Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (한국산업보건학회지)

Korean Industrial Hygiene Association (한국산업보건학회)
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Evaluation of Rare Earths viewed from the Occupational Health

산업보건 측면에서의 희토류 건강영향 평가

  • Shin, Seo-Ho (Chemicals Toxicity Research Bureau, Occupational Safety & Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency) ;
  • Rim, Kyung-Taek (Chemicals Toxicity Research Bureau, Occupational Safety & Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency) ;
  • Kim, Jong-Choon (College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University)
  • 신서호 (안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 화학물질독성연구실) ;
  • 임경택 (안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 화학물질독성연구실) ;
  • 김종춘 (전남대학교 수의과대학)
  • Received : 2016.08.25
  • Accepted : 2016.09.19
  • Published : 2016.09.30
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Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted in order to improve the current understanding of rare earths(RE) and to provide supporting data for establishing occupational health policies by reviewing the toxicological data and issues caused by the use of RE compounds in various fields. Methods: To evaluate the potential toxicity of RE from the viewpoint of occupational health, we summarized extensive reviews of relevant articles in the toxicology(animals and cells), occupational health and safety, and epidemiologic literature. Results: Although occupational RE exposure occurs extensively from ore mining and refining to end users in various industrial applications, epidemiologic study has not been performed among workers up to now. Bioaccumulation and adverse effects of RE have also been mentioned in ore mining regions and nearby residences, but safety standards for each process are insufficient. Moreover, because new commercial recycling technology will soon be applied to various industries, regulation and policies are needed for preventing abuse of recycling. In the results of animal toxicity for a few REs(mostly cerium, lanthanum, and gadolinium), toxicities of liver, lung, blood, and the nervous system were identified due to oxidative stress, but study of long-term RE exposure is required. Understanding the dual effect for RE and discovery of biomarkers pose a scientific challenge in further mechanism studies. Conclusions: In the future, additional hazard evaluation based on animal experiments is required, alongside continuous research for developing analytical methods and discovering biomarkers. Finally, RE occupational health and safety management needs to be integrated into the sustainable use of these materials.

Keywords

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