J Korean Med Sci.  2014 Nov;29(11):1473-1481. 10.3346/jkms.2014.29.11.1473.

Epidemiologic Characteristics of Compensated Occupational Lung Cancers among Korean Workers

• Ahn YS
• Jeong KS

• KMID: 2069927
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2014.29.11.1473

Abstract

An understanding of the characteristics of occupational lung cancer is important to establish policies that prevent carcinogen exposure and to compensate workers exposed to lung carcinogens. This study analyzed the characteristics of occupational lung cancers in workers who were compensated under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Law between 1994 and 2011. A total of 179 occupational lung cancers were compensated. The main carcinogenic exposure was asbestos, followed by crystalline silica and hexavalent chromium. The mean exposure duration and latency were 19.8 and 23.2 yr. The most common industry was manufacturing, followed by construction and transportation. The most common occupation was maintenance and repair, followed by foundry work, welding, painting, and spinning or weaving. Although asbestos was predominant carcinogen, the proportion of these cases was relatively low compared to other developed countries. Proper surveillance system is needed to monitor occupational lung cancer and improve prevention measures.

Keyword

Lung Neoplasms; Asbestos; Crystalline Silica; Chromium Hexavalent Ion; Workers' Compensation

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Asbestos/toxicity
Chromium/toxicity
Female
Humans
Insurance Benefits/legislation & jurisprudence
Lung Neoplasms/economics/*epidemiology/etiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases/economics/*epidemiology/etiology
Occupational Exposure
Republic of Korea/epidemiology
Silicon Dioxide/toxicity
Smoking
Workers' Compensation/statistics & numerical data
Asbestos
Chromium
Silicon Dioxide

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