• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.242-256
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• 2017

In this paper, dispersion scenarios concerning various meteorological conditions and real urban structures were made to estimate the impacts of hazardous substance leakage accidents and to reduce damages. Based on the scenario of the hazardous substance dispersion, the characteristics of the risk in the pedestrian environment were analyzed in Gangnam, Seoul. The scenarios are composed of 48 cases according to the meteorological conditions of wind direction and wind speed. In order to analyze the dispersion characteristics of the hazardous substances, simulations were conducted using a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model with hydrogen fluoride releases. The validation for the simulated wind was conducted at a specific period, and all the calculated verification indices were within the valid range. As a result of simulated dispersion field at pedestrian level, it was found that the dispersion pattern was influenced by the flow, which was affected by the artificial obstacles. Also, in the case of the weakest wind speed of the inflow, the dispersion of the hazardous substance appeared in the direction of the windward side at the pedestrian level due to the reverse flow occurred at lower layers. Through this study, it can be seen that the artificial structures forming the city have a major impact on the flow formed in urban areas. The proposed approach can be used to simulate the dispersion of the hazardous substances and to assess the risk to pedestrians in the industrial complexes dealing with actual hazardous substances in the future.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.84-90
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• 2018

Chemical accidents occur in various forms, such as explosions, leaks, spills, and fires. In particular, chemical accidents caused by fires seriously affect the surrounding air environment due to soot, causing anxiety to the residents. Therefore, it is important to identify the causative substances quickly and examine the influence of air quality in the surrounding area. In this paper, proton transfer reaction-time of flight mass spectrometry(PTR-ToFMS) was used to identify the causative material in a fire and monitor the air quality in real time. This analyzer is capable of real-time analysis with a rapid response time without sample collection and pretreatment. In addition, it is suitable for quantitative and qualitative analysis of most volatile organic compounds with high hydrogen affinity, to identify the cause of fire and examine the influence of ambient air. In April 2018, when a local fire occurred, methanol, acetone, and methyl ethyl ketone were the main causative agents in PTR-ToFMS.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.964-970
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• 2023

As part of the International Maritime Organization ef orts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the maritime industry is exploring low-carbon fuels such as liquefied natural gas and methanol, as well as zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, evaluating them as environmentally friendly alternatives. Particularly, ammonia has substantial operational experience as cargo on transport ships, and ammonia ship engines are expected to be available in the second half of 2024, making it relatively accessible for commercial use. However, overcoming the toxicity challenges associated with using ammonia as a fuel is imperative. Detection is possible at levels as low as 5 ppm through olfactory senses, and exposure to concentrations exceeding 300 ppm for more than 30 min can result in irreparable harm. Using the KORA program provided by the Chemical Safety Agency, an assessment of the potential risks arising from leaks during ammonia bunkering was conducted. A 1-min leak could lead to a 5 ppm impact within a radius of approximately 7.5 km, affecting key areas in Busan, a major city. Furthermore, the potentially lethal concentration of 300 ppm could have severe consequences in densely populated areas and schools near the bunkering site. Therefore, given the absence of regulations related to ammonia bunkering, the potential for widespread toxicity from even minor leaks highlights the requirement for the development of legislation. Establishing an integrated system involving local governments, fire departments, and environmental agencies is crucial for addressing the potential impacts and ensuring the safety of ammonia bunkering operations.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.407-417
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• 2024

The objective of this study is to predict and reduce potential damage caused by chlorine gas leaks, a hazardous material, when vehicles transporting it overturn due to accidents or other incidents. The goal is to forecast the anticipated damages caused by chlorine toxicity levels (ppm) and to design effective response strategies for mitigating them. To predict potential damages, we conducted quantitative assessments using the ALOHA program to calculate the toxic effects (ppm) and damage distances resulting from chlorine leaks, taking into account potential negligence of drivers during transportation. The extent of damage from toxic gas leaks is influenced by various factors, including the amount of the leaked hazardous material and the meteorological conditions at the time of the leak. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of damage distances was conducted by examining various scenarios that involved variations in the amount of leakage and weather conditions. Under intermediate conditions (leakage quantity: 5 tons, wind speed: 3 m/s, atmospheric stability: D), the estimated distance for exceeding the AEGL-2 level of 2 ppm was calculated to be 9 km. This concentration poses a high risk of respiratory disturbance and potential human casualties, comparable to the toxicity of hydrogen chloride. In particular, leaks in urban areas can lead to significant loss of life. In the event of a leakage incident, we proposed a plan to minimize damage by implementing appropriate response strategies based on the location and amount of the leak when an accident occurs.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.6-15
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• 2017

Process safety management(PSM) system was implemented in Korea since 1996. It helps reduce and prevent the occurrence of chemical accidents. There has been no review on the feasibility of the threshold quantities of the existing 21 species and the newly added toxic substances such as hydrogen bromide in the PSM system. The threshold quantities of the target toxic substances(25 species) of PSM were compared with domestic and foreign PSM systems similar to those of Korea. Also, we proposed the toxic harmfulness and hazard equation consisted of inhalation toxicity, NFPA index and others. According to this equation, high risk, medium risk and low risk are classified and reflected in the adjustment of threshold quantities. From the above research, It is expected to help to reduce confusion and burden of the workplaces due to the difference from other PSM system and improve in the threshold quantities.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.534-541
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• 2015

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence rate of multiple chemical sensitivity/idiopathic environmental intolerance(MCS/IEI) among workers in the Gumi industrial complex around the region of accidental release of hydrogen fluoride in 2012. Materials: We evaluated MCS/IEI using the Korean version of the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory(QEESI). A total of 535 workers at six manufacturing companies in the Gumi industrial complex were investigated using self-administered questionnaires from February to March 2015. After exclusion of incompletely answered questionnaires, 271 were analyzed. Results: The prevalence rate and proved positive rate of MCS/IEI were 5.9%(16 out of 271) and 3.7%(10 out of 271), respectively. The scores of chemical intolerance, other intolerance, symptom severity and life impact were significantly higher(p<0.05) in females than those of males. In terms of masking index scores, males showed significantly higher(p=0.003) than female. The self-reported MCS/IEI prevalence rate, 7.7%, of workers exposed to hydrogen fluoride in 2012 was higher than no-exposure group(5.6%), but not statistically significant(p=0.815). Conclusions: Although the prevalence rate of MCS/IEI symptoms of workers exposed to hydrogen fluoride gas in 2012 was not significantly higher than no-exposure group, it is necessary to conduct follow-up study on the exposure group of hydrogen fluoride.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.19 no.12
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• pp.1421-1430
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• 2010

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in seawater and marine sediment from Anmyundo coastal area after oil spill. The concentrations of total PAHs in surface and bottom of seawater at August were 31.1 to 142.6 ng/L and 5.9 to 50.9 ng/L in August and November, respectively. The concentrations of PAHs in sediment were 21.0 to 102.9 ng/g D.W. and 32.3 to 57.4 ng/g D.W. in August and November, respectively. PAHs concentrations in seawater and sediment in August were higher than those in November about 2.5 and 1.4 times, respectively. Diagnostic ratio (PhA/AnT and FluA/Pyr) were investigated to identify source of PAHs in seawater and sediment. The PAHs in seawater originated from pyrolytic source and those in sediment originated from pyrolytic and petrogenic source. The glass, wood and coal origin was higher than petroleum origin on the combustion origin of PAHs in seawater and sediment. The seawater of Anmyundo costal area recovered from oil spill, but the sediments of that were weakly influenced by oil spill until now. Because this area is developed many fishing grounds, demanded Long Term Environmental Monitoring Program (LTEMP). The concentrations of PAHs on depth of sediments were investigated at station 8 and 10. The concentrations of PAHs were decreased with increasing depth.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Dyers and Finishers Conference
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• 2011.03a
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• pp.103-103
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• 2011

비스코스레이온(Viscose Rayon)소재는 목재 펄프를 원료로 한 재생섬유(습식방사)로서 Drape성과 반발성은 탁월하나, 습식방사에 따른 분자구조적 불안정성으로 건 습열처리시 형태불안정(치수변화율이 큼)으로 제직(준비) 및 후공정상 여러 가지 Trouble 유발과 완제품 세탁시 수축발생으로 종종 Dry Creanning 해야 하는 문제점들이 내재되어 있다. 또한 수분흡수시 강도저하, 수축과 구김, 염색 불균염 등의 문제점과 섬유공정상 생활취급상에 많은 애로를 가지고 있으며, 구성고분자가 수소결합에 의해 강고하여 "신축문제", 수분흡수시 팽윤(Swelling)에 의한 형태불안, 즉 "수축문제"가 개선해야 할 고질적 문제로 남아있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 레이온 소재의 형태안정화 제품을 개발하기 위하여 복합사고공 및 염색가공 기술을 개발하고자한다. 신축 및 복합기술에 의한 Rayon DTY, N/R 신축 및 복합기술에 의한 Rayon DTY, N/R 복합가공사를 개발, 제편직 요소기술과 염가공기술을 연구하므로서 형태안정성 레이온 복합소재 제품을 개발하고자 한다. Rayon 소재의 후공정 용이성과 형태안정성을 부여하기 위하여, 레이온 DTY가공사, Rayon-합섬 장(長)-장(長) 복합사를 개발하여 CoolBiz용 냉감소재 및 스포츠 웨어 소재 등으로 활용하고자 한다. 사가공기술에 의한 신도 16%, 수축률 1.6%인 형태안정 Rayon DTY 소재를 개발하였으며, 선연후가공기술에 의하여 N/R 복합가공사를 개발, 신도 18%, 수축률 1.2%인 차별화 레이온 소재를 개발하였다. 이에 기존 Rayon 후가공 및 염색공정과 상이한 개발된 선연후 가연 Rayon DTY가공사 및 T/R혼방사를 활용한 직물에 대하여 최적 전처리, 염색 후가공 공정의 최적 조건을 알아보았다.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.10 no.3 s.32
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• pp.60-64
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• 2006

Explosion range and explosion characteristics of by product gas from carbon black manufacturing process were studied. About 75% of the by product gas were composed with water vapour and nitrogen. And the combustible component in the gas were hydrogen, methane, acetylene and carbon mono-oxide. Because of the combustible components in the by product gas there are explosion hazards in the gas handling process. Explosion range of the gas by experiment was from 17.1% to 70.7% and the value has considerable difference with the calculated value from Lechatelier law. Explosion pressure of the gas was $5.4kg/cm^2$ and the average explosion pressure rise rate was $39.2kg/cm^2/s$. Based on the experimental result we can expect that a explosion or fire accident during the handling the gas can make a severe loss, therefore there should be a explosion prevention or protection measures in the gas handling process.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.346-353
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• 2013

Objectives: The goal of this study is to identify the distribution of the foliar fluorine content of vegetation surrounding the area where hydrofluoric acid was accidently released in Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do on September 27, 2012. In addition, it also aims to estimate the concentration of hydrogen fluoride in the air on the day of the accident. Methods: Samples of plant leaves were collected on October 7, 2012 within 1 km from the site where the accident occurred. These samples were analyzed for soluble fluorine ion with an ion selective electrode. The ambient concentration of hydrogen fluoride was calculated using the fluoride content in the plant via the dose-rate equation (${\Delta}F$=KCT). Results: The arithmetic and geometric means of the concentrations were 2158.2 and 1183.7mg F $kg^{-1}$ for leaves and, 2.4 and 1.1 ppm HF for the air, respectively. The highest concentration of hydrogen fluoride in the air was 14.7 ppm, which is higher than the maximum concentration reported by the government (1 ppm) and the exposure limit (ceiling, 3 ppm). The concentrations of both fluorine and hydrogen fluoride decreased with increasing distance from the accident site and showed a significant decrease outside of a 500m radius from the site (p <0.05). Conclusions: The area around the accident site was highly polluted with hydrogen fluoride according to the results of this study. Considering the persistency of hydrogen fluoride in the environment, long-term monitoring and environmental impact assessment should be pursued.