Heart Rate Variability Analysis in Workers Exposed to Methyl Bromide as a Quarantine Treatment.

Choi, Jungmi; Hong, Young-Seoub; Cha, Wonseok; Mo, Hyoung-Ho; Park, Min-Goo · J Occup Environ Med · 2021

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

To determine whether methyl bromide (MB) fumigation work for plants imported in Korea affects workers' health by assessing heart rate variability (HRV). We measured HRV indices (TP, VLF, LF, HF, HR, SDNN, pNN50 and HRV-index) and urinary bromide ion (Br-) in 62 fumigators (study group) and 34 inspectors (the control group) before and after fumigation work. In addition, the relationship between Br- concentration and HRV indices was analysed. The fumigators' post-work HRV indices and Br- level were changed compared with their pre-work values (P < 0.001). Conversely, inspectors' values were not shown a difference before and after work. The HRV indices in all subjects were negatively correlated with the Br- levels (P < 0.05). Fumigators with high Br- concentrations and low post-work HRV indices following MB fumigation work experienced adverse effects on their autonomic nervous systems.

Medical subject headings