Investigation of toxic organic solvent exposure in work places

작업장에서의 유해 유기용제 폭로에 관한 연구

  • Jo, Young Min (Kyunghee University, Dept. of Environmental Sci. Inst. of Environmental Research) ;
  • Kang, Sang Wan (Ansan Joongang Hospital, Institute for Industrial Medical Science) ;
  • Oh, Jong Min (Kyunghee University, Dept. of Environmental Sci. Inst. of Environmental Research)
  • 조영민 (경희대학교 환경응용화학부 및 환경연구소) ;
  • 강상완 (안산중앙병원 산업의학연구소) ;
  • 오종민 (경희대학교 환경응용화학부 및 환경연구소)
  • Published : 2000.03.31

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to document the conditions regarding organic solvent exposure to the workers in paint industry. Air concentrations of organic solvents were measured by passive personal samplers and analyzed by a gas chromatography. Urine samples for hippuric test were also taken from 330 workers who have worked at seven domestic factories for more than two years. Amongst 25 organic elements detected in the indoor environment of working places, toluene was the most common element, and methanol showed the highest mean concentration(18.2ppm). A few elements including methylethyl ketone and toluene partially exceeded the Korean Permissible Exposure Limit. A lack of environmental facilities such as exhaust ventilation, automatic cleaning system, and personal safety devices at present work plaus brings about various occupational diseases.

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