Sand dust is a source of particulate matter (PM) in Korea. Recently, an attention has been focused on the health effects of PM and fine PM. Here we examine the possible mechanisms of PM disposition and review the literature on the health effects of PM. PM can enter and accumulate in the respiratory tract via impaction, gravitational settling, diffusion, and electrostatic attractions. PM may cause oxidative stress, inflammation, direct penetration, and increased blood viscosity. This literature review revealed that PM exposure is associated with several health risks, such as mortality and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, PM exposure may be linked to lung cancer. Thus, a comprehensive approach is needed to manage PM and reduce its environmental exposure and related health effects.
Air Pollutants ; Blood Viscosity ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diffusion ; Dust ; Environmental Exposure ; Inflammation ; Korea ; Lung Neoplasms ; Mortality ; Oxidative Stress ; Particulate Matter* ; Respiratory System ; Silicon Dioxide

BACKGROUND: Caplan originally described a condition, now reffered to as Caplan's syndrome or Caplan's disease, where progressive massive fibrosis was exhibited by coal miners with multiple pulmonary nodules, and rheumatoid arthritis. This syndrome is very rare in Korea. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 49-year old male, with occupational history as a stonemason for 25 years. Silicosis was diagnosed by chest X-ray, while rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed by immunological examination. Caplan's syndrome was confirmed based on these findings, occupational history, and clinical symptoms. DISCUSSION: The authors report on the patient's Caplan's syndrome, with a particular focus on his silicosis.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Caplan Syndrome ; Coal ; Fibrosis ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Multiple Pulmonary Nodules ; Pneumoconiosis ; Silicosis ; Thorax

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate musculo-skeletal symtoms of municipal sanitation workers and to evaluate working conditions of municipal sanitation workers to search for the factors related to musculo-skeletal symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey. The study subjects were comprised of 543 municipal sanitation workers in some divisions of Seoul and the Gyeonggi province. Musculo-skeletal analysis was done by using the modified criteria of NIOSH musuclo-skeletal symptoms, RULA and, REBA. Statistical analysis was done by using the chi-square test, multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 72.2% of the subjects complained musculo-skeletal symptoms (39.6% on the upperlimbs, 30.0% on the lumbar region, 27.4% on the legs). For the musculo-skeletal symptoms criteria (1~3), street cleaners complained of more musculo-skeletal symptoms than the solid waste collectors, after classifying the jobs of sanitation workers. On logistic regression analysis of the musculo-skeletal "symptoms criteria1" positive groups, age was related to the criteria positive (prevalence odds ratio=1.018, 95% CI: 0.993-1.046). The worktime was significantly related to 'criteria positive 1 and, 2' (prevalence odds ratio=2.165 (95% CI: 1.156-4.131), 2.187 times (95% CI: 1.071-4.651)). The RULA score, the subtotal A score of RULA, the REBA score and , the total A REBA score of the upperlimbs of solid waste collectors were higher than those of the street cleaners. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the lower ergonomic evaluation score of the street cleaner, the street cleaners complained of more musculo-skeletal symptoms than did the solid waste collectors due to more frequent repetitive motions, a longer work time (over 10 hours) etc. It is suggested that the sanitation workers need to use the proper methods to avoid musculo-skeletal disease.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Human Engineering ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Lumbosacral Region ; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (U.S.) ; Sanitation ; Solid Waste ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Upper Extremity

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship between lifestyle-implementation and metabolic syndrome in an electronics research and development company, and to provide a foundation for health providers of health management programs for setting priorities. METHODS: From July 1 to July 16, 2008 we carried out a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Consecutive workers of one R & D company in Seoul, Korea (N=2,079) were enrolled in study. A checklist for lifestyle (from the National Health Insurance Corporation) consisted of questions regarding diet, drinking, smoking and exercise. After the survey, researchers obtained data from health profiles for metabolic syndrome(waist-circumference, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure and fasting blood sugar level). Lifestyle was recorded as good or not good. Statistical analysis of metabolic syndrome and the lifestyle of subjects was done using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in our study gropu was 13.3% (N=277). After adjustment for age, the adjusted odds ratios (odds ratio, 95% confidence intervals) for metabolic syndrome increased in proportion to the number of bad habits: two (1.72, 1.23-2.44), three (2.47, 1.73-3.56), and four (3.63, 2.03-6.34). Relative to subjects eating both vegetables and meat', the OR for 'meat' eaters was 1.66 (1.18-2.31). Compared with 'non-smokers and ever-smoker', the OR for 'current-smoker' was 1.62 (1.25-2.10). Compared with 'Healthy drinker', the OR for 'unhealthy drinker' was 1.38 (1.05-1.83). CONCLUSIONS: Poor lifestyle was associated with an increased likelihood of metabolic syndrome. These findings suggest that lifestyle-based occupational health interventions for young employees should include a specific diet, smoking cessation, and healthy-drinking programs.
Adult ; Blood Glucose/analysis ; Blood Pressure ; Body Weights and Measures ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Electronics ; *Health Behavior ; Humans ; Korea ; *Life Style ; Lipids/blood ; Male ; Men's Health ; Metabolic Syndrome X/*epidemiology ; Prevalence ; *Research

OBJECTIVES: Dental technicians are exposed to various toxic materials in the workplace. The objectives of this study were to assess the pulmonary function of dental technicians and to evaluate the association between work-related factors and pulmonary function of dental technicians. METHODS: Study subjects were 209 dental technicians in the Korean Dental Technologist Association. A self-report questionnaire including general characteristics, respiratory symptoms, and work-related characteristics was conducted on study subjects, and a pulmonary function test (PFT) was done. Study subjects were classified into two groups(normal and abnormal pulmonary function) based on the pulmonary function test (PFT). RESULTS: 43 subjects (20.6%) among 209 subjects had abnormal pulmonary function. After adjusting for general characteristics such as age, sex, past medical history, familial history, and smoking status, the odds ratio for work duration (per year) was 1.42(95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14~1.83). After adjusting for general and work-related characteristics, the odds ratio for work duration (per year) was 1.48(95% CI 1.18~1.92). CONCLUSIONS: Dental technicians are exposed to hazardous materials, which might lead to abnormal pulmonary function. A long work duration could increase exposure time, thereby increasing the chance for abnormal pulmonary function. Therefore, pulmonary function tests should be carried out periodically in dental technicians to ensure their pulmonary health.
Dental Technicians ; Dietary Sucrose ; Hazardous Substances ; Humans ; Odds Ratio ; Questionnaires ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Smoke ; Smoking

BACKGROUND: A variety of sociodemographic factors, such as gender, age, household income, and educational level, influence individuals' likelihood of smoking. Work-related factors may also be linked to smoking behavior. We sought to investigate the relationship between smoking and work environment in South Korea. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to determine whether there was an association between smoking and occupation type (e.g., manual, nonmanual, or service work), night-shift work, and hours worked/week (e.g., <40, 40-48, 49-60, or >60 hours) for 4,685 workers. Regression models were adjusted for sociodemographic variables such as age, recent alcohol consumption, hours slept, educational level, and household income. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking was 50.1% in men and 7.2% in women. For women, manual workers had 2.34 times [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-5.36] greater odds of smoking compared with nonmanual workers, whereas service workers had 2.37 times greater odds (95% CI: 1.28-4.40). Furthermore, women who worked 49-60 hours had 2.21 times greater odds of smoking (95% CI: 1.10-3.75) as compared with women who worked 40-48 hours. CONCLUSION: Women who work long hours or who are employed in service or manual positions are more likely to smoke. These results indicate a need in South Korea to target these specific groups when creating nonsmoking policies.
Alcohol Drinking ; Family Characteristics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nutrition Surveys ; Occupations ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea* ; Smoke* ; Smoking*

PURPOSE: This study was done to investigate factors affecting preparation stage to quit smoking in men. METHODS: Based on data from the Community Health Survey conducted in Chungbuk Province in 2008, we estimated rates and odds ratio (OR) of smoking cessation intention for 2,639 men who were current smokers. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting preparation stage to quit smoking. RESULTS: Among current male smokers, the rate of smoking cessation intention was 17.1%. The OR of factors affecting smoking cessation was as follows: Compared to men with middle school education, the OR for rate of smoking cessation intention in men with high school education was 1.47 (p=.018), and for college or higher, 1.55 (p=.017). Compared to being single, the OR for cohabitation after marriage was 1.61 (p=.011) and living alone after marriage, 2.23 (p=.005). The OR for attempt to quit smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke and participation in smoking education were 6.80 (p<.001), 1.32 (p=.020) and 1.69 (p=.005), respectively. CONCLUSION: Results of this study show that it is necessary to decrease exposure to secondhand smoke and to increase participation in smoking cessation education targeting current smokers to move them from precontemplation or contemplation stage to preparation stage.
Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Demography ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Marriage ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Smoking/*psychology ; *Smoking Cessation ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: Longitudinal changes in the prevalence of self-reported physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis (AR) in Korea and the association between the prevalence of AR and type of residence area among Korean males and females in 1998, 2001, 2005 and 2007-2009 were evaluated. METHODS: Age-standardized prevalence was calculated using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) I-IV. Stratified factors of sex, age, and socioeconomic status were adjusted to compare the prevalence of AR in relation to residential area by multiple logistic analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of AR increased by tenfolds from 1.2 % in 1998 to 12.0 % in 2007-2009. The trends for prevalence of AR were also statistically significant (p < .05). The age-standardized prevalence of AR among urban females was higher (13.9%) than that in rural females (11.5%). After adjustment for survey years, age, socioeconomic levels and asthma, the odds of AR were higher in urban than rural residents, except for males in 1998. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of AR in Korea has increased over the past decade, and living in an urban area may be a susceptible factor. For prevention and management of AR, further evaluations of contributing factors and mechanisms underlying differences in AR are needed.
Asthma ; Female ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Nutrition Surveys ; Prevalence ; Rhinitis ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; Social Class ; Urbanization

BACKGROUND: Compared to 10 years ago, the ambient particulate matter 10 (PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels in South Korea have decreased. However, compared to many other OECD countries, these levels are still too high. Concentration of air pollutants such as PM10 is especially higher during winter than during summer. The first step to rationally solving the air pollution problem in Korea is to identify the key air pollution sources during each season. This ecological study was performed to assess the association between the number of days the accepted PM10 and CO thresholds were exceeded and the concentration of potential emission sources in winter season 2015. METHODS: An emission inventory of the PM10 and CO emissions in the 232 administrative South Korean districts in January, 2015, and February, 2015 and December, 2015, and the population density, number of car registrations, number of car accidents, industrial power usage, and presence of a fossil-fuel power plant in each district was established on the basis of official web-page data from the government. For all emission source variables except power plants, the administrative districts were grouped into quartiles. Districts were also divided according to whether a power plant was present or not. Negative binomial regression was performed to assess the associations between the PM10 and CO air pollution (defined as ≥100 g/m3 and ≥ 9 ppm, respectively) and the concentration of each emission source. RESULTS: Compared to the districts with the lowest population density, the districts with the third highest population density associated most strongly with air pollution. This was also observed for industrial power usage. Car accident number and car registration numbers showed a linear relationship with air pollution. Districts with power plants were significantly more likely to have air pollution than districts that lacked a plant. CONCLUSIONS: Greater car numbers, industrial activity, and population density, and the presence of fossil-fuel plants associated with air pollution in the 2015 winter in South Korea. These data highlight the contaminant sources that could be targeted by interventions that aim to reduce air pollution, decrease the incidence of exposure, and limit the impact of pollution on human health. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s40557-018-0273-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Accidents, Occupational ; Air Pollutants ; Air Pollution ; Carbon Monoxide ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development ; Particulate Matter ; Plants ; Population Density ; Power Plants ; Seasons

BACKGROUND: Since the night time work was introduced as a ‘harmful factor’ for the worker's special health examination (WSHE) in 2014, the validation of the questionnaire used for screening gastrointestinal (GI) disorder has not been conducted. The purpose of this study is to verify the validity of the questionnaire using the data of specific health screening cluster. METHODS: We used WSHE screening data for 3 years, from 2014 to 2016, in health screening cluster. The subjects who had received upper GI endoscopy in opportunistic screening and WSHE simultaneously regardless of the results of the questionnaire were selected. We tested the validity of the questionnaire using upper GI endoscopy as a gold standard. RESULTS: This study was conducted on 5,057 examinees in 2014, 8,352 examinees in 2015, and 10,587 examinees in 2016. The validity of the questionnaire for each year was as follows: sensitivity 12.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.1–13.4), specificity 88.6% (95% CI, 87.2–90.1), accuracy 41.1% (95% CI, 39.8–42.5) in 2014, sensitivity 5.9% (95% CI, 5.2–6.5), specificity 93.6% (95% CI, 92.7–94.4), accuracy 38.6% (95% CI, 37.6–39.6) in 2015, sensitivity 6.0% (95% CI, 5.4–6.5), a specificity of 9.42% (95% CI, 93.4–95.0), accuracy of 34.2% (95% CI, 33.3–35.1) in 2016. In generally, questionnaire showed sensitivity of 10%, specificity of 90%, and accuracy of 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the purpose of WSHEs aiming to identify target disease early, the sensitivity of the questionnaire for GI disease was too low as 10%. The reasons for this are the problem of the question itself, and the problem of ambiguous target disease. In the future, the questionnaire should be improved to meet the purpose of the WSHE, and further correction of the target disease should be made.
Endoscopy ; Mass Screening ; Sensitivity and Specificity