Seoul St. Mary's Hospital conducts occupational health mission in Mongolia

The Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital recently conducted a series of international health initiatives in Mongolia as part of a World Health Organization (WHO) collaborative project.

From May 13 to 18, experts led an international conference in Ulaanbaatar focused on the diagnosis and treatment of occupational and environmental lung diseases, including interstitial lung disease. The event facilitated the sharing of South Korea's medical screening expertise and research findings with specialists from Mongolia, Japan, Australia, and Vietnam.

In conjunction with the conference, a medical team led by Professor Myung Jun-pyo conducted on-site workplace environment assessments at iron and fluorite mines in the Burundundur region. The investigation evaluated dust exposure levels and respiratory health among miners. Findings highlighted risks associated with crystalline silica, a Group 1 carcinogen, and identified potential environmental concerns regarding heavy metal contamination in local water sources. The center plans to continue supporting Mongolian medical professionals through regular health evaluations and training to establish sustainable management systems for occupational respiratory diseases.