• 한국방사선학회논문지
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.63-69
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• 2023

두·경부 방사선치료에서 환자자세 고정과 재현성을 위하여 사용하는 열가소성플라스틱 마스크는 피부와 밀착되어 산란선을 유발한다. 고정용구 마스크에서 발생되는 산란선으로 인한 피부선량의 증가를 확인하기 위하여 고정용구의 피부밀착 부위를 감소시킴에 따른 산란선의 감소를 CT 스캔한 이미지를 이용하여 전산화치료계획 시스템을 통해 확인하였다. 또한 고정용구의 커버 부위 감소에 따른 셋업의 재현성문제를 확인하기 위하여 DRR과 CT영상을 이용하여 셋업의 차이를 확인하였다. 고정용구로 커버하는 부위를 감소시킴에 따라 피부표면의 선량은 유의하게 감소하였으며 얼굴 전체를 커버하여 고정하지 않아도 재현성에 재현성에 큰 차이가 없음을 확인하였다.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.78-87
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• 2020

Objectives: To identify the degree of physical burden, a determination was undertaken of dust collection efficiency, inhalation pressure, and CO₂ concentration related to health masks certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). Methods: Twenty health masks were purchased on the market. Dust collection efficiency and inhalation pressure were determined in the same manner as in MFDS certification testing, respectively using TSI Model 8130 (TSI, U.S.) and ART Plus (Korea). CO₂ concentrations for 20 subjects using a CO₂ analyzer (G100, G150, Geotechnical Instrument Ltd., UK) were measured with a similar method as a total inward leakage test. In addition to CO₂ levels, dead space volumes in the masks was determined for predicting concentrations of CO₂ in inhalation air. Results: Most of the dust collection efficiencies found for the 20 masks were far higher than the standard. Four KF94s met KF99 and four KF80s even met KF94. Most inhalation pressures were also much lower than the standard, with many almost one-half of the standard. The mean and standard deviation of CO₂ concentration in the mask were 2.9±0.44%. Considering dead volume, the prediction for CO₂ concentration in the inhalation air was 4,395±1,266 ppm. Conclusions: For healthy men and women, the dust collection efficiency and inhalation pressure of health masks were not at a level that would affect their health. Although CO₂ levels in the inhalation air were predicted not to affect health, research on the physiological effects of health masks on Koreans is needed for more precise research.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.134-141
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• 2019

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the characteristics of health masks and to suggest the proper selection and use of protecting the respiratory system from particulate matters. Methods: The National Standard of masks promulgated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) were reviewed. The raw data of certified health masks were obtained from the MFDS database. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: Overall, 543 masks were certified by MFDS as of March 2019. Numbers of certified masks as KF80 (Korea Filter), KF94 and KF99 were 257 (47.3%), 281 (51.8%), and 5 (0.9%), respectively. Names of health masks, which were yellow sand, communicable diseases, health or its combination, were diverse that made customers be confused in selection. Health masks were also classified by particulate size, however, detailed information was not available. Conclusions: We investigated the status of health mask certification in Korea. Appropriate information on KF grade of health masks is required for customers to use them properly. MFDS should update the certification system of health masks periodically.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.50-56
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• 2011

The adsorption capacity of charcoal is a function of the airborne concentration of the target chemical. To evaluate the adsorption capacity of charcoal packed in the cartridges of air purifying respirators, breakthrough tests were conducted with carbon tetrachloride for three commercial cartridges (3M models #7251, #6000 and AX) at 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 ppm. Adsorption capacities were calculated using a mass transfer balance equation derived from the curve fitting to the breakthrough curves obtained experimentally. Carbon micropore volumes were estimated by iteration to fit the Dubinin/Radushkevich (D/R) adsorption isotherm. They were 0.6566, 0.5727 and 0.3087 g/cc for #7251, #6000 and the AX cartridge, respectively. Above 100 ppm (at high challenge concentrations), #7251 and #6000 showed higher adsorption capacities. However, as the challenge concentration decreased, the adsorption capacities of #7251 and #6000 sharply dropped. On the other hand, the adsorption capacity of the AX cartridge showed little change with the decrease of the challenge concentration. Thus, the AX showed a higher adsorption capacity than #7251 and #6000 at the 5-50 ppm level. It is concluded that service-life tests of cartridges and adsorption capacity tests of charcoal should be conducted at challenge concentration levels reflecting actual working environmental conditions. Alternatively, it is recommended to use the D/R adsorption isotherm to extrapolate adsorption capacity at low concentration levels from the high concentration levels at which breakthrough tests are conducted, at a minimum of two different concentration levels.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.124-133
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• 2020

Objectives: Mask fit is a crucial factor in preventing respiratory infections among healthcare workers. The current coronavirus(COVID-19) pandemic calls for the replacement of imported N95 medical masks with domestic N95 versions. In this study, we aimed to determine whether these masks provide proper protection. Methods: Thirty-five participants from three healthcare institutions donned four types of masks and Quantitative Fit Tests(Portacount, USA) were performed. The order of fit test for the four types of masks was randomized, and a three-minute washout period was applied between test times(2 min 29 sec) to reduce potential error stemming from physical exhaustion. Results: There were no significant differences in the Fit Factor for the four types of masks, and there were no gender differences. However, the Fit Factor significantly differed across the three healthcare institutions (p=0.007). With eight of the 35 participants passing, the pass rate with the criteria of 100 or higher was 21%. Conclusions: The mask used in this study was a new domestic N95 medical mask, and the participants were unfamiliar with how to wear it. They reported difficulties with mask fitting. In light of a previous finding that mask fit improved with frequently used masks, wearer preferred masks, or when masks that are regularly worn are used during fit training, the fact that participants were unfamiliar with the mask used in this study is a limitation that should not be overlooked.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.269-282
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• 2017

Objectives: Currently, masks against yellow dust and fine particulates are being certified with no consideration of facial dimensional variations among children and adults. The aims of this study were to develop masks against yellow dust and fine particulates for children in Korea and provide basic data to suggest new test methods for mask certification that consider the breathing capacity of children. Methods: A total of 730 study participants aged from six to 13 years old were recruited in the Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon region. This study used a 3D scanning instrument to obtain 16 facial anthropometric data points. Literature reviews, a comparison of breathing capacity between adults and children, and analysis of children's pulmonary physiological data were conducted in order to suggest new test standards for certifying children's masks against yellow dust and fine particulates. In addition, types of children's masks, choice of wearing a mask or not, and reasons for not wearing masks were surveyed. Results: Based on a clustering analysis of participants' facial dimensions, facial shapes were classified into three groups: small, medium, and large. The sizes of children's masks were subtracted by using 3D sketch techniques(Large: $121.25mm{\times}89.46mm$, Medium: $111.92mm{\times}78.55mm$, Small: $102.13mm{\times}72.87mm$). In certifying children's mask, flow rates of $60{\ell}/m$ for the filtering efficiency test and $20{\ell}/m$ for the breathing resistance test were recommended, since children's pulmonary physiological capacity is about 60-70% of adults' pulmonary capacity. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that three mask sizes for children would be sufficient and practical for providing protection against yellow dust and fine particulates. Revising current test methods for certifying respiratory protective devices for children is important, since children's pulmonary physiological capacity substantially differs from that of adults. Therefore, it is recommended that new test standards for certifying children's masks be promulgated in the near future.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.528-535
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• 2014

Objectives: This study compares the differences of fit factors before and after training on the N95 mask. The results will be utilized to suggest the need of providing effective training on respirator use. Methods: A total of 49 study subjects were tested, comprised of nurses from a general hospital and undergraduate nursing students from a medical school. Anthropometric measurements of face length and face width were compared with the NIOSH(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) panel. Fit factors(FF) were measured with TSI Portacount Pro+8038 before and after on-site training regarding the proper use of respirators. The FF pass/fail criterion was set at 100. Results: Two subjects(4.1 %) passed the fit test before training on use of the N95. However, 36(73.5%) of the 49 passed the test after training. Overall the FF(GM(GSD)) was 13.4(3.2) before training, but improved to 106.6(2.1) after training, which was statistically significant. These findings suggest the efficacy of educational intervention, and the performance of the direct on-site training proved to be better than that of the traditional educational methods. Conclusions: This study showed the effect of on-site training of the N95 respirator among health care workers(HCW). Therefore, providing effective training on the use of N95 for HCWs before their work assignments will greatly reduce exposure to harmful agents. It is recommended that fit testing be mandated to check for adequate protection being provided by the given respirators.

• 한국입자에어로졸학회지
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.191-202
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• 2019

In this study, performance (particle removal efficiency and breathing resistance) of several commercially available face masks (electrostatic filter masks (KF80 certified), a nanofiber filter mask (KF80 certified), and an uncertified mask) with their filter structure and composition were evaluated. Also, effects of relative humidity (RH) of incoming air, water and alcohol exposure, and reusability on performance of face masks were examined. Monodisperse and polydisperse sodium chloride particles were used as test aerosols. Except the uncertified mask filter, PM_2.5 removal efficiency was found to be higher than 90%, and the nanofiber filter mask had the highest quality factor due to the low pressure drop and high removal efficiency (nanofibers were arranged in a densely packed pore structure and contained a significant amount of fluorine in addition to carbon and oxygen). In the case of the KF80 certified mask, the removal efficiency was little affected when the RH of incoming air increased. When the mask filters were soaked in water, the removal efficiency of mask filters was degraded. In particular, the uncertified mask filter showed the highest removal efficiency degradation (26%). When the mask was soaked in alcohol, the removal efficiency also decreased with the greater degree than the water soaking case. The nanofiber mask filter showed the strongest resistance to alcohol exposure among tested mask filters. During evaluation of reusability of masks in real life, the removal efficiency of certified mask filter was less than 4% for 5 consecutive days (2 hours per day), while the removal efficiency of uncertified mask filter significantly decreased by 30% after 5 days.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.350-366
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• 2016

Objectives: No 3D anthropometric analyses have been conducted for Korean children's faces for the purpose of designing respiratory protective devices. The aim of this study was to develop masks against yellow dust and fine particulates, particularly for children in Korea. Methods: This study utilized a 3D scanning method to obtain 16 facial anthropometric data from children, ages of 5 to 13 years old. A total of 144 boys and girls were recruited from the kindergarten, elementary schools and middle schools in Seoul. With facial dimensions obtained, cluster analysis was performed to categorize them into similar facial groups. For each cluster, an optimal mask was designed and manufactured using a 3D printer. In addition, lung function data were obtained from 62 subjects and compared with those of normal adults. The pulmonary physiological results were subsequently used to suggest a test method for mask certification. Results: Facial shapes were classified into tree clusters: small, medium, and large. The face width and length for the first group were small with high nosal protrusion. The face width and length for the second group were the largest among the three clusters. The third group had the largest angle of nose root - gnathion(n-prn-gn). Age was the most significant variable in the facial dimensions. Children's pulmonary physiological capacity was about 60% of adults' capacity. The results of fit test using the prototype masks developed showed very good fits for children. Conclusions: For Korean children, three mask sizes will be sufficient and practical for providing protection against yellow dust and fine particulates. Anthropometric data obtained using digitalized 3D face analysis can be very effective for designing respiratory devices. 3D images can be accurate and easily measured for multiple dimensions, particularly for curved areas of the face. It is imperative to adopt different test methods for certifying respiratory protective devices for children, since their pulmonary physiological capacity is inferior compared with that of adults.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제32권4호
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• pp.435-448
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• 2022

Objectives: As the time spent wearing masks has increased with spread of COVID-19, various research related to masks have been reported. However, there are still few experiments on the physiological response of the body to wearing industrial dust masks in South Korea. Considering the actual working hours at the work site, it is necessary to investigate the comfort of industrial dust masks. Therefore, this study aims to confirm the change in subjective discomfort level according to the wearing time for industrial dust masks in South Korea that have been certified for safety by KCS. Methods: This study evaluated subjective discomfort level over four hours. The experimental conditions were five types: not worn (control group), special grade, first grade, second grade (with valve), and second grade (without valve). The subjective discomfort levels were classified for breathing, warmth (body and face) and wetness (body and face). Subjects recorded their discomfort level on a checklist every one hour. Results: In special grade and second grade (without valve), the discomfort level in terms of breathing, warmth (face), and wetness (face) was significantly higher than that of the control group. However, the effects of all kinds of industrial dust masks on the discomfort level in the body were low. Conclusions: Since this study was conducted on subjects working in an office with a comfortable working environment, it is difficult to apply it to workers at actual industrial sites. However, it is considered meaningful as the first clinical study to evaluate the subjective level of discomfort over a long time for domestic industrial dust masks that have been certified for safety by KCS.