• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.162-168
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• 2012

Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for metabolic syndromes. We examined whether vitamin D deficiency altered the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older Koreans. Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV 2008-2009 was used to examine the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and the prevalence of CVD in a representative population-based sample of 5,559 men and women aged ${\geq}50$ years. CVD was defined as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, or stroke. The prevalence of CVD (7.0%) in the older Korean population was lower than that in the older US population, although average serum 25(OH)D levels were much lower in the Korean population. Additionally, serum 25(OH)D levels did not differ significantly between the CVD and non-CVD groups. However, subjects in the lowest category (< 25 nmol/l) of serum 25(OH)D level had the greatest prevalence of CVD, about two-fold higher than subjects in the highest category (> 75 nmol/l), after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, education level, residence location, and region. The prevalence of other risk factors for CVD, including higher waist circumference, fasting glucose, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, was also higher among subjects in the lowest category than among those in the highest category. In conclusion, low serum 25(OH)D may be an independent risk factor for CVD in older Koreans.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.345-353
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• 2009

The purpose of this study is to examine the health of beauty salon workers through the utilization of questionnaires concerning the extent of exposure to organic solvents found in the air of some beauty salons and any resultant symptoms in employees. The subjects were 36 employees from 10 beauty salons who agreed to participate in this study. The degree of exposure to organic solvents in the air of beauty salons was measured from September 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008. A survey of symptoms that occurred due to exposure to these solvents was also performed. The results were as follows: questionnaires were collected and analyzed from a total of 36 subjects. Of these, 28(77.8%) were female and 8(22.2%) were male. The mean age was 29.08. The mean working period was 7.13 years. Sixteen subjects attended programs at universities while 11 went to beauty schools for vocational education. When testing the concentration of organic solvents in the air of beauty salons, the highest value found was Isopropyl alcohol 511.85 ppb followed by butyl acetate, toluene, acetone, xylene, ethyl benzene, styrene, and chlorobenzene. A logistic regression analysis was performed as follows: the point of each factor was the dependent variable while sex, age, drinking, smoking, educational level, work experience, hairdresser's license, and organic solvents were the independent variables. Statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was shown in the hairdresser's license among Factor 1 and in Xylene among Factor 2; however, difference was not shown in the other variables.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.231-237
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• 2017

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine firefighters' work-related accident rate and investigate the factors affecting their on-site safety. Methods: We developed a web-based self-reported questionnaire designed to inquire into firefighters' work-related accident experience and the factors (4M; Man, Machine, Media, Management) affecting firefighters' on-site safety. We distributed questionnaires to all members of firefighting organizations in South Korea by e-mail and 9,149 were returned, resulting in a response rate of 23.1%. Results: Fifteen point seven percent of the respondents reported work-related injuries within the past one year, and 35.1% answered that current accident investigation reports are not helpful for preventing the same accident from recurring. Among the 4M factors, the one most affecting firefighters' on-site safety in the order of priority is the Man factor, followed by Machine, Media, and Management. However, the results from detailed sub-categorical factors showed some differences. 'Lack of human resources', one of the Management factors, was the most influential (70.3%), followed by 'worn-out equipment' under the Machine factor (67.2%). The viewpoint of elements of the Man factor including 'forgetting instructions' and 'fatigue and illness' were significantly different according to firefighters' rank. The higher the firefighter's rank, the more they answered 'forgetting instructions,' while the opposite was the case for 'fatigue and disease'. Conclusions: The present firefighters' accident investigation report needs to be improved, and the 4M method could prove very useful. In addition, it is necessary to set up a proper firefighters' accident investigation and prevention system.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.283-290
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• 2017

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between filter replacement and filter performance change in particulate filters used in the workplace. Methods: Three types of particulate respirator filters are mainly used in the workplaces. These were tested against the filter performance safety certification standard for dust masks established by the Ministry of Employment and Labor(MoEL). Used filters were collected to test their performance, such as filter pressure drop, efficiency, and quality factors. All these factors were evaluated by a filter tester. To compare filter performance between used and new ones, the same kinds of new filters were also tested together under the same procedures. Results: A total of 270 used filters were collected for testing. The main reasons to replace the filters were difficulty in breathing(46.2%), dirty/odor influx(19.7%), and a combination of factors(26.7%). The pressure drop for two special class groups was significantly different(new filters: $20.72{\pm}3.33mmH_2O$; used filters: $24.70{\pm}5.26mmH_2O$, p<0.0001). In the case of penetration, new filter groups indicated $0.0032{\pm}0.0040%$, while that of the used filters was $0.0596{\pm}0.1187%$. The quality factor for the used filters($0.34{\pm}0.09$) significantly decreased compared to the new filters($0.53{\pm}0.08$) (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Filter performance including pressure drop, penetration, and the quality factor was evaluated and compared between new and used filters in the workplace. The results showed that general filter performance deteriorated more for change of pressure drop, penetration and the quality factor.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.163-173
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• 2020

Objectives: The study was evaluated exposure variation and daily absorption level of cadmium, lead concentration of ambient air of monthly data from 1999 to 2017 for main exposure factor in outdoor workers. Methods: Based on the monthly data from 'The annual report of air quality in Korea from 1999 to 2018' in 'Air Korea' website in the Korean Ministry of Environment. The monthly data of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, cadmium, lead concentration of ambient air were recalculated to average, minimum, and maximum. And these data were combined to Asian-dust exposure data from 'The annual report of Asian-dust·smog in 2017' of National Institute of Meteorological Sciences in Korea. Results: Geometric mean(minimum-maximum) concentration in ambient air of monthly data were 0.0017 (ND-0.2015) mg/㎥ in cadmium and 0.0467(ND-0.8554) mg/㎥ in Pb from 1999 to 2017. Both of Cd and Pb concentration in ambient air showed the highest concentration in January and the lowest in August among annual variation from 1999 to 2017. PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 level showed the highest in March(PM₁₀) and February (PM_2.5) the lowest in August both of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5. Discussion: Based on exposure data and prior reports, daily Cd absorption was estimated to 0.013(ND-1.511) mg/day from respiration and 1.89 mg/day from daily food(25.2 mg/day of daily Cd intake). In case of Pb, daily absorption was estimated to 0.350(ND-6.416) mg/day from respiration and 1.38-1.71 mg/day from daily food intake. Conclusion: Cd and Pb with Asian-dust have high influential factor to increase the Cd and Pb exposure at Winter and Spring season in outdoor workers.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.21 no.3 s.54
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• pp.229-238
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• 2006

Although, mercury (Hg) is not a naturally abundant element in the environment, residues frequently occur in many environmental compartments because of widespread contamination from industrial and agricultural practices. This research evaluated Hg-B concentrations of general population who was not occupationally exposed. And also evaluates the association between life factor and health effect with Hg-B concentration of general adult through interrelationship estimation and index about kidney function and oxidative damage that appeared by questionnaire survey and medical examination. Average concentration of Hg-B was 3.19 $\mu$g/L (ND$\sim$8.64 $\mu$g/L), and persons who exceed mercury exposure level (5 $\mu$g/L) presented in WHO (1990) appeared by 16 (7.0%). High-risk group (smoking and meat main intake group) had significantly higher Hg-B concentration than low-risk group (non-smoking and vegetable diet main intake group) (p < 0.05, low-risk group: 3.30 $\mu$g/L (ND$\sim$8.64 $\mu$g/L), high-risk group: 4.27 $\mu$g/L (ND$\sim$7.84 $\mu$g/L).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.34-40
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• 2011

This paper is purposed to develop an leakage current detecting system(LCDS) which can prevent electrical fires on breaker capacity expansion as well as ruptures of XL(Extra long) pipelines and power failure by operation of ELB(Earth leakage breaker) at auto water machine in winter. In order to develop LCDS, this paper studied field state investigation, field state experiment, development of leakage alarm system and verification experiments. Field states investigation at livestock companies(10 companies) in cheong-won location to deduce the problems of auto water machine is analyzed. The field state experiment is conducted at B livestock company in cheong won location. The field state experiment method is measured with leakage current when ELB tripped by environment factor(fine, cloudy, and rainy day). The LCDS is developed as MCU(Micro Control Unit) part applied leakage current values at B livestock company. Verification experiments for the leakage current detecting system were conducted by two methods of current supply and field test. Results show that LCDS suggested in this paper are valuable and usable in auto water machine based on environment factor, which will prevent severe damage to human beings and properties and reduce the electrical fires in livestock.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.35-44
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• 2019

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate the individual and job related factors as risk factors for mental health of firefighters. Methods : The data of 202 fire-fighters was analyzed by using a multinomial logistic regression analysis. All participants completed self-reported questionnaires including demographics (sex, age, work duration), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Ways of Coping Checklist, the Colleague related traumatic events, the Korean occupational stress scale, the Korean Perceived Stress Scale-10, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Participants were divided into three groups according to the level of stress and depressive symptom scores: Low Stress-Low Depression (LS-LD), High Stress-Low Depression (HS-LD), and High Stress-High Depression (HS-HD). Results : A job related factor-organizational injustice-was a significant factor related to HS-LD, while individual factors such as active coping level and childhood trauma experience and a job related factor-difficult physical environment-were significantly associated with HS-HD. Conclusion : These results imply the need to take both individual and environmental approaches into account when managing the stress and depression of firefighters. More specifically, psycho-education to facilitate active coping strategy and adaptive emotional regulation at the individual level and the improvement of physical work environment of firefighters should be supported.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.71-78
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• 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is clinically characterized by a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms, including cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Integrating a large variety of symptoms into a small number of clinical subtypes could be valuable for appropriate and early therapeutic intervention. As a first step toward this aim, this study attempted to identify correlation patterns among motor, cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms in PD without dementia. One hundred four non-demented patients with PD underwent a comprehensive motor, neuropsychological, and neuropsychiatric assessments. Factor analysis was performed to identify correlation patterns among demographic, motor, cognitive and neuropsychiatric variables. The eight factors were extracted: 1 motor-related, 3 cognitive-related and 4 neuropsychiatric factors. We indentified that characteristics of correlation can have associated symptom pattern in the disease process of Parkinson's disease. The current results suggest that a broad range of motor and non-motor symptoms in PD may be reducible to a small number of clinical parameters, which may be useful for identifying clinical subtypes of PD for individual patients.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.359-365
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• 2004

Objectives : This study was performed to determine whether an increase in abdominal obesity is an independent risk factor for impaired fasting glucose and type 2 DM. Methods : Among 24,212 adults over 30 years who undertook comprehensive medical screening examinations from Jan to Dec 1999, in a university hospital in Seoul, a total of 11,183 subjects were selected who had no DM at baseline and who were followed up more than once by Dec 2002. The average follow up period was 2.4 (${\pm}0.5$) years. DM was defined as having a fasting glucose level $\geq$ 126mg/dl, and impaired fasting glucose as showing a fasting glucose level between 110 and 125 mg/dl. Body weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were simultaneously measured with blood sampling. The relative risks (RRs) for DM and impaired fasting glucose by WC were calculated using Cox proportional hazard model. Ageadjusted rates were estimated by direct standardization using a reference population of 2000 from 30 to 80 years. Results : The average age of the subjects was 41.7 (${\pm}7.0$) years; males 41.2 (${\pm}6.5$) and females 45.6 (${\pm}9.2$). RRs for type 2 DM by WC with the reference group of WC < 80cm were as follows: 2.66 (95%, CI $0.55{\sim}12.8$) for WC of $80{\sim}89cm$ in men, 5.92 (95%, CI $1.08{\sim}32.3$) for WC $\geq$ 90 cm in men, and 2.64 (95%, CI $0.23{\sim}29.8$) for WC of $80{\sim}89cm$ in females. RRs for impaired fasting glucose by WC were 3.03 (95%, CI $2.18{\sim}4.22$) for WC $80{\sim}89cm$ in men, 6.10 (95%, CI $4.25{\sim}8.75$) for WC $\geq$ 90cm in men, and 1.56 (95%, CI $0.43{\sim}5.67$) for WC $80{\sim}89cm$ in women, and 8.08 (95%, CI $2.22{\sim}29.4$) for WC $\geq$ 90cm in females. These results remained significant after adjustment for age, BMI and fasting glucose concentrations at baseline in both sexes. Annual increment of more than 1 cm in WC was associated with the development of DM and impaired fasting glucose independently of age, sex, BMI, or presence of abdominal obesity. Conclusion : In Korean adults, abdominal obesity increased the risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose. This result supports many other prospective studies suggesting abdominal obesity as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.