Effects of PM on mortality in pure COPD and asthma-COPD overlap: difference in exposure duration, gender, and smoking status.

We investigated the effects of particulate matter (PM) on mortality in patients diagnosed with asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) or 'pure COPD'. Subjects from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort of Korea, who were aged 40 years or above and had newly diagnosed COPD since 2009 were selected. Finally, 6,313 patients were enrolled and divided into 'pure COPD' and ACO groups.

Evaluation of mercury exposure level, clinical diagnosis and treatment for mercury intoxication.

Mercury occurs in various chemical forms, and it is different to health effects according to chemical forms. In consideration of the point, the evaluation of the mercury exposure to human distinguished from occupational and environmental exposure. With strict to manage occupational exposure in factory, it is declined mercury intoxication cases by metallic and inorganic mercury inhalation to occupational exposure.