We reviewed articles to clarify the current evidence status for 1) types of cancer which related to benzene exposure, and 2) certain benzene exposure level which might cause the hematopoietic cancers. Hematopoietic function of the bone marrow is involved in the production of all blood cells types. The benzene metabolites including benzoquinone and mucoaldehyde affect hematopoietic stem cells as well as differentiation steps of progenitor cells for each blood cell. Hence, we concluded that benzene was associated with all lymphohematic carcinogenesis. First, it is supported by biological plausibility. Second, it is supported by meta-analysis although sing study did not show relationship due to lack of sample size or statistical power. More recent studies show lesser exposed level related to risk of cancer, compare to past studies did. Actually, early studies show the risk of malignancies in workers who exposed more than 200 ppm-years. However, only 0.5 to 1 ppm-year benzene exposed show significant linking to risk of malignancies in recent study. As reviewed research articles, we concluded that the relatively lower exposure level, such as 0.5–1 ppm-year, will be considering at risk of hematopoietic cancer. However, more research needs to be done on dose-response analysis.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic and recurrent disorder resulting in hair loss.^1,2 The extent of hair loss is the most important prognostic factor.³ Diverse assessment tools have been developed for objective evaluation⁴; however, most have limited accuracy and objectivity because of their dependency on naked-eye examination. We postulated that computer-assisted identification of hair loss would enable clinicians to achieve a more accurate assessment and prognostic stratification. This study aimed to develop a deep learning framework to determine the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score.

Resilient individuals have a comprehensive ability to adapt to various life circumstances. Psychological resilience predicts an individual’s physiological response to stress. The 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) is a widely used measure to quantify the level of self-perceived resilience. This study examined the psychometric properties of a Korean version of the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (10-item K-CD-RISC) on workers in Gumi, South Korea, exposed to hydrofluoric acid (HF). The questionnaires included the 10-item K-CD-RISC and Beck Anxiety Inventor (BAI), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised-Korean version (IES-R-K), the Rosen-berg Self Esteem Scale (RSES), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). These were randomly distributed at 237 workplaces near the HF-spill site, in the Gumi 4 complex. The responses of 991 (67.3%) workers were analyzed. The exploratory factor analysis shown that a single-factor model was consistent with the original design of the 10-item CD-RISC. The scale also demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95). Scores on the scale reflected different levels of resilience with respect to personal factors (age, gender, marital status, and education and income levels) that are thought to be differentiated. Differences of resilience were also reflected by psychiatric symptoms (anxiety and depression). Moreover, the total score of scale positively correlated with RSES, whereas the IES-R-K, BAI, CES-D, and the PSS negatively correlated with the 10-item K-CD-RISC. The 10-item K-CD-RISC has good psychometric properties and is applicable for victims exposed to noxious chemical such as HF.

Jo H, et al. Yonsei Med J. 2021 Jun;62(6):510-519. https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2021.62.6.510

Objectives Historically, little was known about the effects of low blood lead level (BLL < 10 μg/dL) on hypertension (HTN). The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of low BLL on blood pressure (BP) and HTN in lead‐exposed male workers in the Republic of Korea. Methods From the year 2000 to 2004, 12,060 male workers underwent an Annual Specialised Medical Check‐up for lead; 7,341 subjects had a peak BLL < 10 μg/dL and were selected for the study. The quartiles of peak BLL in lead‐exposed workers were as follows: first (0.01‐3.68 μg/dL), second (3.69‐5.19 μg/dL), third (5.20‐6.86 μg/dL), and fourth (6.87‐10.00 μg/dL). To examine the relationship between BLL and pre‐HTN (systolic BP [SBP] ≥120‐140 mmHg; diastolic BP [DBP] ≥80‐90 mmHg) and between BLL and HTN (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg; DBP ≥ 90 mmHg), the quartiles of BLL were used as independent variables in multiple logistic regression analysis. Results In multiple linear regression analyses, SBP (β 0.04, P < .01) and DBP (β 0.06, P < .01) increased in line with a 1 μg/dL increase in BLL. The odds ratio (OR) of HTN in the fourth versus first BLL quartile (1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26, 1.89) was statistically significant. Conclusion SBP and DBP were statistically significantly associated with peak BLL. A BLL ≥ 6.87 μg/dL was associated with HTN; thus, even in workers with low BLLs (<10 μg/dL), management of BP is likely to be necessary. Modulation of the current safety standards for BLLs in workers will be needed.