- Sick building syndrome in 130 underground workers.
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Ree Joo, Joon Sakong, Jong Hak Chung, Sang Whan Park, Dong Hee Kim, Dong Min Kim, Eun Kyong Choi, Hyun Geon Cho
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Yeungnam Univ J Med. 1998;15(2):325-339. Published online December 31, 1998
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.1998.15.2.325
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- A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between sick building syndrome(SBS) and the environmental factors affecting SBS on 130 underground workers and 60 controls. The study consisted of 1) a review of environmental condition 2) measurement of temperature, O2, CO2, CO, and formaldehyde and 3) a questionnaire survey of symptom prevalence and perception of environmental conditions using Indoor Air Quality questionnaire by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Bronchitis and dust allergy were more prevalent in underground workers significantly(p<0.05). Among the 18 symptoms related to the indoor air pollution, the experience rate of dry, itching or irritated eyes, sore or dry throat, chest tightness, tired or strained eyes and dry or itchy skin symptom is significantly different between the underground workers and controls. The diagnostic criteria of SBS was defined as at least one symptom is experienced 1-3 times a week during the last 1 month among 18 indoor air pollution related symptoms which can be relieved by moving out of the underground. Applying the criteria, the mean symptom score was significant higher in underground workers than controls significantly(p<0.05). These results indicated that underground workers are under inappropriate ergonomic and physical condition and inadequate ventilation. Their experience rate of symptoms related to indoor air pollution and prevalence of SBS was significantly higher than controls. To reduce the prevalence of SBS in underground workers, the surveillance system of indoor air quality, restriction of using fuel in underground and legislative regulations for the environment are needed to establish a better indoor air quality. Early detection, treatment and prevention of SBS through medical attention is also needed.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by  - Investigation on the impacts of natural lighting on occupants' wayfinding behavior during emergency evacuation in underground space
Dachuan Wang, Shuang Liang, Binbin Chen, Cailing Wu
Energy and Buildings.2022; 255: 111613. CrossRef - Review of the potential health effects of light and environmental exposures in underground workplaces
Ei Ei Khaing Nang, Gulifeiya Abuduxike, Pawel Posadzki, Ushashree Divakar, Nanthini Visvalingam, Nuraini Nazeha, Gerard Dunleavy, George I. Christopoulos, Chee-Kiong Soh, Krister Jarbrink, Michael Soljak, Josip Car
Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology.2019; 84: 201. CrossRef
- Neurobehavioral Performance Test of Workers Exposed to Mixed Organic Solvents.
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Chang Yoon Kim, Joon Sakong, Jong Hak Chung, Ree Joo, Man Joong Jeon, Nag Jung Sung, Sang Kyu Kim
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Yeungnam Univ J Med. 1997;14(2):314-328. Published online December 31, 1997
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.1997.14.2.314
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1,596
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- A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the effects of chronic exposure to low-dose solvent on neurobehavioral performance of 48 male workers exposed to organic solvents. A control group of 50 workers was selected from same factories. Each worker completed a medical and occupational questionnaire and four tests of Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery. These included Benton visual retention test, digit symbol, digit span, and pursuit aiming. Comparison of mean performance showed a significantly poorer performance on digit symbol, digit span, and pursuit aiming. In univariate analysis, age contributed to poor performance on Benton visual retention test and educational level was found to reduce the performance on symbol digit in both groups. Amount of alcohol intake was found to reduce the performance on digit symbol and smoking appeared to slow pursuit aiming in the exposure group. In multiple regression analysis, controlling for age, educational level, alcohol, and smoking, solvent exposure was found to be associated with performance of digit span, and number of correct dot of pursuit aiming. Age on Benton visual retention, educational level on digit symbol, and smoking on pursuit aiming were found to be a significant factors on each test items. This study suggest that short-term memory, and perception can be affected easily by chronic exposure of organic solvents which air concentration level were under the Threshold Limit Value.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by - An aggravated return-to-work case of organic solvent induced chronic toxic encephalopathy
Sangyun Seo, Jungwon Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef - Occupational Psychiatric Disorders in Korea
Kyeong-Sook Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S87. CrossRef
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