health promotion program should be considered various factors related occupational exposure in dental hygienists.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.1-9
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• 2023

Background: Firefighting involves exposure of firefighters to risks related to this activity, serious injuries, and occupational diseases are recorded. There are other consequences such as thermal and emotional stress. This systematic review is proposed in order to analyze the risks and consequences faced by these workers and thus provide elements to improve safety management systems in institutions. Method: A descriptive observational study of systematic literature review on the risks and consequences of exposure to firefighters' activity was proposed, and the information was analyzed and described based on the available data and according to the variables determined. Results: The studies showed data on mechanical, physical, chemical, psychosocial risks, workers' perception and resilience, and epidemiological data. Information related to firefighters' activity on falls and slips, exposure to noise, and high concentrations of carbon monoxide is detailed. In addition, the relationship between burnout, cognitive, and physical fatigue as adverse effects on health and performance is mentioned. Conclusions: Among the preventive measures, the use of personal protective equipment is suggested, incorporation in prevention programs of information on exposure to risk factors, as well as the implementation of models that can predict the perception of workers, additionally, the generation of management systems with safety climate models for fire departments.