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

Korean Industrial Hygiene Association (한국산업보건학회)
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Study on the Tiered Applicability of Health-Based Reference Value in Chemical Risk Assessment

화학물질 위험성 평가 시 건강영향 기준값의 단계적 적용에 관한 고찰

  • Hye Jin, Lee (Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute(OSHRI), Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency(KOSHA)) ;
  • Naroo, Lee (Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute(OSHRI), Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency(KOSHA))
  • 이혜진 (한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원) ;
  • 이나루 (한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원)
  • Received : 2022.09.21
  • Accepted : 2022.12.15
  • Published : 2022.12.30
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Abstract

Objectives: For chemical risk assessment in workplaces, it is necessary to determine a reference value through hazard assessment. In general, OEL (Occupational Exposure Limit) is used for this value. However, since chemicals with OEL were not enough, the concept of DNEL (Derived No Effect Level) was introduced in chemical safety assessment. In this study, the possibility and approach of applying DNEL for chemical risk assessment in domestic workplaces were investigated. Methods: The characteristics of OEL and DNEL were investigated. In addition, ACGIH TLV and GESTIS DNEL were compared and the corresponding scopes were analyzed among the chemical substances notified in South Korea. Results: OEL and DNEL are similar concepts reflecting reference values that should not be exposed based on health effects. While their evaluation and derivation are determined based on similar information and procedures, they may vary depending on the responsible actor, data availability, principles of judgment, and more. As a result of the comparative analysis of ACGIH TLV and GESTIS DNEL, it was confirmed that there is some correlation between TWA and DNEL. The conservatism of DNEL was around 50%. Additionally, it was found that the available range of DNEL among chemicals in South Korea is considerable. Conclusions: This study showed that DNEL can be applied when assessing the risk of chemical substances in domestic workplaces considering several regards. However, since this is not the same level as OEL, we have proposed a proper approach to carry out risk assessment step by step.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 논문은 2021년도 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원에서 수행한 연구과제를 기반으로 작성되었음.

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