Comparison of Grouping Schemes for Exposure to Total Dust in Cement Factories in Korea.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate grouping schemes for exposure to total dust in cement industry workers using non-repeated measurement data.

Methods: In total, 2370 total dust measurements taken from nine Portland cement factories in 1995-2009 were analyzed. Various grouping schemes were generated based on work process, job, factory, or average exposure.

The relationship between low-level benzene exposure and blood cell counts in Korean workers.

Objectives: Benzene is a well-known haematological toxin causing aplastic anaemia and leukaemia. Some recent studies have shown that low-level benzene exposure (<1 ppm) disturbs the haematopoietic system. However, other studies showed inconsistent results.

Blood lead levels of Korean lead workers in 2003-2011.

Objectives: This study aimed to document the trend in blood lead levels in Korean lead workers from 2003 until 2011 and blood lead levels within each of the main industries.

Methods: Nine years (2003-2011) of blood lead level data measured during a special health examination of Korean lead workers and collected by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency were analyzed. Blood lead levels were determined by year, and a geometric mean (GM) was calculated for each industry division.

Cancer incidence and mortality among temporary maintenance workers in a refinery/petrochemical complex in Korea.

Background: Petrochemical plant maintenance workers are exposed to various carcinogens such as benzene and metal fumes. In Korea, maintenance operations in petrochemical plants are typically performed by temporary employees hired as contract workers.

Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate cancer risk in temporary maintenance workers in a refinery/petrochemical complex in Korea.

Dust exposure and the risk of cancer in cement industry workers in Korea.

Background: Cement is used widely in the construction industry, though it contains hazardous chemicals such as hexavalent chromium. Several epidemiological studies have examined the association between cement dust exposure and cancer, but these associations have proved inconclusive. In the present study, we examined the association between dust exposure and cancer in cement industry workers in Korea.

Cancer mortality and incidence in cement industry workers in Korea.

Objectives: Cement contains hexavalent chromium, which is a human carcinogen. However, its effect on cancer seems inconclusive in epidemiologic studies. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to elucidate the association between dust exposure in the cement industry and cancer occurrence.