Occupational Reproductive Function Abnormalities and Bladder Cancer in Korea.
10.3346/jkms.2010.25.S.S41
- Author:
Jungsun PARK
1
;
Kyong Sok SHIN
;
Yangho KIM
Author Information
1. Occupational Health Department, Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency (KOSHA), Incheon, Korea.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Occupational Diseases;
Reproduction;
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
- MeSH:
2-Naphthylamine/toxicity;
Azoospermia/chemically induced/epidemiology;
Benzidines/toxicity;
Female;
Humans;
Hydrocarbons, Brominated/toxicity;
Infertility/*chemically induced/*epidemiology;
Male;
Occupational Diseases/*chemically induced/*epidemiology;
Occupational Exposure/adverse effects;
Oligospermia/chemically induced/epidemiology;
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency/chemically induced/epidemiology;
Republic of Korea;
Sperm Motility/drug effects;
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/*chemically induced/*epidemiology
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2010;25(Suppl):S41-S45
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to review occupational reproductive abnormalities and occupational bladder cancer in Korea and to discuss their toxicological implications. Reproductive dysfunction as a result of 2-bromopropane poisoning was first reported in Korean workers. In 1995, 23 of the 33 workers (25 female and 8 male workers) who were exposed to 2-bromopropane during the assembly of tactile switch parts developed reproductive and/or hematopoietic disorders. A total of 17 (68%) workers were diagnosed with ovarian failure. Two of the eight male workers experienced azoospermia and four workers experienced some degree of oligospermia or reduced sperm motility. In summary, 2-bromopropane poisoning caused severe reproductive effects in Korean workers. The prognosis was poor for reproductive dysfunction. A few cases of occupational bladder cancer have been reported in Korea, whereas other cancers of the urinary tract have not been reported after occupational exposure. A few cases of benzidine-induced cancer have been reported in Korea and 592 workers in Japan have received compensation for benzidine and beta-naphthylamine-induced cancer. In conclusion, a few cases of benzidine-induced occupational bladder cancer have been reported in Korea. However, benzidine-induced bladder cancer will likely be an important occupational health issue in Korea in the coming years.
