The Relationship between Fish Consumption and Blood Mercury Levels in Residents of Busan Metropolitan City and Gyeongnam Province / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between fish consumption and blood mercury levels in a sample of adult Koreans. METHODS: The study subjects were 299 residents of Busan (male: 65, female: 234) and 185 residents of Namhae (male: 69, female: 116), South Korea. Demographic characteristics, current smoking, current drinking, fish consumption per week, past history of amalgam treatment, and residential district were recorded by trained interviewers in June and July, 2009. We considered a portion of fish to be equivalent to 70 gm weight, and calculated amounts of fish consumed per week. Using chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis, we estimated the relationships between blood mercury levels and amount of fish consumed per week and other factors. RESULTS: The mean blood mercury level of our subjects was 6.61 microgram/L, higher than the criterion defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (5.8 microgram/L). In multiple linear regression analysis, residential district and amount of fish consumed per week were associated with blood mercury levels. However, marital status, current drinking, and gender, and age were not associated with blood mercury levels. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we suggest the implementation of systematic and periodic population-based studies to decrease the risks of mercury poisoning among South Koreans who consume fish as a regular part of the diet.

Sex Differences in Lifestyle Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The combination of an aging population with a chronic diseased population is leading to an increase in the mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the Korean population and to evaluate its related factors for sex differences. METHODS: From April 2007 to December 2008, a total of 2,729 volunteers aged 40-69 years living in Changwon city underwent a clinical examination at a hospital in Changwon, Korea. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed following the criteria defined in Circulation 2009. The clinical examination included measuring anthropometric variables and cardiovascular risk factors, while lifestyle factors were assessed through a questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in our sampling pool was 25.2% with a break down by sex showing a rate of 30.2% in men and 22.2% in women. Related factors associated with metabolic syndrome common to both sex were age, self-health assessment, and alcohol consumption. Sleep duration seemed to be a related factor in men, while income, education, and menstruation status played significant roles in women. CONCLUSIONS: To better manage metabolic syndrome, men need to be educated on alcohol use and women of low socioeconomic status require particular attention as do the aging population and postmenopausal women.

A Study of the Results of Sputum Cytology as a Special Health Examination / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aims investigate the results of sputum cytology, which began its test period from 2009 as a special health examination for individuals whose lungs have been exposed to carcinogens. METHODS: 22,215 cases of sputum results were classified into six categories through Papanicolau classification. The sputum results were analyzed according to age, exposure degree to welding fumes and smoking status. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to compare and analyze the associations between sputum results and smoking status, exposure degree and age classifications. RESULTS: The number of class I cases was 20,784 with a frequency of (93.6%), class II had 1,076 cases (4.8%), class III had 69 cases (0.3%), and the inadequate class had 286 cases (1.3%) and there were no cases in class VI and V. Patients in class III received CT scans of their chest for further evaluation, but no cancer patients were found from that. There were 2.48 times (95% CI 1.12~5.53) more smokers than non-smokers in class III and 1.70 times (95% CI 1.43~2.02) more in class II. The number of ex-smokers was 2.46 times (95% CI 1.01~5.99) larger than the number of non-smokers in class III and 1.28 times (95% CI 1.03~1.60) larger than the number of non-smokers in class II. There were 1.54 times (95% CI 1.28~1.85) more patients from the mid-exposure group than the low exposure group in class II. There were 1.62 times (95% CI 1.31~1.99) more patients from the high-exposure group than the low-exposure group in class II. CONCLUSIONS: As a screening test for lung cancer, the usefulness of sputum cytology is limited. However, the precancerous cells (class II, class III) varied according to welding fume exposure degree and smoking status.

A Case of Lead Poisoning by Ingesting Herbal Pills Tainted by Lead during the Manufacturing Process / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: This is a case report of lead poisoning after herbal pill ingestion. We report this case here as a reminder that contamination during the manufacturing process is an important issue regarding herbal pills. Case Report: A 37-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain caused by cholecystitis. He was transferred to the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine on 26 December 2008, because of anemia. On follow-up examination post cholecystectomy, the patient had increasing blood lead levels. There was no specific finding in his medical history, but he had been taking herbal pills for 3 months to treat dyspepsia. We performed an analysis on the herbal pills, and determined a lead concentration of 1485 mg/kg. When he was admitted to the hospital, the patient had a blood lead level of 84.13 microgram/dL and a zinc protoporphyrin level was 230 microgram/dL. The patient was treated with 250 mg of Penicillamine, 4 times per day. During follow-up 3 weeks later, the patient's blood lead level had been reduced to 36.52 microgram/dL which allowed us to take him off of Penicillamine. By 7 months follow-up, the patient's blood lead concentration had fallen from 36.52 microgram/dL to 20.93 microgram/dL. CONCLUSION: Lead poisoning was confirmed by analyzing blood lead levels and the cause was herbal pills. Upon analysis of the herbal pills, we have discovered that the herbal pills contained an amount of lead acquired during the manufacturing process, based on the high levels of this heavy metal in comparison to other metals. Private herbal pill manufacturing plants need systematic management and oversight.