Objectives: The aim of this study was to introduce the overall progress of exposure assessment to humidifier disinfectant (HD); to present participants' demographic characteristics, exposure characteristics to humidifier disinfectant, and exposure classification; and furthermore to compare those characteristics between survivors and non-survivors. Methods: An assessment of environmental exposure to HD was conducted using modified HD-specific questionnaires that had been previously validated. We analyzed the data from 4,482 participants who had been potentially exposed to HD and had registered with the KEITI (Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute) from September 2016 to May 2018 (the fourth survey). Environmental exposure assessments were performed as follows: 1) contact with participants, 2) environmental exposure assessment though face-to-face interviews, 3) assessment review and coding, and 4) exposure rating. Results: Overall, survivors made up 77.1% (3,457 subjects) and non-survivors made up 22.9% (1,025 subjects). When compared with the survivors, non-survivors had a higher proportion of subjects aged >60 years and subjects who answered as suffering lung damage and having purchased HD because it is "Beneficial to health" (p<0.05). For the exposure characteristics compared to survivors, non-survivors had a higher proportion of cases of distance from humidifier to face being less that one meter and the spray direction being toward the face (p<0.05). Overall, respondents who used the "Oxy Ssak Ssak New Gaseupgi Dangbun", "Aekyung Gaseupgi Mate", "Homeplus Gaseupgi Chungjungje", and "E-Mart Gaseupgi Salgyunje" products made up 66.1, 12.3, 4.0, and 3.6%, respectively, and 72.5% of respondents used products with PHMG as the active chemical. When compared with survivors, non-survivors had a higher proportion of use of "Oxy Ssak Ssak New Gaseupgi Dangbun" but a lower proportion of use of products with CMIT/MIT, PGH, or PHMG as the active chemical. Conclusions: This study provided demographic characteristics and exposure assessment for applicants who have been injured by HD. In spite of the limitations of performing past exposure assessment through a questionnaire survey, such as recall bias, useful results may be obtained by comparing survivors with non-survivors. Further studies such as the exposure rating method and so on are necessary to assess past exposure to HD.

Objectives: A lake is a place used by many people, and compared to rivers it is easy for them to become polluted. The water quality in lakes and reservoirs has been worsening recently. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the water pollution characteristics of major lakes in northern Gyeonggi-do Province. Methods: Six lakes were selected as major lakes and were evaluated in terms of water pollution characteristics and eutrophication (as defined by results for $COD_{Mn}$, TOC, SS, Chl-a, T-N and T-P) over one year (from December 2016 through November 2017) in northern Gyeonggi-do Province. Results: The annual average $COD_{Mn}$ was found to be 3.1 mg/L in Onam, 3.6 mg/L in Sanjeong, 4.7 mg/L in Gisan, 4.8 mg/L in Ilsan, and 6.1 mg/L in Jangja. The results of the Korean trophic state index ($TSI_{KO}$ ) value indicated a eutrophic state ($TSI_{KO}$ 59.0) in Jangja lake. The other lakes were classified as being in a mesotrophic state ($TSI_{KO}$ of 38.1 in Sanjeong, 40.2 in Ilsan, 41.9 in Onam, 46.1 in Gisan, and 47.8 in Gomo). Conclusions: Ilsan Lake's water quality is being well maintained. Sanjeong, Onam, and Gisan are appropriate for use as agricultural water. Jangja lake requires efforts for water quality improvement and to prevent the inflow of non-point pollutant sources.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the water quality of 16 golf course ponds located in northern areas Gyeonggi province by investigating residual pesticides, organic matters (BOD, TOC) and nutrients (TN, TP). Methods: The result data for the residual pesticides were used from 2014 to 2017. and other result data were used for April and July in 2017. The residual pesticides analytical method was based on 'Golf course residual pesticides inspection method', The others analytical method was based on 'The water pollution process test standard' Results: Very toxic pesticides and banned pesticides were not detected but general pesticides were detected. In case of the water quality of the golf course pond was applied to the lake water quality standard. In April the average TOC concentration was V grade to 6.46 mg/L, TP V grade to 0.13 mg/L, TN VI grade to 1.6 mg/L, In July TOC average concentration was VI grade to 8.65 mg/L, TP VI grade to 0.17 mg/L, TN V to 1.5 mg/L. All TN and TP concentrations corresponded to eutrophication. Compared with lake water quality monitoring, the concentrations of BOD, TOC and TP were high but the TN concentration was low in April and July. Conclusions: It is considered that water quality managements are necessary for the golf course pond. The first reason is that the pollutants of pond are discarded to river during rainfall and act as pollution sources. The second reason is that the golf course users are uncomfortable because of odor caused by the pollutants of the pond.

Objectives: The occurrence characteristics of BTEXS and phytoncides were investigated by type of urban forest. Methods: Four types of urban green space (Hongneung Forest, Mt. Chunjang, residential park, and traffic island) and Gwangneung Forest were selected. Monitoring of phytoncides and BTEXS was conducted considering the activity times of urban residents (five times per day) using a Tenax TA tube and suction pump in June 2017 (one day). Results: Phytoncide concentrations were ranked as Gwangneung Forest>Hongneung Forest>Mt. Cheonjang>traffic island>residential park. Relatively high concentrations of phytoncides were also identified in the urban forest. There was no significant difference between Gwangneung Forest and the urban forest. BTEXS concentrations were ranked as traffic island>residential park>Hongneung Forest>Gwangneung Forest>Mt. Cheonjang. Traffic island and residential park showed high levels of BTEXS depending on the inflow of vehicles. The difference in concentration by time was significant for the traffic island in particular. Pollutant levels in Hongneung Forest were as low as in Gwangneung Forest. Conclusion: The concentrations of phytoncides and BTEXS were different by types of urban green space, and the potential for health and hygiene of urban forests were able to be investigated. This study is expected to provide as basic data for the creation of urban forest spaces in the future.

Objectives: This study was performed to determine environmental hazard factors and provide more eco-friendly child activity spaces within children's playgrounds installed in Gyeonggi-do Province. Methods: Basic (XRF) and precise (ICP, UV) inspections were conducted. The test items examined were heavy metals and parasite eggs. As a sampling point, painted finish materials (180), synthetic rubber (50), and sand (50) were selected. Results: The total excess rate of heavy metals in the XRF was found to be 7.4% (17/230 points). In a comparison between the basic and precise inspections with 17 excess points, the concentration deviation between the two tests was found to be from 0.01 to 7.7 times, resulting in a large difference. Furthermore, all the excess samples were dual samples. However, the contribution rates of Pb and $Cr^{6+}$ to combined concentration were found to be 85.1 and 14.9% for basic inspection and 91.9 and 8.1% for precise inspections, so there is a similar tendency between the two tests. The excess rate of parasite eggs in sand was expressed at 6%. The excess rate of heavy metals in synthetic rubber was found to be 0%. Conclusion: The reliability of the XRF is low. However, considering the contribution rate of Pb and $Cr^{6+}$ between the two tests, it is likely to be applicable for screening. Dual samples provided high concentrations and excess samples and care should be taken when managing them.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between frequency of alcohol drinking and blood mercury concentration in Korea. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Among them, 3,174 persons were selected for the final study. Results: The concentration of mercury in the blood increased as the frequency of drinking soju or beer increased. Similarly, in the multiple-linear regression analysis model, the frequency of soju drinking was identified as an independent variable showing a statistically significant positive linearity (p<0.001). After controlling for confounding factors, comparing those drinking 'more than twice a week' with those who almost do not drink alcohol, the adjusted ORs for exposure to high concentrations of mercury were 3.24 (95% CI, 2.10-4.99) for drinking soju and 2.07 (95% CI, 1.33-3.22) for drinking beer. The interaction effect between 'soju drinking' and 'spicy pollack and seafood stew' was not statistically significant (p=0.098) for evaluating the interaction effect between the two variables. Conclusions: The concentration of mercury in the blood increased as the frequency of drinking of soju or beer increased. The higher the frequency of alcohol drinking, the more likely is the blood mercury to be included in the high-concentration group. The results of this study can be used as important scientific evidence for the field of environmental health related to alcohol drinking and blood heavy metal exposure in Korea.

Objectives: Outdoor tobacco smoke can penetrate into the indoor environment through cracks in the building envelope. This study aimed to characterize the particle size distribution of infiltrated secondhand smoke (SHS) through the gap in a single glazed and a secondary glazed window according to pressure differences in a chamber. Methods: Two polyvinyl chloride sliding windows were evaluated for infiltration, one with a glazed window and the other with a secondary glazed window. Each window was mounted and sealed in a polycarbonate chamber. The air in the chamber was discharged to the outside to establish pressure differences in the chamber (${\Delta}P$). Outdoor smoking sources were simulated at a one-meter distance from the window side of the chamber. The particle size distribution of the infiltrated SHS was measured in the chamber using a portable aerosol spectrometer. The particle size distribution of SHS inside the chamber was normalized by the outdoor peak for fine particles. Results: The particle size distribution of SHS inside the chamber was similar regardless of window type and ${\Delta}P$. It peaked at $0.2-0.3{\mu}m$. Increases in particulate matter (PM) concentrations from SHS infiltration were higher with the glazed window than with the secondary glazed window. PM concentrations of less than $1{\mu}m$ increased as ${\Delta}P$ was increased inside the chamber. Conclusions: The majority of infiltrated SHS particles through window gap was $0.2-0.3{\mu}m$ in size. Outdoor SHS particles infiltrated more with a glazed window than with a secondary glazed window. Particle sizes of less than $1{\mu}m$ were associated with ${\Delta}P$. These findings can be a reference for further research on the measurement of infiltrated SHS in buildings.

Objectives: Bisphenol A (BPA) has been extensively used in a variety of consumer products, resulting in widespread non-occupational human exposure. It is often detected in the human body. Studies have reported many health effects associated with endocrine and metabolic disruptions, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. This study was performed to explain the relationship between BPA exposure and obesity in the Korean adult population. Methods: The second stage of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNHES) was conducted from 2012 to 2014 with 6,478 persons participating. Using the results of the survey, we analyzed the exposure levels for BPA and the influence on obesity of BPA. Results: In model 1, the volume-based measure concentration of BPA, total, female and the 30s to 60s age group were positively related with BMI. In model 2, creatinine adjusted as a covariate and positive associations for BPA with BMI were observed in the female group and was marginally significantly associated in low body weight group. In model 3, creatinine adjusted (g/g-creatinine), BPA exposure, and BMI were positively related with sex, in females, and there was a marginally significant association with the low body weight group in the BMI categories. BMI was significantly associated with BPA in the female group in all three models. Conclusion: This study added further evidence that exposure to EDCs, include bisphenol A, is related with obesity among the general population. Given the environmental health concerns over BPA, it is necessary to develop comprehensive measures to reduce BPA exposure.

Objective: A significant association between blood lead levels and hypertension has been reported in many studies. The relationship between cadmium and hypertension has been debated as well. We aimed to study the association of lead, cadmium, and both with hypertension in the Korean general population. Methods: We examined 5,967 adult men and 6,074 women who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III-VI (2005, 2008-2013 years). Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between blood lead concentration and blood cadmium concentration and hypertension using logtransformed blood lead and cadmium concentrations as independent variables after covariate adjustment. Results: Adjusted for general characteristics, the odds ratio of log-lead to hypertension was 2.71 (1.82-4.03), and log-cadmium to hypertension was 2.52 (1.83-3.47). Estimates were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). When a multiple logistic model was applied, the odds ratio of log-lead and log-cadmium for hypertension were 2.24 (1.50-3.36) and 2.24 (1.62-3.10), respectively. The standardized estimate coefficients of log-lead and logcadmium for hypertension were 4.77 and 6.65, respectively. Conclusion: We observed the association of blood lead concentration, blood cadmium concentration, and both with hypertension. This study suggests that exposure to lead and exposure to cadmium are both risk factors for hypertension.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the level of community environmental perception of older adults and to identify the association between environmental perception and subjective health status among older persons. Methods: Analyses are based on data from Statistics Korea 2016 Social Survey. This study analyzed a total of 8,193 older adults aged 65 and over, and examined the association between environmental perception on air, water, soil, noise and vibration, and subjective health status using multiple regression analysis. Results: Study findings shown that environmental perception on water and soil had significant association with subjective health status of older adults. Specifically, older adults reported worse health status when they had more negative perceptions of water and soil environments in their communities. Conclusions: Results of this study suggested that efforts to enhance safety of drinking water and soil environments, and continuous research to identify relationship between environment and elderly health shoud be needed.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate human health risk assessment of indoor air pollutants at small-sized public-use facilities (e.g., daycare centers, hospital and elderly care facilities) that the susceptible population is mainly used. Methods: To assess indoor air quality (IAQ), the concentrations of indoor air contaminants such as HCHO, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, styrene, PM-10, CO, $NO_2$ and $O_3$ in air samples were measured according to the Indoor Air Quality Standard Method. By conducting the questionnaire survey, the major factors influencing IAQ were identified. Human health risk assessment was carried out in the consideration of type of use (user and worker) at 75 daycare centers, 34 hospitals and 40 elderly care facilities. Results: As a result of measurement of indoor air contaminants, the average concentration of HCHO and TVOCs in hospitals was higher than daycare centers and elderly care facilities, about 8.8 and 23.5% of hospitals were exceeded by IAQ standard. In human health risk assessment, for the user of daycare centers and elderly care facilities, the mean carcinogenic risk of HCHO inhalation was higher than acceptable value. Except for HCHO, other values were determined under acceptable risk. Similarly, for the worker of hospitals, the mean carcinogenic risk of HCHO inhalation was higher than acceptable value and other values were evaluated under acceptable risk. In contrast, the risk levels of other contaminants measured in elderly care facilities were acceptable. In the determination of factors influencing IAQ, the construction year, building type, ventilation time, and the use of air cleaner were identified. Conclusions: This study provides the information for establishing the plans of public health management of IAQ at small-sized public-use facilities that have not yet been placed under the regulation. The findings suggest the consideration of human health risk assessment results for the IAQ standards.