Lung Function in Workers at Small Foundries / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated lung function in workers exposed to dusts, fumes and noxious gases at small foundries. METHODS: Lung function was measured in 148 male workers from 12 small foundries and 202 unexposed male workers. Pulmonary function tests performed included: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), percent of FEV1/FVC (FEV1/FVC%), maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory flow at 25, 50, and 75% of expired FVC (FEF25, 50, 75). RESULTS: Mean values of all ventilatory indices except FEF25 of foundry workers were significantly lower than those of controls. Specifically, following stratification by smoking habits, all ventilatory indices except FEF25 of foundry workers were significantly lower than those of controls who smoked; however, there were no significant differences observed in any ventilatory indices between nonsmoking exposed workers and controls. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated work duration as a significant predictor of a decrease in FVC%. CONCLUSIONS: This research indicates that combined occupational exposure to dust, fumes, and gases in small foundries is associated with a reduction in lung function. Smoking may also contribute to respiratory abnormalities. These results suggested that foundry workers should be required to undergo periodic lung function tests and-in addition to not smoking, efficient use of personal protection equipment while at work is recommended.

The Effect of Basic Life Support Education on Laypersons' Willingness and Self-confidence in Performing Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

PURPOSE: The purpose of teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to laypersons is to give them the confidence and willingness to perform CPR in a real cardiac arrest, as well as the basic required knowledge and skills. However, no study has examined laypersons' confidence and willingness to act in a real, life-threatening situation. Therefore, we investigated the effects of CPR education on bystanders' confidence and attitude in performing bystander CPR. METHODS: From March to May 2008, 168 participants receiving 4 hours of CPR education were asked using a questionnaire about their confidence and willingness to perform bystander CPR before the education, after theoretical education, and after practical education. Those who answered that they wouldn't perform bystander CPR were asked for the reasons. RESULTS: Scores in confidence of bystander CPR were 50.4 +/-27.9 before the education, 64.9+/-22.5 after the theoretical education, and 79.5+/-16.1(p<0.001) after the practical education. The 'definitely yes' answer to 'willingness to perform CPR on a strange adult', increased from only 8.3% before the education to 18.5% after the theoretical education and 32.7% after the practical education (p<0.001). Among the reasons for not performing bystander CPR, 'fear of poor knowledge/performance' and 'fear of disease transmission' seemed to decrease as the education was carried on. However, the reasons 'fear of legal liability' and 'reluctance to perform mouth-to-mouth' showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Adequate education, including theoretical and practical CPR education, among laypersons significantly increased their confidence and willingness to perform bystander CPR.