In order to provide bases for the control of air pollutants in Korea, the author figured out the trend on the annual increase of air pollutants emitted in the process of combustions, and estimated the amounts of air pollutants of the future years from 1975 to 1981. 1) In 1973 the consumption rate of coal was 1.2 times of that of fuel oil. The consumption rate of them would be same in 1975 and 1977. However, the rate of fuel oil would exceed that of coal in 1979. In contrast with the rate in 1979. The one of coal would be increased faster and faster to show reverse trend of consumption in 1981. 2) The estimated amounts of air pollutants emissions in the years of 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979 and 1981 were 1,561,800, 1,921,700, 2,253,300, 20769,000, and 3,145,700 tons respectively. These indicated that the amount of air pollutants in 1981 would be about 2 times of that in 1973. 3) The amounts of sulfur oxides emissions in 1981 would be 2.3 times of that in 1973, nitrogen oxides 2.2 times, carbon monoxide 1.7 times, particulate 2.0 times and hydrocarbon 2.0 times. 4) The estimated amounts of air pollutants emissions per unit area(km) in the years of 1965, 1971, 1975 and 1980 were 5.2, 14.5, 19.5 and 28.7 tons respectively. These indicated that the amount of air pollutants emissions per unit area would increase 5.5 times in 1980 comparing the one in 1965.
Air Pollutants ; Carbon Monoxide ; Coal ; Fuel Oils ; Korea* ; Nitrogen Oxides ; Sulfur Oxides

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of subconjunctival oil granuloma caused by a high-pressure injection injury that showed excellent cosmetic result after tissue resection and conjunctival autograft. METHODS: A 49-year-old male was injured by the high-pressure sprouting of bunker fuel oil C in his right eye during ship work. Temporal bulbar conjunctival laceration and subconjunctival oil involving the nasal subconjunctival area were observed on the initial examination. Irrigation and aspiration of subconjunctival oil was performed, but the result was not satisfactory. After wound healing of the conjunctiva, radical resection and biopsy of the conjunctival and tenon tissue that formed the fibrotic adhesion around laceration wound was performed. Then, the superotemporal bulbar conjunctiva of contralateral eye was grafted to the lesion. RESULTS: Bunker fuel oil C in the subconjunctival space did not invade the intraocular area. However, excisional biopsy of the scarred lesion showed chronic granulomatous inflammation. Satisfactory cosmetic outcome was achieved after conjunctival autograft without any complications.
Autografts ; Biopsy ; Cicatrix ; Conjunctiva ; Fuel Oils* ; Granuloma* ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Lacerations ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ships ; Transplants ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between occupational stress and other socio-psychological factors and work-related unintentional injury in off-shore oil production.

METHODSA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 561 Chinese off-shore oil workers. They were inquired with a self-administered questionnaire involving in socio-demographic characteristics, occupational stress, type A behavior personnel, social support and coping style, and work-related unintentional injury in the past year.

RESULTSSeventy-six (13.5%) workers experienced work-related unintentional injury for once time or more in the past year. A total 141 number of person-times were counted including 18 person-times being serious injury, 26 person-times moderate, and 97 person-times light. After adjustment for age, educational level, marital status, duration of off-shore work and job title, logistic regression indicated that perceived stress from "management problem and relationship with others" were significantly associated with work-related unintentional injuries in the past year (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.05-1.68; P < 0.05). Workers lack of emotional support from friends seemed to less reporting on work-related unintentional injuries (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.22-0.63).

CONCLUSIONThe results implied emphasizing on that the training and guidance as well as better cooperation among the workers might reduce work-related unintentional injuries in off-shore oil industry.

Accidents, Occupational ; prevention & control ; statistics & numerical data ; Adult ; Fuel Oils ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Diseases ; complications ; Stress, Psychological ; complications ; Wounds and Injuries ; etiology ; prevention & control

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is known as the most important risk factor of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, occupational exposure to other substances can result in COPD. CASE REPORT: A 76-year-old man with occupational exposures to mixtures of silica dust, gas, and fumes for 10 years and with a 25 pack-year smoking history was diagnosed with COPD. His computed tomogram scan revealed some hyperinflation with emphysematous change in both upper lobes. In the pulmonary function tests, his post-bronchodilator forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC% were 2.20 L (67% of the predicted value), 1.12 L (52% of the predicted value), and 51%, respectively, indicating moderate COPD. This case of COPD was confirmed as a work-related disease by the Occupational Lung Disease Research Institute in Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service. CONCLUSION: Exposure to various substances such as silica dust, gas, and fumes from furnace and boiler installation was likely the cause of COPD in this patient. Thus, occupational exposure should be considered an important risk factor of COPD.
Academies and Institutes ; Aged ; Dust ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Fuel Oils ; Humans ; Korea ; Lung Diseases ; Occupational Exposure* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Risk Factors ; Silicon Dioxide ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Vital Capacity ; Workers' Compensation