Pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium outcomes in female firefighters in Korea

Pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium outcomes in female firefighters in Korea

BACKGROUND@#Female firefighters are exposed to hazardous environmental (chemical and physical) and working (shift work, psychological, and ergonomic factors) conditions that have reported or are suspected of adverse effects on reproductive health. However, no previous studies have reported on pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium outcomes (PCPOs) in female firefighters.@*METHODS@#The present study compared hospital admissions for PCPOs, based on 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) codes, among Korean female firefighters with those of the general Korean population. Standardized admission ratios (SARs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.@*RESULTS@#The study population included 1,766 female firefighters. Total follow-up duration was 9,659 person-years. Compared to the general female population, the female firefighters' SARs were higher in all admissions for PCPOs (SAR, 1.92; 95% CI: 1.79–2.05); pregnancy and abortive outcomes (SAR, 1.56; 95% CI: 1.12–2.12); other maternal disorders predominantly related to pregnancy (SAR, 2.65; 95% CI: 1.99–3.46); maternal care related to the fetus, amniotic cavity, and possible delivery problems (SAR, 2.13; 95% CI: 1.74–2.57); labor and delivery complications (SAR, 1.55; 95% CI: 1.15–2.06); delivery (SAR, 1.94; 95% CI: 1.80–2.08); and complications predominantly related to puerperium (SAR, 4.68; 95% CI: 2.02–9.23).@*CONCLUSION@#The results of this study showed high SARs in all and specific subcategories of PCPOs in female firefighters.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium outcomes in female firefighters in Korea

BACKGROUND@#Female firefighters are exposed to hazardous environmental (chemical and physical) and working (shift work, psychological, and ergonomic factors) conditions that have reported or are suspected of adverse effects on reproductive health. However, no previous studies have reported on pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium outcomes (PCPOs) in female firefighters.@*METHODS@#The present study compared hospital admissions for PCPOs, based on 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) codes, among Korean female firefighters with those of the general Korean population. Standardized admission ratios (SARs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.@*RESULTS@#The study population included 1,766 female firefighters. Total follow-up duration was 9,659 person-years. Compared to the general female population, the female firefighters' SARs were higher in all admissions for PCPOs (SAR, 1.92; 95% CI: 1.79–2.05); pregnancy and abortive outcomes (SAR, 1.56; 95% CI: 1.12–2.12); other maternal disorders predominantly related to pregnancy (SAR, 2.65; 95% CI: 1.99–3.46); maternal care related to the fetus, amniotic cavity, and possible delivery problems (SAR, 2.13; 95% CI: 1.74–2.57); labor and delivery complications (SAR, 1.55; 95% CI: 1.15–2.06); delivery (SAR, 1.94; 95% CI: 1.80–2.08); and complications predominantly related to puerperium (SAR, 4.68; 95% CI: 2.02–9.23).@*CONCLUSION@#The results of this study showed high SARs in all and specific subcategories of PCPOs in female firefighters.

Alterations of Gefitinib Pharmacokinetics by Co-administration of Herbal Medications in Rats / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the potential pharmacokinetic interactions of the anticancer agent gefitinib (Iressa®) and the oriental medications Guipi Decoction (, GPD, Guibi-tang in Korean) and Bawu Decoction (, BWD, Palmul-tang in Korean).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Methylcellulose (MC, control), GPD (1,200 mg/kg), or BWD (6,000 mg/kg) was orally administered to rats either as a single dose or multiple doses prior to gefitinib administration. To examine the effects of a single dose of the herbal medicines, gefitinib (10 mg/kg) was orally administered after 5 min or 1 h of MC or the herbal medicine pretreatments. To examine the effects of the multiple doses of the herbal medicines, gefitinib (10 mg/kg) was orally administered following 7 consecutive days of the administration of MC or each herbal medicine. The plasma concentrations of gefitinib were determined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. The plasma concentration-time profiles of gefitinib were analyzed with a noncompartmental analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Gefitinib was rapidly absorbed and showed a monoexponential decline with an elimination half-life of 3.7-4.1 h. The pharmacokinetics of gefitinib was not affected by GPD pretreatment. However, a significantly lower maximum plasma concentration (C, P<0.05) and area under the curve (P<0.05), and a delayed time to reach C (T, P<0.01) were observed in both single- and multipledose BWD-pretreated rats compared with the control rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>BWD and not GPD might delay and interfere with gefitinib absorption. Further evaluations of the clinical significance of these findings are needed.</p>

Relationship between occupational injuries and the provision of safety and health information: data from the 4th Korean working conditions survey

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the provision of safety and health information (PSHI) and occupational injuries. METHODS: This study was based on data from the 4th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) (2014). The sample consisted of data from 24,527 wage workers and was divided into high-risk and low-risk groups, depending on the probability of occupational injury. The high-risk group included subjects who could cause harm to themselves or others due to errors during work. We applied chi-squared tests and logistic regression analyses to examine the relationship between PSHI and occupational injuries. RESULTS: In the high-risk group, workers with no PSHI showed an adjusted odds ratio of 1.81 for occupational injury (95% CI 1.33–2.47). In contrast, there was no statistically significant relationship between PSHI and the incidence of occupational injury in the low-risk group. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent occupational injuries, multi-faceted approaches that take different levels of injury risk into account are needed. Among workers with a high risk of occupational injury, more a stringent safety education program is required.

Psychometric properties of the 10-item Conner-Davidson resilience scale on toxic chemical-exposed workers in South Korea

BACKGROUND: Resilient individuals have a comprehensive ability to adapt to various life circumstances. Psychological resilience predicts an individual’s physiological response to stress. The 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) is a widely used measure to quantify the level of self-perceived resilience. This study examined the psychometric properties of a Korean version of the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (10-item K-CD-RISC) on workers in Gumi, South Korea, exposed to hydrofluoric acid (HF). METHODS: The questionnaires included the 10-item K-CD-RISC and Beck Anxiety Inventor (BAI), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised-Korean version (IES-R-K), the Rosen-berg Self Esteem Scale (RSES), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). These were randomly distributed at 237 workplaces near the HF-spill site, in the Gumi 4 complex. The responses of 991 (67.3%) workers were analyzed. RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis shown that a single-factor model was consistent with the original design of the 10-item CD-RISC. The scale also demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95). Scores on the scale reflected different levels of resilience with respect to personal factors (age, gender, marital status, and education and income levels) that are thought to be differentiated. Differences of resilience were also reflected by psychiatric symptoms (anxiety and depression). Moreover, the total score of scale positively correlated with RSES, whereas the IES-R-K, BAI, CES-D, and the PSS negatively correlated with the 10-item K-CD-RISC. CONCLUSIONS: The 10-item K-CD-RISC has good psychometric properties and is applicable for victims exposed to noxious chemical such as HF.

The Association between Uric Acid and Chronic Kidney Disease in Korean Men: A 4-Year Follow-up Study

There have been many studies between serum uric acid (UA) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, as far as we know, little research has been done to examine the prospective association between serum UA and development of CKD in Korean men. This prospective cohort study was performed using 18,778 men who participated in a health checkup program both on January, 2005 and on December, 2009. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate or = 7.0 mg/dL) to those with normouricemia ( < 7.0 mg/dL) was 1.96 (1.28-2.99). Elevated serum UA levels were independently associated with increased likelihood for the development of CKD in Korean men (IRB number: KBC10034).

Relationship between Occupational Stress and Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Korean Male Firefighters

OBJECTIVES: A growing body of literature has documented that job stress is associated with the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). However, the association of WMSDs with job stress has not yet been fully studied in Korean male firefighters. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of WMSDs in almost all Korean male firefighters and to clarify the effect of job stress on the occurrence of WMSDs. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional, and 21,466 firefighters were recruited. The study design included a structured questionnaire to assess general characteristics, the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (optional KOSS-26), Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and WMSDs. The chi-square test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to look for a correlation between general characteristics and job stress, and the occurrence of WMSD. RESULTS: Back pain is the most common WMSD. Among the job stress subgroup, physical environment, job demands, organizational system, occupational climate, lack of reward and job insecurity were related to the occurrence of WMSDs. However, insufficient job control and interpersonal conflict were not related to the occurrence of WMSDs. CONCLUSION: Job stress was related to the occurrence of WMSDs in Korean male firefighters. To reduce the occurrence of WMSDs, a job stress management program may be required.

The Problem Drinking and Related Factors in Female Firefighters / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate problem drinking and analyze factors associated with alcohol use among female firefighters, as well as to provide useful data for management of alcohol use by female firefighters. METHODS: The study includeed 1,587 female firefighters from throught Koea. Data were collected from June to July in 2008 using self-administered questionnaires including a general questionnaire, work related questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Korean Occupational Stress Scale Short Form (KOSS-26), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Among 1,263 female firefighters (75.6%) surveyed, the results of 1,084 qualified questionnaires (70.5%) were analyzed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of problem drinking (AUDIT score > or =8) in female firefighters was 12.5%. Multiple logistic analysis showed that being single, smoking and depression were correlated with problem drinking. Single female firefighter, present smokers and individuals positive for symptoms of depression had OR values of 2.11, 17.58 and 1.76, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Three factors were found to influnce the occurrence of problem drinking. Accordingly, smoking related education, counseling to cope effectively with depression and health promotion programs that consider psychological effects of job stress are needed to reduce work related factors that lead to problem drinking by female firefighters.

Relationship between Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Non-fatal Occupational Injuries in Construction Workers in Korea / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal injuries in construction workers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 1,836 male construction workers in petrochemical plants in Korea. For this study, a structured self-reported questionnaire(KOSHA CODE H-30-2003) was used. Musculoskeletal symptoms were defined as symptoms that affect the operation of the musculoskeletal system, for longer than one week or a frequency of more than once per month. To evaluate the association between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal occupatioanl injuries, multiple logistic-regressions were used after adjusting for age, exercise, smoking status, alcohol consumption, work time, work duration, and income. RESULTS: A total of 140 workers were involved in non-fatal injuries cases, representing 7.6% prevalence. After adjusting for confounding variables, the logistic regression analyses indicated the group with musculoskeletal symptoms(OR 1.73 95% CI:1.21~2.47) and intensity criteria of musculoskeletal symptoms as related to 'moderate' criteria(OR 1.82 95% CI:1.18~2.81) or 'severe' criteria(OR 2.57 95% CI:1.43~4.63). This identified group was more likely to experience non-fatal occupational injuries. However, a 'mild' criteria(OR 1.00 95% CI:0.51~1.99) was not associated with non-fatal occupational injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated a possible association between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal injuries. Hence, strengthening of laws and regulations, effective ergonomic programs and training is necessary to prevent musculoskeletal symptoms.

A Study on the Possibility of Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Firefighters

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Firefighters face serious risks to their health and safety in the performance of their duties. In addition to the diverse occupational hazards well-known to the public, firefighters are also occasionally exposed to high levels of noise, such as sirens, horns, and electronic alerting signals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We first measured the noise emitted by two fire trucks and one ambulance. Next, we enrolled 171 firefighters (164 males, seven females). We designated the employees of a private school as controls for the firefighter group. After selecting workers, including audiometric testing at 1,000 and 4,000 Hz, the groups were age- and gender-matched. Both groups were included separately for the right and left ears at pure-tone test frequencies at 1,000 and 4,000 Hz. We chose the better ear thresholds and analyzed the differences in hearing levels at each frequency and each age group between the firefighters and controls. RESULTS: The sound pressure levels of the siren in and out of an ambulance, the first fire truck, and the second fire truck were 99.3 dB (A) and 108.9 dB (A), 92.3 dB (A) and 108.3, and 78.8 dB (A) and 99.0 dB (A), respectively. At 4,000 Hz, the hearing threshold was significantly increased by work period (p<0.01). Each hearing threshold level was significantly higher than controls (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Many of the noise sources produce sounds exceeding 90 dB (A), and some firefighters may be exposed for brief periods to levels that exceed 105-110 dB (A). The hearing threshold level in firefighters is higher than the general population and noise-induced hearing loss in firefighters is possible. In the future, consistent, effective, and long-standing implementation of hearing conservation programs are needed, and special health examinations for hearing levels in firefighters must be conducted.

A Study on the Possibility of Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Firefighters

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Firefighters face serious risks to their health and safety in the performance of their duties. In addition to the diverse occupational hazards well-known to the public, firefighters are also occasionally exposed to high levels of noise, such as sirens, horns, and electronic alerting signals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We first measured the noise emitted by two fire trucks and one ambulance. Next, we enrolled 171 firefighters (164 males, seven females). We designated the employees of a private school as controls for the firefighter group. After selecting workers, including audiometric testing at 1,000 and 4,000 Hz, the groups were age- and gender-matched. Both groups were included separately for the right and left ears at pure-tone test frequencies at 1,000 and 4,000 Hz. We chose the better ear thresholds and analyzed the differences in hearing levels at each frequency and each age group between the firefighters and controls. RESULTS: The sound pressure levels of the siren in and out of an ambulance, the first fire truck, and the second fire truck were 99.3 dB (A) and 108.9 dB (A), 92.3 dB (A) and 108.3, and 78.8 dB (A) and 99.0 dB (A), respectively. At 4,000 Hz, the hearing threshold was significantly increased by work period (p<0.01). Each hearing threshold level was significantly higher than controls (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Many of the noise sources produce sounds exceeding 90 dB (A), and some firefighters may be exposed for brief periods to levels that exceed 105-110 dB (A). The hearing threshold level in firefighters is higher than the general population and noise-induced hearing loss in firefighters is possible. In the future, consistent, effective, and long-standing implementation of hearing conservation programs are needed, and special health examinations for hearing levels in firefighters must be conducted.

Gender-related Factors Associated with Upper Extremity Function in Workers

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to find gender distinctions in terms of the sociology of the population; to determine work-related factors; to analyze gender differences in daily living, work, sports, and art performances; and to identify gender-related factors that limited performance of daily living and work activities. METHODS: A questionnaire was designed that included disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), accident history, disease history, work duration at current workplace, marital status, job satisfaction, job autonomy, and physical demands of the job. Out of 1,853 workers surveyed, 1,173 questionnaires (63.3%; 987 males, 186 females) included responses to DASH disability and DASH optional work and were judged acceptable for analysis. RESULTS: Upper extremity functional limitation during work and daily living was higher for females than males. The limitations for males increased according to their household work time, accident history, work duration, job satisfaction, physical demand, and job autonomy. Meanwhile, female workers' upper extremity discomfort was influenced by their disease history, job satisfaction, and physical demands. In addition, the size of the company affected male workers' upper extremity function, while marriage and hobbies influenced that of female workers. CONCLUSION: This study addressed sociodemographic factors and work-related factors that affect each gender's upper extremity function during daily living and working activities. Each factor had a different influence. Further studies are needed to identify the effect that role changes, not being influenced by risks at work, have on musculoskeletal disorders.

Occupational Skin Diseases in Korea

Skin disease is the most common occupational disease, but the reported number is small in Korea due to a difficulty of detection and diagnosis in time. We described various official statistics and data from occupational skin disease surveillance system, epidemiological surveys and cases published in scientific journals. Until 1981, 2,222 cases of occupational skin disease were reported by Korean employee's regular medical check-up, accounting for 4.9% of the total occupational diseases. There was no subsequent official statistics to figure out occupational skin diseases till 1998. From 1999, the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) published the number of occupational skin diseases through the statistics of Cause Investigation for Industrial Accidents. A total of 301 cases were reported from 1999 to 2007. Recent one study showed the figures of compensated occupational skin diseases. Many of them belonged to daily-paid workers in the public service, especially forestry workers. Also, it described the interesting cases such as vitiligo and trichloroethylene-induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Skin diseases are still important though the number of cases has decreased, and therefore it is recommended to grasp the status of occupational skin diseases through continuous surveillance system and to make policy protecting high-risk group.

The Effects of Disabilities of the Upper Extremities on Daily Activities of Workers in Manufacturing Industry, and the Factors Influencing Those Disabilities / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Discomfort in the upper extremities affects and restricts the daily activities and work of many workers. This study was conducted to apply a standardized tool for identifying musculoskeletal symptoms and measuring how greatly these symptoms affect the performance of workers in small manufacturing industries as well as to analyze the relationships between the socio-demographic characteristics of the workers, the psychosocial factors, and ergonomic risk factors on the one hand and the reported musculoskeletal symptoms and their effects on work performance on the other. METHODS: Workers in small manufacturing companies were asked to self-evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms, restrictions on work performance, and the ergonomic risk in their working environments. A standardized tool (musculoskeletal symptoms table, DASH [Disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand]) was used to evaluate the musculoskeletal symptoms and the restrictions on work performance. RESULTS: 1) The DASH score was significantly higher among women, older workers who had been in that job for a long time, married workers, those with no leisure activities or hobbies, those with long hours of housework, those who had experienced a disease in the past, and those who had had an accident in the past; 2) the DASH score was also significantly higher for those workers who were unsatisfied with their work, who worked hard, who no control over their work, and whose work required heavy equipment, tools, and materials; 3) the DASH score was significantly higher in workers with major ergonomic risk factors; 4) the DASH score was significantly higher among workers with occupational musculoskeletal disease and was distributed as follows, from highest to lowest rates of occurrence; symptoms in the upper arms, difficulty sleeping, difficulty with work, restrictions in daily activities, restrictions in social activities, and difficulties in specific work performance; 5) explanatory power increased in the model with the addition of socio-demographic variables, i.e., in analyses with the DASH total score as the dependent variable and psychosocial factors, ergonomic risk factors, and upper extremity discomfort symptoms as the independent variables. The total explanatory power found a significant effect at 35.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that to enhance the upper extremity performance level of workers in the manufacturing industry, preventive measures should be based on a consideration of ergonomic risk factors, psychosocial factors, and the socio-demographic characterisitics of the individual workers.

The Effects of Disabilities of the Upper Extremities on Daily Activities of Workers in Manufacturing Industry, and the Factors Influencing Those Disabilities / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Discomfort in the upper extremities affects and restricts the daily activities and work of many workers. This study was conducted to apply a standardized tool for identifying musculoskeletal symptoms and measuring how greatly these symptoms affect the performance of workers in small manufacturing industries as well as to analyze the relationships between the socio-demographic characteristics of the workers, the psychosocial factors, and ergonomic risk factors on the one hand and the reported musculoskeletal symptoms and their effects on work performance on the other. METHODS: Workers in small manufacturing companies were asked to self-evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms, restrictions on work performance, and the ergonomic risk in their working environments. A standardized tool (musculoskeletal symptoms table, DASH [Disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand]) was used to evaluate the musculoskeletal symptoms and the restrictions on work performance. RESULTS: 1) The DASH score was significantly higher among women, older workers who had been in that job for a long time, married workers, those with no leisure activities or hobbies, those with long hours of housework, those who had experienced a disease in the past, and those who had had an accident in the past; 2) the DASH score was also significantly higher for those workers who were unsatisfied with their work, who worked hard, who no control over their work, and whose work required heavy equipment, tools, and materials; 3) the DASH score was significantly higher in workers with major ergonomic risk factors; 4) the DASH score was significantly higher among workers with occupational musculoskeletal disease and was distributed as follows, from highest to lowest rates of occurrence; symptoms in the upper arms, difficulty sleeping, difficulty with work, restrictions in daily activities, restrictions in social activities, and difficulties in specific work performance; 5) explanatory power increased in the model with the addition of socio-demographic variables, i.e., in analyses with the DASH total score as the dependent variable and psychosocial factors, ergonomic risk factors, and upper extremity discomfort symptoms as the independent variables. The total explanatory power found a significant effect at 35.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that to enhance the upper extremity performance level of workers in the manufacturing industry, preventive measures should be based on a consideration of ergonomic risk factors, psychosocial factors, and the socio-demographic characterisitics of the individual workers.

A Case Study of a Foundry Worker with Localized Asbestosis: an Uncommon Occurrence in Korea / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: Foundry workers are known to be exposed to silica and have an increased risk of silicosis. There are also reports that state these foundry workers were associated with asbestos-related change in the X-ray results of the lungs. This report discusses a case of localized asbestosis developed in a foundry worker who worked in 12 Korean foundries. CASE REPORT: A 49-year-old man who worked at molding and melting for 30 years, presented with sore throat, cough and yellow sputum for 1 month. From physical and clinical examination, pulmonary tuberculosis was highly suspicious; therefore, he was medicated for 6 months. After tuberculosis medication, the radiological finding was reactivation of tuberculosis, and an asbestos body was detected at a transbronchial lung biopsy. During an operation, operators found multiple palpable masses and bullae localized in the right upper lobe (RUL) and performed right upper lobectomy and right middle lobe wedge resection. Using hematoxylin-eosin stain and iron stain, we could detect asbestos bodies by light microscopy. We analyzed the asbestos fiber burden in dry lung tissue by transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (TEM-EDX). The fiber type was chrysotile and the fiber burden was 23.26x106 fiber/g dry lung. DISCUSSION: This case study of a foundry worker with localized asbestosis is uncommon in Korea. We found an occupational relationship between the foundry worker and localized asbestosis through various investigative techniques such as measurements taken at his working environment, clinical, radiological and pathological examination of the foundry worker and mineralogical examination of the asbestos fiber.

A Case Study of a Foundry Worker with Localized Asbestosis: an Uncommon Occurrence in Korea / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: Foundry workers are known to be exposed to silica and have an increased risk of silicosis. There are also reports that state these foundry workers were associated with asbestos-related change in the X-ray results of the lungs. This report discusses a case of localized asbestosis developed in a foundry worker who worked in 12 Korean foundries. CASE REPORT: A 49-year-old man who worked at molding and melting for 30 years, presented with sore throat, cough and yellow sputum for 1 month. From physical and clinical examination, pulmonary tuberculosis was highly suspicious; therefore, he was medicated for 6 months. After tuberculosis medication, the radiological finding was reactivation of tuberculosis, and an asbestos body was detected at a transbronchial lung biopsy. During an operation, operators found multiple palpable masses and bullae localized in the right upper lobe (RUL) and performed right upper lobectomy and right middle lobe wedge resection. Using hematoxylin-eosin stain and iron stain, we could detect asbestos bodies by light microscopy. We analyzed the asbestos fiber burden in dry lung tissue by transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (TEM-EDX). The fiber type was chrysotile and the fiber burden was 23.26x106 fiber/g dry lung. DISCUSSION: This case study of a foundry worker with localized asbestosis is uncommon in Korea. We found an occupational relationship between the foundry worker and localized asbestosis through various investigative techniques such as measurements taken at his working environment, clinical, radiological and pathological examination of the foundry worker and mineralogical examination of the asbestos fiber.

Cement Burn from Waterproof Work: A Case Study / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: Portland cement, which is a common material used in the construction industry, is known to cause caustic burns due to its alkalinity. Although cement burns are frequent and can be severe, many workers are inadequately aware of its risks. CASE: A 39-year-old man presented with exudative lesions and pain on his right hand after working with wet cement during waterproof work. The patient stated that wet cement entered his protective glove and he did not wash the cement off for 3 hours. Debridement of necrotic tissue and skin grafting was performed on his second and fifteenth hospital day respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevention of cement burns can be improved by extensive risk instruction and the provision of adequate skin protection.

A Case of Epitheloid Sarcoma on Metal Cutoff Worker / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare condition with many causative factors. However a soft tissue sarcoma from a metallic foreign body and injury is rare. We report a case of a soft tissue sarcoma caused by a metallic foreign body and injury. CASE: The patient had been worked as a metal cutter for 17 years. While working, his palms were constantly pricked by small metallic splinters, which were generally removed after work. On march 2004, he had palpitated mass on his right palm. On November 2006, a right hand x-ray showed a mass and metallic foreign body at the 1st volar space which was confirmed to be an epitheloid sarcoma. All metallic products of his workplace contained chromium and Nickel. which are known to cause soft tissue sarcomas. A review of the literature revealed foreign-body and injury induced oxidative and nitrative stress to be associated with a developing sarcoma. In addition, Cr and Ni are associated with the development of sarcoma. Therefore it was concluded this case of epitheloid sarcoma was associated with his employment. CONCLUSION: A soft-tissue sarcoma associated with a metal foreign-body and injury is rare and their relationship is difficult understand. If a case of sarcoma is encountered on a metal associated worker, their job association should be considered.