• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1972.03a
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• pp.6-7
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• 1972

The air pollutants can be classified into the irritant gas and the asphixation gas, and the irritant gas is closely related to the otorhinolaryngological diseases. The common irritant gases are nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrogen carbon compounds, and the potent and irritating PAN (peroxy acyl nitrate) which is secondarily liberated from photosynthesis. Those gases adhers to the mucous membrane to result in ulceration and secondary infection due to their potent oxidizing power. 1. Sulfur dioxide gas Sulfur dioxide gas has the typical characteristics of the air pollutants. Because of its high solubility it gets easily absorbed in the respiratory tract, when the symptoms and signs by irritation become manifested initially and later the resistance in the respiratory tract brings central about pulmonary edema and respiratory paralysis of origin. Chronic exposure to the gas leads to rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and olfactory or gustatory disturbances. 2. Carbon monoxide Toxicity of carbon monoxide is due to its deprivation of the oxygen carrying capacity of the hemoglobin. The degree of the carbon monoxide intoxication varies according to its concentration and the duration of inhalation. It starts with headache, vertigo, nausea, vomiting and tinnitus, which can progress to respiratory difficulty, muscular laxity, syncope, and coma leading to death. 3. Nitrogen dioxide Nitrogen dioxide causes respiratory disturbances by formation of methemoglobin. In acute poisoning, it can cause pulmonary congestion, pulmonary edema, bronchitis, and pneumonia due to its strong irritation on the eyes and the nose. In chronic poisoning, it causes chronic pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary edema. 4. Ozone It has offending irritating odor, and causes dryness of na sopharyngolaryngeal mucosa, headache and depressed pulmonary function which may eventually lead to pulmonary congestion or edema. 5. Smog The most outstanding incident of the smog occurred in London from December 5 through 8, 1952, because of which the mortality of the respiratory diseases increased fourfold. The smog was thought to be due to the smoke produced by incomplete combustion and its byproduct the sulfur oxides, and the dust was thought to play the secondary role. In new sense, hazardous is the photochemical smog which is produced by combination of light energy and the hydrocarbons and oxidant in the air. The Yonsei University Institute for Environmental :pollution Research launched a project to determine the relationship between the pollution and the medical, ophthalmological and rhinopharyngological disorders. The students (469) of the "S" Technical School in the most heavily polluted area in Pusan (Uham Dong district) were compared with those (345) of "K" High School in the less polluted area. The investigated group had those with subjective symptoms twice as much as the control group, 22.6% (106) in investigated group and 11.3% (39) in the control group. Among those symptomatic students of the investigated group. There were 29 with respiratory symptoms (29%), 22 with eye symptoms (21%), 50 with stuffy nose and rhinorrhea (47%), and 5 with sore thorat (5%), which revealed that more than half the students (52%) had subjective symptoms of the rhinopharyngological aspects. Physical examination revealed that the investigated group had more number of students with signs than those of the control group by 10%, 180 (38.4%) versus 99 (28.8%). Among the preceding 180 students of the investigated group, there were 8 with eye diseases (44%), 1 with respiratory disease (0.6%), 97 with rhinitis (54%), and 74 with pharyngotonsillitis (41%) which means that 95% of them had rharygoical diseases. The preceding data revealed that the otolaryngological diseases are conspicuously outnumbered in the heavily polluted area, and that there must be very close relationship between the air pollution and the otolaryngological diseases, and the anti-pollution measure is urgently needed.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.101-119
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• 2004

Objectives: In order to estimate risk factors affecting the health of vinylhouse workers and harmful environments in vinylhouse working. Methods: The investigator performed questionnaires and laboratory examinations on 102 vinylhouse workers and 69 farmers in 7 myoens (Korean subcounties). one eup (a Korean town), Goryeong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do between April 8 and 18, 2004 (for 11 days), and measured the heavy metal in the air and the soil, temperature, humidity, air current, harmful gases in vinylhouses. Results: Even in cloudy days, the temperature in vinylhouses in daylight was $33.4^{\circ}$ and the temperature difference between inside and outside vinylhouses was around $16^{\circ}$. Oxygen concentration was similar inside and outside vinylhouses, while carbon dioxide concentration was lower inside than outside vinylhouses. Carbon monoxide was not detected. In the air inside vinylhouses, cadmium was not detected. Lean concentration in the soil was lower inside vinylhouses than outside vinylhouses at surface, while cadmium concentration was similar inside and outside vinylhouses in the soil except some areas. Out of male vinylhouse workers. 16.4---- were positive farmer's syndrome and 49.2---- were suspicious, while out of females, 41.5---- were positive and 46.3---- were suspicious. Out of male farmers, 30.4---- were positive farmer's syndrome, while out of female farmers, 60.0---- were positive and 28.3---- were suspicious. There was no difference between vinylhouse workers and farmers in the distribution of hypertension and abnormal liver function, while diabetes mellitus was more common in farmers than in vinylhouse workers. Vinylhouse working, sex, and hours of farming per day were selected as significant variables affecting farmer's syndrome in this study, and the rate of positive farmer's syndrome was rather lower in vinylhouse workers than in farmers. Females were higher than males in the rate, and those who farmed at least 10 hours per day were higher in the rate than those who farmed less than 10 hours per day. Out of the vinylhouse workers, no differences were found between the distribution of farmer's syndrome and farming-related variables such as the total period of farming, the size of farm land, the mean farming hours per day, the number of family members who farm together, the frequency of scattering agricultural chemicals. In addition, there were no differences between the distribution and the wearing masks and protectors and personal sanitation among those who scattered agricultural chemicals by themselves. There were no differences found in blood lean concentration, urinary cadmium concentration, serum cholinesterase, and hemoglobin according to the distribution of farmer's syndrome. In the vinylhouse workers, females were higher than males in the rate of farmer's syndrome, and those who farmed at least 10 hours per day were higher in the rate than those who farmed less than 10 hours per day. Meanwhile, the rate was lower in those who slept at least 8 hours a day than in those who slept less than 8 hours. Conclusions: In conclusion, the physical environments inside vinylhouses were harmful, but no significant difference was found in harmfulness of the chemical environments. The chronic diseases such as farmer's syndrome. hypertension, diabetes, and dyshepatia were not common in the vinylhouse workers than in the farmers. Meanwhile, farmer's syndrome was more common in the vinylhouse workers who worked longer and slept less.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.10
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• pp.1219-1226
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• 2002

Purpose : To assess the clinical characteristics of the 2000-2001 measles outbreak in the Seoul metropolitan area, Korea, the clinical data of measles inpatients were analyzed. Methods : Three hundred and five children diagnosed with measles by clinical manifestation from July, 2000 to February, 2001, in Seoul, Ilsan and Ansan City were grouped according to their age and investigated for clinical manifestations, vaccination history and measles-specific IgM/IgG antibody positivity. Results : Thirty eight point seven percent of the subjects were less than 12 months of age, 27.5 % were 12-47 months of age and 33.8% were 48 months of age or older. There was no significant sexual difference(male : female=1.2 : 1). This epidemic started in June, 2000 and the number of patients increased abruptly in October, peaked in December and finally decreased after February, 2001. It started from the older age group and moved to the younger. Sixty five point two percent had a history of more than 1-dose vaccination and 13.6% of the patients equal or more than 48 months of age had a history of 2-dose vaccination. Primary vaccine failure rate was 59.4%(107/180) and secondary vaccine failure rate was 3.9%(7/180) in 1 dose vaccinees. Sixty one point six percent showed more than one complication and 38.4% had no complication. The most common complication was pneumonia(31.8 %), followed by bronchitis(11.5%) and acute otitis media(4.6%). Vaccination and dose were not related significantly with the occurrence of complications. Conclusion : Compared with previous outbreaks in Korea, clinical features showed no specific change in the 2000-2001 measles epidemic. However, primary vaccine failure rate was so high that the second vaccination at four to six years of age must be emphasized in Korea.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.129-136
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• 1985

This paper is carried out to determine the venous blood gas components and heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium and copper, in blood between urban and rural teenager. The subjects were 34 in urban, Taegu city and 37 in rural, Euisung-Gun. But smokers were excluded. The specimens were sampled in May, 1985. The heavy metals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (IL. 551) and carboxy-Hb, Met-Hb, Hb, $O_2\;and\;CO_2$, blood gas analyzer (IL. 1301) and CO-oximeter (IL. 282). In urban group, $PO_2\;and\;O_2-Hb$ were significantly lower than in rural (p<0.01, p<0.03, respectively), and ${HCO_3}^{-}\;and\;TCO_2$ were significantly higher than in rural (p<0.01, p<0.01, respectively). CO-Hb concentration was rather higher in the rural group than the urban (p<0.03), other Met-Hb was higher in urban group than in the rural (p<0.01). Lead and cadmium were also significantly higher in the urban group (p<0.03, p<0.02, respectively).

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.325-340
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• 1998

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between sick building syndrome(SBS) and the environmental factors affecting SBS on 130 underground workers and 60 controls. The study consisted of 1) a review of environmental condition 2) measurement of temperature, $O_2$, $CO_2$, CO, and formaldehyde and 3) a questionnaire survey of symptom prevalence and perception of environmental conditions using indoor Air Quality questionnaire recommended by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Bronchitis and dust allergy were more prevalent in underground workers significantly(p < 0.05). Among the 18 symptoms related to the indoor air pollution, the experience rate of dry, itching or irritated eyes, sore or dry throat, chest tightness, tired or strained eyes and dry or itchy skin symptom was significantly different between the underground workers and controls. The diagnostic criteria of SBS was defined as at least 1 symptom is experienced 1-3 times a week during the last 1 month among 18 indoor air pollution related symptoms which can be relieved by moving out of the underground. Applying the criteria, the mean symptom score was significant higher in underground workers than controls significantly (p < 0.05). These resalts indicated that underground workers are under inappropriate ergonomic and physical condition and inadequate ventilation. Their experience rate of symptoms related to indoor air pollution and prevalence of SBS was significantly higher than controls. To reduce the prevalence of SBS of underground workers, the surveillance system of indoor air quality, restriction of using fuel in underground and legislative regulations for the environment are needed to establish a better indoor air quality. Early detection, treatment and prevention of SBS through medical attention is also needed.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.243-252
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• 2005

Purpose: Indoor air quality (IAQ) in the radiation treatment center which is generally located underground is important to the health of hospital workers and patients treated over a long period of time. this study was conducted to measure and analyze the factors related to IAQ and subjective symptoms of sick building syndrome, and to establish the causes influencing IAQ and find a solution to the problems. Methods and Materials : Self administrated questionnaire was conducted to check the workers' symptoms and understanding of the work environment. Based on a preliminary investigation, the factors related to IAQ such as temperature, humidity, fine particulate. carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), and radon gas were selected and measured for a certain period of time in specific sites where hospital workers stay long in a day. And we also evaluated the surrounding environment and the efficiency of the ventilating system simultaneously, and measured the same factors at the first floor (outdoor) to compare with outdoor all quality, All collected data were assessed by the recommended standard for IAQ of the domestic and international environmental organizations. Results: Hospital workers were discontented with foul odors, humidity and particulate. They complained symptoms related to musculo-skeletal system, neurologic system, and mucosal-irritatation. Most of the factors were not greater than the recommended standard, but the level of TVOC was third or fourth times as much as the measuring level of some offices in the United States. The frequency and the amount of the ventilating system were adequate, however, the problem arising in the position of outdoor-air inlets and indoor-air outlets involved a risk of the indraft of contaminated air. A careful attention was a requirement in handling and keeping chemical substances including a developing solution which has a risk of TVOC emissions, and repositioning the ventilating system was needed to solve the contaminated-air circulation immediately Conclusion We verified that some IAQ-related factors and inadequate ventilating system could cause subjective symptoms in hospital workers. The evaluation of IAQ was surely needed to improve the underground working environments for hospital workers and patients. On the basis of these data, from now on, we should actively engage in designs of the department of radiation oncology or improvement in environments of the existing facilities.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.575-587
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• 2002

Objective : To investigate the understanding of breast-feeding in pregnant woman and the proper way of encouraging breast-feeding. Methods : Each questionnaire included items about demographic characteristics and the understanding of breast-feeding. The questionnaires were filled up by pregnant women visiting obstetric clinics in Seoul and its vicinities, Busan, Choongjoo and Chungjoo from July 2001 to August 2001. One thousand, two hundred ninety questionnaires were analysed by Chi square tests and multiple logistic regressions. Results : The majority of pregnant women(87.4%) planned breast-feeding. Forty three percent of them had plans to breast-feed for 4-6 months. There were no differences in the level of education, the family size and the source of information about breast-feeding in planning to breast-feed (P>0.05). The main reasons for not choosing to breast-feed were returns to work(41.3%), previous failures of breast-feeding(17.4%), concerns about insufficient amount of breast milk(10.9%), breast and nipple problems(10.3%) and maternal illness(9.4%). The average score on the test of the understanding about breast-feeding was 59.7/100. The average scores on the understanding about the methods and advantages of breast-feeding were 45.3/100 and 86.1/100, respectively. The maternal status of employment, previous history of breast-feeding, the time of decision to breastfeed, person advocating breast-feeding and the understanding on the advantages of breast-feeding were significant determinant factors in planning to breast-feed(P<0.05). Conclusion : Pediatricians should take steps to make an effort to increase the breast-feeding rate and to encourage breast-feeding by timely education. Beyond the medical field, political and social supports for breast-feeding are urgently needed.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.767-786
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• 2011

This study analyzed and compared characteristic of vegetation structure in Bonghwa mountain, the base Mt. outside urban area, and Hakseoung neighborhood park, Ilsan neighborhood park and Musil neighborhood park, disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area of Wonju. Regarding vegetation of urban forest in Wonju, Quercus mongolica forest and Robinia pseudo-acacia forest were widely distributed in the base Mt. outside urban area. Quercus acutissima forest and Robinia pseudo-acacia forest were widely distributed in the disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area. Forests in both areas were managed as part of forest management campaign. Analysis on importance value of a community classified by DCA and DBH class categorized communities into three groups according to the expected ecological succession. Community B was the one to be maintained as Pinus densiflora community. Community A, D and d were expected to be maintained as Quercus spp. Community. Community C, E, F, e, f and g were classified as exotic plant community. Ecological succession was suspended in both base Mt. outside urban area and disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area. However, importance value of Quercus spp. which appeared in the understory layer and shrub layer and their DBH class showed that the potential for ecological succession of exotic plant community was higher in base Mt. outside urban area than disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area. According to the analysis on number of species and individuals and species diversity, understory and shrub layer were reduced due to Forest Management campaign and plant species which appear at an earlier stage of succession varied as time went by since the campaign began. Species diversity comparison between natural and artificial forest showed no clear difference in both base Mt. outside urban area and disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area due to man-made disruption such as thinning and brush cutting. Six communities in base Mt. outside urban area had 17.76~52.22% of similarity index. Four communities in disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area showed 13.34~37.01% of similarity index, which was lower than base Mt. outside urban area. Among naturalized plants, Tupatorium rugosum and Phytolacca americana appeared more in disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.31-40
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• 2019

In Korea, 51,013 thousand tons of livestock manure was generated in 2018. A total of 46,530 thousand tons, which is 91.2% of the total amount of livestock manure generated, was treated by composting(40,647 thousand tons) or liquid fertilization(5,884 thousand tons) method. At present, the policy of livestock manure treatment in Korea is to make livestock manure into organic fertilizer(compost, liquid fertilizer) and then to applicate it on agricultural land. And this policy is very effective in terms of livestock manure treatment and nutrient recycling. However, considering the steadily declining farmland area for decades, the use of livestock manure compost could be limited in the future. There is also concern that local nutrient overloading, nutrient management regulation, and restrictions on the number of livestock may become serious problem for livestock manure treatment. In addition, there are some opinions that nutrient derived from livestock manure may flow into tributaries of major dams. In recent years, there has been a suspicion that fine dust may be generated from livestock manure compost. In recent years, the use of livestock manure fertilizer has been rapidly increasing, there is a growing demand of the development of new technologies for livestock manure treatment. Especially, cow excretes a larger amount of manure than other livestock, so that the efficiency of development of new technology for cow manure treatment will be high. Therefore, in this study, the combustion characteristics of cow manure pellet were investigated in order to analyzed whether cow manure could be used as source of solid fuel. During the combustion test, the weight loss of the cow manure pellet began to increase when the temperature of the combustion chamber reached $300^{\circ}C$. The ratio of $H_2$, $CH_4$, CO in the pyrolysis gas produced in the pyrolysis process of cow manure pellet were 6.65~11.62%, 0.58~1.54 and 11.47~14.07%, respectively.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.129-142
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• 2022

In the past, interest in air pollution was concentrated on greenhouse gases, but in recent years, interest in fine dust has been increasing. The media and environmental organizations continue to emphasize air pollution caused by fine dust. The awareness of fine dust is increasing, and air pollution generated at ports is analyzed to be serious as a domestic factor excluding foreign inflows. Recognizing this, in order to reduce air pollution generated at ports, special laws on improving air quality, such as port areas, have been enacted in Korea, and attempts are being made to curb air pollution caused by ports. In this law, it is a policy that regulates air pollutants generated not only by ships but also throughout ports such as vehicles and unloading machines, and representative are ECA, VSR, and AMP. This study attempted to analyze the effects of these eco-friendly policies at Incheon Port. First of all, a study was conducted to calculate emissions assuming that there was no policy, analyze each policy, and finally calculate and compare actual emissions reflecting all policies. The methodology presented by the European Environmental Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was used, and pollutants to be analyzed were analyzed for sulfur oxides (SO_X), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO_X), total floating substances (TSP), fine dust and ultrafine dust (PM₁₀, PM_2.5) and ammonia (NH₃). As a result of the analysis, it was analyzed that the actual emission reflecting all policies was about 4,097 tons/year, which had an emission reduction effect of about 760 tons/year compared to about 4,857 tons/year when the policy was not reflected. When the effects of each policy were analyzed individually, it was found that ECA 4,111 tons/year, VSR 4,854 tons/year, and AMP 4,843 tons of air pollutant emissions occurred The results of this study can be used as basic data and evidence for policy establishment related to the atmospheric environment at Incheon Port.