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Koh DH, Choi S, Park JH, Lee SG, Kim HC, Kim I, Won JU, Lim DS, Seo H, Park DU. Evaluation of Temporal Trends of Lead Exposure in Korean Workers Using Workplace Monitoring Data. J Korean Med Sci 2023; 38:e271. [PMID: 37644685 PMCID: PMC10462473 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead, which is widely used in various industrial settings, is a major health hazard for manufacturing workers. Therefore, control of lead exposure has been implemented in an effort to prevent lead-related health problems. In this study, our aim was to evaluate temporal trends in occupational lead exposure in Korean lead workers using data from monitoring of workplace exposure. METHODS A nationwide work environment monitoring database, data from a work environment monitoring institution, and data extracted from a review paper were utilized. Different versions of standard industrial classification codes were aligned with the 10th Korean Standard Industrial Classification, which is generally consistent with the 4th revision of the International Standard Industrial Classification. The multiple data sources were combined and temporal trends over the period from 1994-2021 were estimated. In addition, separate estimation of temporal trends in the storage battery manufacturing industry over the period from 1987-2021 was also performed. RESULTS A total of 444,296 personal airborne lead measurements were used for the estimation process. The temporal trends in occupational exposure to lead declined by -6% annually over the study period. In particular, levels of lead exposure in the storage battery manufacturing industry showed a steeper decline of -12% annually. CONCLUSIONS Findings of our study showed that occupational exposure to lead declined over the period from 1994 to 2021 in Korea. However, adverse effects of exposure to lead on health should be regarded with caution. The results will be useful in conduct of epidemiological studies examining lead-related effects on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hee Koh
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sangjun Choi
- Graduate School of Public Health and Healthcare Management, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Catholic Institute for Public Health and Healthcare Management, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Ju-Hyun Park
- Department of Statistics, Dongguk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Gil Lee
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Hwan-Cheol Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Inah Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Uk Won
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Sung Lim
- Hansung Health and Safety Technology Co., Ltd., Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hoekyeong Seo
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Dong-Uk Park
- Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Korea
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Kim MG, Min YS, Ahn YS. Does Exposure of Lead and Cadmium Affect the Endometriosis? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9077. [PMID: 34501666 PMCID: PMC8431040 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of blood lead levels (BLLs) and lead and cadmium exposure on endometriosis (EM). The study cohort consisted of female workers who underwent a lead-associated special medical examination between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2004 (n = 26,542). The standard admission rate (SAR) and admission odds ratio (OR) for EM were calculated using the general population and noise-exposed groups, respectively, for the same period as the reference standards. The SAR for EM was 1.24 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.48) in lead-exposed workers and 1.44 (95% CI: 1.11-1.85) in workers with BLLs < 5 μg/dL when compared with that of the general population. Admission ORs of EM in lead-exposed workers and those with BLLs < 5 μg/dL were statistically higher than those of noise-exposed workers (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.15-1.70 and OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11-1.98, respectively). The relative excess risk due to interaction of lead and cadmium was 0.33. Lead exposure was associated with EM admission. EM admission in lead-exposed workers with BLLs < 5 μg/dL was statistically higher than that of the general population and noise-exposed workers. Co-exposure to lead and cadmium has a synergistic effect with EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Gi Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dankook University Hospital, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan-si 31116, Korea;
| | - Young-Sun Min
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang Cheonan Hospital, College of Medicine, Soon-chunhyang University, Cheonan-si 31151, Korea;
| | - Yeon-Soon Ahn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, Korea
- Institute of Genomic Cohort, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, Korea
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Liang J, Cai J, Guo J, Mai J, Zhou L, Zhang J, Liu Y, Wang Z. The lead burden of occupational lead-exposed workers in Guangzhou, China: 2006-2019. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2021; 77:403-414. [PMID: 33978559 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2021.1916421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the lead levels in blood and urine from lead-exposed workers in Guangzhou and assessed the influencing factors. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, and the time-dependent changes were mapped via analytical statistics. Although the lead burden showed a clear downward trend over time, it remained high among the exposed workers. The highest lead burden was detected in workers of the electrical equipment manufacturing industry, especially among those in lead-acid battery factories where we did field studies. Hazardous as the working conditions of the original lead-acid battery factories were, there were improvements in the applications of occupational disease prevention measures after the relocation of factories, but the lead burdens were still above the average levels of lead-related industries. Improvements are needed in the management and regulations on occupational safety and health to further decrease the lead burden to acceptable levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin Liang
- Guangzhou Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieyan Cai
- Guangzhou Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaming Guo
- Guangzhou Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Mai
- Guangzhou Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Zhou
- Guangzhou Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Guangzhou Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yimin Liu
- Guangzhou Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Guangzhou Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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Chronic Stress and Cardiovascular Disease among Individuals Exposed to Lead: A Pilot Study. Diseases 2020; 8:diseases8010007. [PMID: 32183421 PMCID: PMC7151132 DOI: 10.3390/diseases8010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress and cardiovascular disease risk were explored in a predominately middle-aged adult population exposed to elevated lead levels in this cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from the period 2007-2010. Elevated lead exposure was defined using the epidemiological threshold of a blood lead level (BLL) > 5 μg/dL as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Allostatic load (AL), a measure of chronic stress, was operationalized using 10 clinical markers. The geometric mean values for clinical cardiovascular disease risk markers of interest (a) Gamma glutamyl-transferase (GGT) (a marker of oxidative stress), and (b) non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-c) (a marker of cardiovascular disease risk) were explored among lead-exposed and less lead-exposed individuals with differential chronic stress (AL) levels. Associations between AL and GGT/non-HDL-C were analyzed using linear regression models. The likelihood of increased clinical markers in lead-exposed individuals with high compared to low AL was explored using binary logistic regression models. In analyzing lead-exposed as compared to less lead-exposed populations, the geometric mean of the variables of interest showed significant elevations among lead-exposed individuals as compared to less lead-exposed individuals. Simple linear regression revealed that AL was positively associated with the variables of interest among the lead-exposed. In binary logistic regression among the lead-exposed, those with high AL, as compared to those with low AL, had significantly higher odds of having elevated non-HDL-C. This study submits that those exposed to lead with increasing AL may experience adverse cardiovascular health outcomes.
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Joint Toxicity of a Multi-Heavy Metal Mixture and Chemoprevention in Sprague Dawley Rats. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041451. [PMID: 32102388 PMCID: PMC7068392 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To explore the joint toxicity and bio-accumulation of multi-heavy metals and potential chemoprevention strategies, Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (n = 30) were treated orally once a week for six months with 500mg/kg•bw of eight heavy metals which were commonly identified in aquatic products in the Ningbo area including chromium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, mercury, and lead. At the same time, 200mg/kg•bw of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), trisodium citrate dihydrate (TCD) or glutathione (GSH) were administered to evaluate their antagonistic effects against adverse effects of multi-heavy metal mixture. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory in the treated rats. Then the rats were anesthetized by pentobarbital sodium (40 mg/kg•bw) to obtain blood samples for biochemical analysis and organs (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, brain, testis) to be conducted for biopsy and organ coefficients. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) was used to analyze the concentrations of heavy metals. Results indicated that six months of exposure to a multi-heavy metal mixture under this experimental dosage resulted in accumulation in organs and adverse effects on the blood, reproductive system, and liver function. EGCG, TCD or GSH all showed certain chemoprevention effects against the joint toxicity induced by the multi-heavy metal mixture and indicated alleviation and the potential mechanism that also included the promotion of excretion of metals to which animals were exposed.
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Collective exposure to lead from an approved natural product-derived drug in Korea. Ann Occup Environ Med 2019; 31:e20. [PMID: 31620297 PMCID: PMC6779882 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2019.31.e20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Asian countries, including Korea, lead poisoning caused by traditional herbal medicines is often observed in the clinic. However, there have been no reports thus far of lead poisoning caused by drugs that were approved by the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Here, we describe seven patients who ingested a problematic natural product-derived drug (NPD). Case presentation In July 2018, seven patients visited a university hospital after ingesting an NPD, S. capsules. These patients complained of various symptoms, and their blood lead levels (BLLs) were elevated relative to those of the general population (arithmetic mean: 19.5 ± 11.6 µg/dL, range: 6.28–35.25 µg/dL). The total doses and BLLs were directly proportional to each other among the patients (r = 0.943, p = 0.001). After the patients discontinued drug intake, their BLLs decreased gradually. The capsule was confirmed to contain lead above the standard value (arithmetic mean: 2,547 ± 1,821.9 ppm). Conclusion This incident highlights the need to strengthen standards for the management of NPD ingredients in Korea. NPDs are more likely to be contaminated than other drugs. Thorough management by the KFDA is essential to prevent a recurrence. Moreover, systematic health care is needed for many patients who have taken problematic NPDs.
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Koh DH, Park JH, Lee SG, Kim HC, Choi S, Jung H, Park JO, Park DU. Estimation of Lead Exposure Prevalence in Korean Population through Combining Multiple Experts' Judgment based on Objective Data Sources. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 62:210-220. [PMID: 29342235 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Estimating carcinogen exposure prevalence is important for preventing occupational cancers. To develop the Korean version of CARcinogen EXposure (CAREX), a carcinogen surveillance system used in many countries, we estimated lead exposure prevalence in the Korean working population. Methods We used three Korean nationwide data sources to obtain objective database-derived prevalences of lead exposure across industries: airborne lead measurement data from the work environment measurement database (WEMD), blood lead measurement data from the special health examination database (SHED), and lead exposure prevalence computed using data from the work environment condition survey (WECS), which is a nationwide occupational exposure survey. We also asked a panel of 52 experts with ≥20 years of experience in industrial hygiene practice for their judgment about lead exposure prevalence across industries after they reviewed the database-derived prevalences computed from the three exposure databases. We developed and compared various estimation methods for combining the experts' judgments. The 2010 census was used as the reference population to estimate the number of lead-exposed workers in 228 industries by multiplying the exposure prevalence by the number of workers in each industry. Results The database-derived prevalences of lead exposure in the 228 industries were calculated using data collected between 2009 and 2011 from the WEMD and SHED and from the 2009 WECS. From the various estimation methods assessed, the median values of experts' responses were selected as our estimates of lead exposure prevalence in each industry. As a result, it was estimated that 129,250 Korean workers were exposed to lead in 2010. Conclusions Based on objective databases, we developed a method for estimating exposure prevalence for the CAREX system by combining experts' judgments. This work may offer an unbiased approach to the development process that accounts for the uncertainty in exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hee Koh
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ju-Hyun Park
- Department of Statistics, Dongguk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Gil Lee
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Hwan-Cheol Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sangjun Choi
- Department of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyejung Jung
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jae-Oh Park
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Dong-Uk Park
- Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Korea
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Mean Blood Lead Level in Iranian Workers: A Systematic and Meta-Analysis. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.64172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Abstract
In March 2014, a 39-year-old Korean male presented with a 6-month history of various nonspecific symptoms including dizziness, fatigue, asthenia, irritability, elevated blood pressure, palpitation, eyestrain, and tinnitus. His occupational history revealed that he had been working as an indoor firing range manager for 13 months; therefore, he was subjected to a blood lead level (BLL) test. The test results showed a BLL of 64 μg/dL; hence, he was diagnosed with lead poisoning and immediately withdrawn from work. As evident from the workplace environmental monitoring, the level of lead exposure in the air exceeded its limit (0.015-0.387 mg/m³). He received chelation treatment with calcium-disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (1 g/day) for 5 days without any adverse effects. In the follow-up results after 2 months, the BLL had decreased to 9.7 μg/dL and the symptoms resolved. This report represents the first occupational case of lead poisoning in firing ranges in Korea, and this necessitates institutional management to prevent the recurrence of poisoning through this route. Workplace environmental monitoring should be implemented for indoor firing ranges, and the workers should undergo regularly scheduled special health examinations. In clinical practice, it is essential to question the patient about his occupational history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Wook Kang
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Medical Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Won Ju Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aerospace Medical Research Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongju, Korea.
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Park WJ, Lee SH, Lee SH, Yoon HS, Moon JD. Occupational Lead Exposure from Indoor Firing Ranges in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2016; 31:497-501. [PMID: 27051231 PMCID: PMC4810330 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2016.31.4.497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Military personnel often use ammunitions that contain lead. The present study aimed to identify the risks for lead exposure and lead poisoning among workers at indoor firing ranges. A special health examination, including blood lead level (BLL) testing, was performed for all 120 workers at the indoor firing ranges of the Republic of Korea's Air Force, Navy, and Armed Forces Athletic Corps. The overall mean BLL was 11.3 ± 9.4 µg/dL (range: 2.0-64.0 µg/dL). The arithmetic mean of the BLL for professional shooters belong to Armed Forces Athletic Corps was 14.0 ± 8.3 µg/dL, while those of shooting range managers and shooting range supervisors were 13.8 ± 11.1 µg/dL and 6.4 ± 3.1 µg/dL, respectively. One individual had a BLL of 64 µg/dL, and ultimately completed chelation treatment (with CaNa2-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) without any adverse effects. These findings indicate that indoor firing range workers are exposed to elevated levels of lead. Therefore, when constructing an indoor firing range, a specialist should be engaged to design and assess the ventilation system; and safety guidelines regarding ammunition and waste handling must be mandatory. Moreover, workplace environmental monitoring should be implemented for indoor firing ranges, and the workers should undergo regularly scheduled special health examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Ju Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea
| | - Suk-Ho Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aerospace Medical Research Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Se-Ho Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aerospace Medical Research Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hye-Sik Yoon
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aerospace Medical Research Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jai-Dong Moon
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea
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Kim MG, Ryoo JH, Chang SJ, Kim CB, Park JK, Koh SB, Ahn YS. Blood Lead Levels and Cause-Specific Mortality of Inorganic Lead-Exposed Workers in South Korea. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140360. [PMID: 26469177 PMCID: PMC4607363 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify the association of blood lead level (BLL) with mortality in inorganic lead-exposed workers of South Korea. A cohort was compiled comprising 81,067 inorganic lead exposed workers working between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2004. This cohort was merged with the Korean National Statistical Office to follow-up for mortality between 2000 and 2008. After adjusting for age and other carcinogenic metal exposure, all-cause mortality (Relative risk [RR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.79), digestive disease (RR 3.23, 95% CI 1.33-7.86), and intentional self-harm (RR 2.92, 95% CI 1.07-7.81) were statistically significantly higher in males with BLL >20 μg/dl than of those with BLL ≤10μg/dl. The RR of males with BLL of 10-20 μg/dl was statistically higher than of those with BLL ≤10μg/dl in infection (RR 3.73. 95% CI, 1.06-13.06). The RRs of females with 10-20 μg/dl BLL was statistically significantly greater than those with BLL <10μg/dl in all-cause mortality (RR 1.93, 95% CI 1.16-3.20) and colon and rectal cancer (RR 13.42, 95% CI 1.21-149.4). The RRs of females with BLL 10-20 μg/dl (RR 10.45, 95% CI 1.74-62.93) and BLL ≥20 μg/dl (RR 12.68, 95% CI 1.69-147.86) was statistically significantly increased in bronchus and lung cancer. The increased suicide of males with ≥20 μg/dl BLLs, which might be caused by major depression, might be associated with higher lead exposure. Also, increased bronchus and lung cancer mortality in female workers with higher BLL might be related to lead exposure considering low smoking rate in females. The kinds of BLL-associated mortality differed by gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Gi Kim
- Graduate School of Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
- Departments of Occupational Medicine, Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital, Gyeongju, Korea
| | - Jae-Hong Ryoo
- Departments of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se-Jin Chang
- Graduate School of Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Chun-Bae Kim
- Graduate School of Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Jong-Ku Park
- Graduate School of Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Sang-Baek Koh
- Graduate School of Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Yeon-Soon Ahn
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, Korea
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