Status of the Occupational Health and Safety Programs of Several Hospitals in Korea / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: As health care workers suffer from various hazards in hospital, an occupational safety and health program is very important to them. This study was conducted to investigate the status of the occupational safety and health programs of several hospitals in Korea. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire survey on 941 hospitals in Korea. All questionnaires were posted to the department of general affairs at each hospital and responses were received from 108 hospitals (11.5%). Eight responses were excluded because of insufficient data and the remaining 100 questionnaires were analyzed. The collected data were evaluated using the SPSS 10.0 statistical package and the demands for occupational safety and health programs between two groups were analyzed by RIDIT analysis. RESULTS: The study subjects were 53 general hospitals and 47 hospitals. An occupational safety and health committee, infection control committee, safety manager, health manager, activities for vaccination, reports for needle stick injury and records related to occupational injury were more likely to be present in general hospitals than hospitals (p<0.05). Demands for occupational safety and health were higher in general hospitals than hospitals. Especially, demands for measurement of working environment, improvement of ventilatory system, management of chemical materials and supply of protective equipment were significantly higher in general hospitals than hospitals (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded from the findings of our study that occupational safety and health programs are not yet sufficient in Korean hospitals. So, we expect that special management, policies and laws for health care workers will be promulgated.

Risk Factors Related to Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Shipyard Workers / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders in shipyard workers. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was performed on 2,140 shipyard workers in a shipyard in Ulsan city. The questionnaire consisted of questions on the general characteristics, the health behavior, work type and duration, physical burden, job control, type of instruments used, posture, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Definition of musculoskeletal disorders was based on either NIOSH criteria and Kim's criteria. RESULTS: Positive rate of musculoskeletal disorders in any one part of the body was 77.2% by NIOSH criteria and 60.7% by Kim's criteria. Positive rate of the symptoms increased in workers with longer work hours, with a severe physical burden, and without any control over their job. Work with a more frequent unstable posture and for longer hours was also associated with increased musculoskeletal symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that unstable posture and physical burden is closely related to the positive rate of musculoskeletal symptoms after controlling for age, smoking, drinking, exercise, duration of work, and job control; showing a good dose-response relationship. CONCLUSION: Inadequate posture and physical burden were the most significant factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders in shipyard workers in this study. Therefore, it will be necessary to make efforts to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders related to a specific job, instrument, physical burden, and posture. Workers should be educated on the types and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, how to improve the ergonomic occupational environment and to set up preventive measures against the risk factors during work.

Job instability of Labor Market and Preplacement Health Examination: the Case of Hearing Loss / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the problem of the preplacement health examination in terms of hearing loss case, where workers have been experiencing job instability in the labor market. METHODS: In order to measure the 2-year job retention rate of employees in 79 shipbuilding subcontracted companies in Kyongnam province, we utilized the same methods as those used by Neumark et al(1999), and Bernhardt et al(1999). We surveyed 79 heath and safety personnel from the companies with a questionnaire to evaluate the present status of the preplacement health examination. We reviewed the preplacement health certificates(result of audiometric hearing thresholds) of 1,818 recruits issued by Daewoo hospital from January 1 to June 30, 2001. RESULTS: The job retention rate was 40.3 %(male 38.53 %, female 52.01 %). Of the 79 health and safety personnel of companies, 44(55.7 %) perceived the preplacement health examination as a tool for the selection of recruits, 3(3.8 %) as a procedure for job fitting and 31(39.2 %) as both. Most of them were against the acceptance of recruits with hearing loss, spinal disease and hepatitis. Among the 1,818 workers who underwent the preplacement health examination, 530(29.1 %) were examined after employment, but 1,096(60.3 %) were examined before employment. The number with previous job experience was 1,591(87.5 %). In the audiometric hearing threshold results, the prevalence of hearing loss was positively correlated with age. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of hearing loss depending on previous job and number of quitting at 4,000 Hz. CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of 2-year job retention rates before and after the Korean economic crisis of 1997 suggests that job stability has been aggravated especially for cohorts of long tenure, irregular job, and old age. This evidence shows that previous job and age play a role in determining worker employment based on perceived results from the preplacement health examination. This result suggests that a pre-employment health examination be substituted for the preplacement health examination based on the essential job functions and reasonable accommodation. Because it has little relevance in a wide range of employment and minor health problems, the results of this examination should not debar applicants from employment.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in a Rural Population

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome in a rural population in Korea. METHOD: Among the 1004 residents in a rural district who participated in the health examination, 450 (165 male, 285 female) adults aged between 30 and 79 years were randomly selected. Hand symptom questionnaire and electrodiagnostic studies were used to diagnose and classify carpal tunnel syndrome. General characteristics, female-related factors, work-related factors and anthropometric measurements were compared between normal and carpal tunnel syndrome group to identify the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome. RESULTS: Subjects with carpal tunnel syndrome were 76 (16.9%), symptom only subjects were 168 (37.3%), asymptomatic slowing 27 (6.0%) and peripheral polyneuropathy were 16 (3.6%). Age, farming, body mass index and wrist depth width ratio were associated with risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and odds ratio were 1.03 (95% confidence interval 1.01~1.07), 2.62 (95% confidence interval 1.17~5.86), 2.24 (95% confidence interval 1.14~4.40) and 3.13 (95% confidence interval 1.64~5.96), each. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome is high in a rural population and physical factors like wrist shape and body mass index, occupation and aging are associated with risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Asphyxia due to Oxygen Deficiency in the Cargo-hold Shipping Wood / 대한법의학회지

Oxygen deficiency has been frequent in a closed space. Wood consumes oxygen and discharges carbon dioxide instead of photosynthesis in closed space without light, so do some microorganisms on the surface. We experienced a case that a healthy insect-proofer fell down and died of asphyxia on stair-board at 7 m below the hatch of the cargo-hold shipping wood. Analysis of gases in cargo-hold revealed O2; 12.3%, CO; 105 ppm, CH4; 2.7%, and H2S; 1.9% at 1 m below the hatch, and then O2; 6.1%, CO; 220 ppm, CH4; 2.9%, and H2S; 2.3 ppm at 2.5 m below the hatch. Autopsy findings were unremarkable. We justiced the cause of death asphyxia due to oxygen deficiency. As seen in this case, the serious oxygen deficiency was accounted for oxygen consumption by wood and microorganisms.

Asphyxia due to Oxygen Deficiency in the Cargo-hold Shipping Wood / 대한법의학회지

Oxygen deficiency has been frequent in a closed space. Wood consumes oxygen and discharges carbon dioxide instead of photosynthesis in closed space without light, so do some microorganisms on the surface. We experienced a case that a healthy insect-proofer fell down and died of asphyxia on stair-board at 7 m below the hatch of the cargo-hold shipping wood. Analysis of gases in cargo-hold revealed O2; 12.3%, CO; 105 ppm, CH4; 2.7%, and H2S; 1.9% at 1 m below the hatch, and then O2; 6.1%, CO; 220 ppm, CH4; 2.9%, and H2S; 2.3 ppm at 2.5 m below the hatch. Autopsy findings were unremarkable. We justiced the cause of death asphyxia due to oxygen deficiency. As seen in this case, the serious oxygen deficiency was accounted for oxygen consumption by wood and microorganisms.

Cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in colorectal polyps / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Recent studies showed that non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug may reduce the risk of colorectal cancers. So its potential target, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in colorectal cancers has been widely investigated. However, the rate and patterns of COX-2 expression in colorectal polyps have been quite variable among study groups. Furthermore, its role has not been established. The study aim is to investigate the expressions of COX-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and to evaluate the role of COX-2 in colorectal polyps. METHODS: Fifty-seven colorectal polyps from endoscopic polypectomy or surgical resection were enrolled. Polyps were as follows; 9 were hyperplastic polyps, 14 mild, 26 moderate dysplasia, 8 high grade adenomas (5 severe dysplasia, a carcinoma in situ, and two intramucosal carcinomas). They were stained for COX-2 and VEGF by immunohistochemistry. The intensity of staining according to histologic grades and size of polyp was semi-quantitatively assessed. RESULTS: COX-2 was expressed in 18 cases (31.8%) by dysplastic epithelium and 29 cases (50.9%) by interstitial cells. Epithelial COX-2 expressions were significantly related to histologic grades and size, and begun at moderate dysplasia actually. Interstitial COX-2 was little related to histologic grades and size. VEGF was expressed in 35 cases (61.4%). There was close relationship between epithelial COX-2 and VEGF expressions. CONCLUSION: COX-2 is expressed both in dysplastic epithelium and interstitial cells of colorectal polyps. Our results suggest that epithelial COX-2 expression may be playing a role in tumorigenesis of colorectal polyp, possibly involved in angiogenesis with VEGF.

The Similar Exposure Group and Exposure Variation in Ship-Building Painters: Focused on Xylene Exposure / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the concentration of xylene exposure and exposure variability of a similar exposure group(SEG) in accordance with job title and confined space. METHOD: The study subjects included 28 workers working in the painting process in the ship-building industry. Measurement of subjects were repeated three times. Within and between-worker exposure variance components were estimated from log-transformed exposure concentrations employing a one-way nested random effects analysis of variance model. A uniformly exposed group was defined as one where the between-worker variance(sigmaB2) was less than or equal to 0.031 or bwR95 or=0.031) and the ratios of the 97.5th and 2.5th percentile workers of the log normally distributed exposures of each group of workers was more than 2. However dividing job title into confined space(in-block, out-block, in/out-block) decreased the between-worker exposure variability. CONCLUSION: This study focused on the quantitative aspects of exposure in painters in the ship-building industry. We cannot accept the assumption that SEG are uniformly exposed, as a major component of variation in exposure relates to differences in tasks or other factors. Therefore, the observational schemes can be improved by investigating jobspecific task and practice.

The Significance of Anti-type I Collagen Antibody Titer in Occupational Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVE: To assess the significance of anti-type I collagen antibody titer in estimating cumulative trauma and predicting the presence of occupational low back pain. METHOD: Under the hypothesis that cumulative trauma on the spine will expose collagen and stimulate the formation of auto-antibody, we measured the serum anti-type I collagen antibody titers (IgM and IgG) in 408 male workers of a metal welding and manufacturing company. The antibody titers were measured in duplicates by ELISA. Statistical analysis was done to compare the titers according to occupational profiles (type of occupation and duration of employment) and clinical profiles (occurrence of low back pain, duration of low back pain and clinical impression). RESULTS: The anti-type I collagen IgG antibody titers were significantly increased in labor workers (n=357) in comparison with office workers (n=51)(p or =3 months)(n=8). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that anti-type I collagen IgM and IgG antibody may be useful in predicting the presence of occupational low back pain and estimating cumulative trauma, respectively.

Study on the Pre-employment Lumbo-sacral Simple X-Ray Examination / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: A study was conducted for investigating the status of simple X-rays on lumbosacral regions at pre-employment health examination and analysing the effectiveness of simple X-rays on lumbosacral regions. METHODS: The study data were pre-employment health examination data in a university hospital from Jan 3, 1993 through October of 1997. And, 97 newly employed workers who claimed no low back pain at pre-employment health examination of a certain company were follow-up survey about low back pain and related factors in April, 1995 and October of 1997. The data were collected by a self-reported questionnaire and a medical examination with a rehabilitation specialist. RESULTS: Taking the simple X-rays on lumbo-sacral regions was 1, 591 workers(10.5%) among 15,166 pre-employment health examination from Jan 3, 1993 through October of 1997. And yearly application rates of these X-ray tests have been significantly statistical increasing (p<0.01). 2. The abnormal findings of simple X-rays on lumbo-sacral regions at pre-employment health examination were 40 workers. But, there was not significantly statistical difference between normal and abnormal group for the complaint rate of low back pain. 3. The number of case with symptoms of low back pain at the follow-up survey were 46, so the incidence density was 37. 1 persons/ 100 person-years. And the incidence density was not significantly statistical difference between normal and abnormal group of simple X-rays on lumbo-sacral regions. 4. Through the multivariate logistic regression, significantly associated factors with low back pain were found to be tenure(OR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.17-0.79), lifting of heavy materials(OR=5. 86, 95%CI: l. 58-21. 74). CONCLUSION: The simple X-rays on lumbo-sacral regions at pre-employment health examination is required further research for utilizing pre-employment health examination according to above results.

Health Hazards and Diagnostic Methods of Glass Fiber Workers / 대한산업의학회지

This study was conducted to evaluate the health hazards and to develop diagnostic methods of glass fiber workers. We examined 40 male glass fiber workers (exposure group) and 57 male non-glass fiber workers (reference group) with a questionnaire, physical examination, chest x-ray and pathological examination in Mar, 1997. Also we examined 65 male glass fiber workers (exposure group) and 42 male non-glass fiber workers (reference group) with the same methods also we did some energy-dispersive x-ray analyses with a scanning electron microscopic examination in Sep. 1997. Most of the clinical symptoms were significantly more frequent among the exposure group than the reference group. Coughing (32.5%), itching of the nose (30.0%), irritation of eyes (27.5%), irritation of the nose (25.0%) and sputum (22.5%) were the major symptoms among the exposure group in Mar. 1997. Only itching of the nose was significantly more frequent in Sep. 1997. No cases of pneumoconiosis were observed among the groups and there were no differences in chest abnormalities between the exposure group with the reference group on both examinations. The prevalence of dermatosis among the exposure group was 20.0% (8 cases) and the cumulative prevalence was 72.5% (29 cases) in Mar. 1997. The prevalence of dermatosis among the exposure group was 23.1% (15 cases) and the cumulative prevalence was 58.5% (38 cases) in Sep. 1997. Onset of dermatosis among the exposure group was most frequent within one month after handling. The frequent sites of skin lesions were the hands and arms on both examinations. Glass fiber induced skin lesions can be diagnosed by the scotch tape method or KOH mount and then can be examined under the light, polarizing and phase-contrast microcopies. Glass fibers can be identified by some energy-dispersive x-ray analyses with a scanning electron microscopic examination.

Comparison of Post-Health Care of Workers with Noise Induced Hearing Loss between Medium Sized Industries and a Large Automobile Industry / 대한산업의학회지

In order to compare post-health care between medium sized enterprises(50-300 employees) and a large enterprise(an automobile manufacture plant) and to evaluate factors related to post?health care performance of workers with noise induced hearing loss, this study was carried out. One hundred and eighty nine workers were surveyed to the questionnaire on general and occupational characteristics, receipt of the examination result, perception and attitudes toward special health examination, contentedness with post-health care performance on the examination result and reason not to have post-health care performance. The results were as follows: 1. The employee in large enterprise perform post-health care higher than medium sized enterprises and main control method was taking ear protective device. The 27.5% of workers with NJHL did not perform any post-health care. 2. Comparing with large enterprise, medium-sized enterprises had more interview with workers of NJHL and some enterprises performed more health education and more improvement of working environment. But there were a few medium-sized enterprises which did not provide ear protective device and had indifference manager. 3. The variables that significantly related to the post-health care of manager side was receipt of health examination result(p < 0.05), the post-health care of worker side were size of enterprise, age(p <0.05) and receipt of health examination result(p <0. 1).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Meat-processing Workers / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and status of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome in meat-processing workers and to assess the usefulness of diagnostic criteria using symptoms, physical findings and electrodiagnostic bests. METHODS: The subjects were 34 female workers with average age of 43.1 +/-8.5 years and clinical studios including history taking for symtoms, physical examination and electrodiagnostic bests were conducted. RESULTS: Using a case definition of positive symptoms and electrodiagnostic abnormalities, 8 workers were diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome and the prevalence was 23.5%. 5 workers(14.7%) had symptoms but no electrodiagnostic abnormalities and 2 workers (5.9%) had only electrodiagnostic abnormalitites. 19 workers(55.9%) had no symptoms and no electrodiagnostic abnormalities. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome between high repetitive work group and low repetitive work group among the workers. Age and daily working hours wart related to the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome at 0.10 significant level(p-value=0.10). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of symptoms and night symptoms or symptoms and physical findings is a useful diagnostic criteria for screening of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome when electrodiagnostic test or a trained physician for physical examination are not available in that sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 0.63, 0.85, 0.56 and 0.88, respectively.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Occupational Low Back Pain among the Production Workers in a Steel and a Welding Material Manufacturing Factories / 대한산업의학회지

A cross-sectional study was conducted for detecting the risk factors and to propose an effective control program for occupational low back pain. The subjects were 1,665 male production workers employed at a steel factory and a welding material manufacturing factory. The data were collected by a self-reported questionnaire and a medical examination with a rehabilitation specialist for ten days in September, 1997. The contents of the questionnaire were as follows: general characteristics, physical characteristics, employment status, type of work, working environment and the experience of low back pain. The number of cases with symptoms of occupational low back pain were 321, so the point prevalence was 19.3 persons/100 persons. The number of cases with a history of occupational low back pain for one year were 554, so the one year period prevalence was 33.3 persons/100 persons. The point and one year period prevalences of occupational low back pain showed no significant differences in age, marital status, educational level and body mass index. The point and one year period prevalences of occupational low back pain showed no significant differences in alcohol drinking, smoking, stretching exercise and regular exercise. The point and one year period prevalences of occupational low back pain were significantly higher in the unsatisfied group than the satisfied group(p < 0.01), However, no significant differences were found among tenures and shift work. The point and one year period prevalences of occupational low back pain were significantly higher in the lifting of heavy materials group than the nonlifting group(p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were found among posture of the waist and the working posture. Through the multivariate logistic regression, significantly associated factors with occupational low back pain were found to be dissatisfaction with job(point prevalence: OR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.21-2.61; one year prevalence: OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.26-2.47), lifting of heavy materials(point prevalence: OR=1.94. 95% CI: 1.44-2.61: one year prevalence: OR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.70-2.77) and tenure(point prevalence: OR=1.03. 95% CI: 1.01-1.06: one year prevalence: OR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.05).

Chronic Subdural Hematoma Due to Cumulative Trauma to the Head / 대한산업의학회지

Chronic subdural hematoma usually occurs as a consequence of minor trauma. But, chronic subdural hematoma of occupational origin has not been reported yet in Korea. We experienced a case of chronic subdural hematoma induced by repeated trauma to the head. The patient was a 45-year-old male. He complained of repeated headache and nausea. By the computed tomogram, he diagnosed as chronic subdural hematoma and took the operation. He was not an alcoholism and had no intracranial disease nor coagulopathy. We studied all possibilities through working environment and personal environment survey. As a result, we decided the case as an example of cumulative trauma disorder to the head by occupational origin. We report a case of chronic subdural hematoma in the worker exposed repeated head trauma of occupational origin.

Prevalence of Allergic Diseases of Workers Exposed to Phthalic Anhydride / 대한산업의학회지

Phthalic anhydride (PA) is widely used in the production of alkyd and unsaturated polyester resins. It has been reported that some workers exposed to PA have developed dermatitis, rhinitis and asthma. The authors intended to investigate the prevalence of PA induced allergic diseases and to develop preventive measures of occupational diseases. Forty-five male workers from PA production and handling were selected as an exposure group. Forty-four male workers not handling PA at the same factory were chosen as a reference group. A symptom questionnaire, doctor's examination, eosinophil count, serum-total IgE and PA-specific IgE were done on the subjects. There were no significant differences in age, educational level, tenure or smoking habits between groups. Most clinical symptoms were significantly more frequent among the exposure group than the reference group: sneezing(62.2 %), rhinorrhea(57.8 %), nasal stuffiness(53.3 %), coughing(44.4 %) and nasal itching(35.6 %) were the major symptoms among the exposure group (p<0.01, p<0.05). There were no significant differences in eosinophil count and serum-total IgE between groups but the mean level in PA-specific IgE, in the exposure group, was statistically significantly higher than the reference group (p<0.01). Abnormal rates of eosinophil count, serum-total IgE and PA-specific IgE were not significantly different from each other. The prevalence rate was 68.9 % (31 cases) for allergic rhinitis in the exposure group, statistically significantly higher than the reference group (p<0.01). The prevalence rate was 6.7 %(3 cases) for bronchial asthma and contact dermatitis in the exposure group, not more statistically significant than the reference group. In the exposure group, the prevalence rate for age, educational level, tenure, smoking habits and use of protective devices are not statistically significant. In PA-specific IgE, sensitivity is 10.8 %, specificity is 100.0 %, positive predictability is 100.0 % and negative predictability is 61.2 % when criteria point is 3.5 KU/l or above. As a result, it was recognized that the exposure group had a high prevalence of PA induced allergic rhinitis. Also, in diagnosis of PA induced allergic diseases, medical histories and specific symptoms were the most important where as eosinophil count, serum total IgE are the only indirect informations. PA-specific IgE has been needed to evaluate the meanings more.

A Status of the Report for Industrial Injuries and Illnesses at an Automobile Related Plant / 대한산업의학회지

The incidence rate of industrial accidents tends to decrease since 1984. It seems to be caused by the active prevention activities for industrial accidents, however, there has been some concern for under-reporting of industrial injuries and illnesses. This study was carried out to assess the status of injury occurrences and industrial accident reports. The author reviewed and analysed the record from an infirmary of an automobile related factory from May 1994 to April 1998. The results obtained were as follows; 1. The number of injuries were 665 spells during four years and incidence rates per year per 100 persons were 39.57(1995), 39.04(1996) and 36.86(1997). The incidence rate of industrial injuries that needed over four days of medical treatment were 4.32 %, 6.51 % and 4.90 %, respectively by the year. 2. The highest incidence rate by age was the 20-29 age group (46.30 %) and by working duration was the under five years group (46.18 %). 3. A total of 665 injuries were occurred by 244 workers. Workers who experienced over five accidents were 41 persons (16.8 %) with 285 injuries and the proportion of total spells was 42.9 %. 4. Workers who experienced over 5 accidents were the younger group, had under five years working duration and worked at the position of frequently using hand tools. 5. Among the 665 spells, the injuries that needed over four days of medical treatment were 93 spells (14.0 %) and the reported proportion as an industrial accident was 8.6 % (eight spells). The results suggest that improvement of the report system is required to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the industrial accident statistics, and analysing all accidents would be necessary to setup the strategy for prevention even if they are minor injuries.

Relationship between the Serum CPK and the Shoulder Muscle Disorder in VDT Workers / 대한산업의학회지

VDT workers are often exposed to static load in the shoulder stabilizing muscle due to repetitive work over long periods. Many investigations were reported the relationships between static load due to repetitive work and regional muscle disorder. However, diagnostic approach to work-related muscle disorder is difficult due to the absence of objective diagnostic tools. This study was performed to investigate the relationship between the serum CPK (creatine phosphokinase) concentrations and the shoulder muscle disorders. Results are as follow. 1. Mean serum CPK in total VDT workers was 67.6+/-28.4 IU/l and workers with abnormal serum CPK were 35 (21.5%). 2. Comparison between cases and controls did not show significant difference in the serum CPK level and the distribution of abnormal findings. 3. Sensitivity and specificity of the CPK test was 23.0% and 82.0%, respectively. Above results, in accordance with literatures, show that while serum CPK measure menu can be useful for the diagnosis of acute muscle injury, it does not adequately reflect the muscle disorders developed by the repetitive work of low tension over long time, such as VDT works.

Analysis on the Relationships among the Total Cholesterol, Fasting Blood Sugar, Hypertension and Ischemic heart disease on EKG Findings / 예방의학회지

Since the 1960's, Korea has achieved rapid economic growth, longer life expectancy, accelerated urbanization and a westernization of diet. Cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death; however the prevalence of ischemic heart disease(IHD) remains low. A cross-sectional multiphasic screening service for 18,426 persons aged 30 64 years in a Medical Aid Program in Kyonggi-do Province was conducted from 1991 to 1993. Total cholesterol(TC), Fasting blood glucose(FBG), blood pressure(BP), and electrocardiographic(EKG) data were collected. The result as follows; 1. On the EKG findings, the age-adjusted prevalence of myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction was 1.45% in men and 2.06% in women. 2. The mean blood pressure was 122.9/78.8mmHg. The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 11.05% in men and 9.02% in women. The prevalence of hypertension showed increasing tendency according to age increase. In all age group, the prevalence of hypertension was higher in men than women. 3. The mean total cholesterol level was 184.4mg/dl in men and 189.2mg/dl in women. The age-adjusted prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 4.88% in men and 5.67% in women. The total cholesterol level showed increasing tendency according to age increase, except 55 64 age group in men. 4. The prevalence of hyperglycemia is 5.8%. The age-adjusted prevalence of hyperglycemia is 6.72% in men and 4.50% in women. The prevalence of hyperglycemia showed increasing tendency according to age increase. 5. On the EKG findings, the prevalence of myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction was higher in hypertension than normal, in all age group of men and women less than 40 years-old. Only in women more than 40 years-old, the prevalence of myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction was higher in hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia. Nevertheless there is not statistical association between ischemic heart disease and previous risk factors in other age group, the prevalence of myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction was higher in hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia than normal. The result of this study suggest that relationships between major risk factor of ischemic heart disease and ischemic heart disease is similar to existing theory.

A Suspicious Case of Dimethylformamide Induced Fulminant Hepatitis in Synthetic Leather Workers / 대한산업의학회지

A man who worked in the synthetic leather manufacturing plant for 3 months died at November 3. Author review the medical record, the death certificate, and interviewed his wife and the doctor who treated him. His major job was DMF handling. At the working place, he felt severe health problem, and admitted to the hospital via emergency clinic. He complained severe abdominal pain and showed jaundice and ascites, He suffered hepatic coma and respiratory insufficiency from fulminant hepatitis from 19th days after admission. Drug abuse, hepatitis (A, B, C), and alcoholic hepatitis were rule out with his history and serological study data, As a result, author couldn't find any cause of death, but fuIminant hepatitis from DMF toxicity.