• 월간산업보건
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• s.370
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• pp.4-8
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• 2019

지금 우리가 하는 산업보건 업무 중 가장 중요한 것은 무엇일까? 가장 많이 하고 있는 것은 특수건강진단을 포함한 건강진단과 작업환경측정, 그리고 보건관리대행이다. 그럼 우리는 이것들을 잘하고 있을까? 잘하고 있다고 자신 있게 말할 수 있는 사람은 얼마나 될까?

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.529-540
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• 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare exposure levels of PAHs and benzene metabolites in the urine of nationally representative adults in Korea and identify exposure factors in relation to questionnaire results. Methods: The study analyzed PAHs and benzene metabolites in the urine of adults aged 19 and older recruited in Cycles 1-3 of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS). Participants were administered questionnaires on demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary habits to identify the association with exposure levels to environmental chemicals. Results: 1-hydroxypyrene and t,t-muconic acid levels in this study were higher than those in large-scale biomonitoring conducted in other countries (the US and Canada), while 2-hydroxynaphthalene levels were lower. Most environmental chemicals exhibited significant differences depending on gender and age, and exposure levels tended to increase with grilled food intake. In addition, variables such as smoking, distance between home and a road, travelling on public transportation, and ventilation time had a significant effect on exposure to environmental chemicals. Conclusions: The importance of this study lies in utilizing the representative results of KoNEHS, large scale biomonitoring conducted in Korea over roughly ten years. Variables including smoking and roasted food intake were found to affect exposure to PAHs and benzene, which can be used to establish baseline exposure levels of environmental chemicals in Korea.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.305-311
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• 2023

Background: The National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)'s classification of and airborne fraction ratio for consumer chemical products (CCP) does not reflect the characteristics of various product classifications. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to reclassify the types of spray products according to the diverse spray characteristics of CCPs to evaluate the airborne fraction ratio of representative spray types and to compare them with previous CCPs types and airborne fraction ratios. Methods: One thousand seven hundred two products were selected through market research, and 932 newly reported products were selected. After that, 200 were selected to evaluate products with potential inhalation exposure. After classifying six product types that are expected to show differences in the airborne fraction ratio according to the type of product, a final 38 products were selected for use in the airborne fraction ratio through random sampling. Results: CCP has been reclassified from two to six types so that the characteristics of all products are well-reflected. The NIER simply had two airborne fraction ratios, but the results of experiments with six types of products showed a significant difference in values (p<0.01). Airborne fraction ratios of propellant general foam, pump general aerosol, and pump trigger foam in spray type, which were not previously present in NIER, were 7.1%, 24.4%, and 3.5%, respectively. Conclusions: For the diversified types of CCPs, the newly proposed classification was more appropriate than the existing NIER classification. The airborne fraction ratio was also different for each type, so a new value was suggested.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Sciences Society Conference
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• 2020.10a
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• pp.95-95
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• 2020

• 월간산업보건
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• s.359
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• pp.54-57
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• 2018

현대인은 대부분 시간을 보내는 노동 환경에 의해 영향을 받는다. 이에 따른 정신적, 신체적 질환은 개인의 건강 문제를 넘어 삶의 질과 연결되며, 결국 사회문제로 귀결된다. 대한민국은 여전히 '산재 공화국'이라는 오명에서 벗어나지 못하고 있는 듯 보이지만, 분명한 것은 끊임없는 성토와 연구를 통해 꾸준히 개선되고 있다는 점이다. 그 중심에서 근로자들과 함께 더 나은 사회를 만들기 위해 노력하는 곳, 한양대학교 의과대학 직업환경의학교실이다.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.102-112
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• 2024

Background: Despite the rise in the number of domestic indoor climbing gyms, there is a lack of specific hygiene standards and research on the holds installed in them. Holds can act as vectors for microbial transmission through the hands, posing a risk of infectious diseases, especially with damaged skin. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the contamination level and species of microorganisms on holds according to the management methods practiced in indoor climbing gyms and identify effective strategies for reducing microbial contamination. Methods: We investigated factors that may influence microbial contamination of holds, including hold management methods, user information, and hygiene management at three climbing gyms in Seoul. A total of 72 holds were sampled, 18 for each management method of brushing, high-pressure washing, and ethanol disinfection. Samples were cultured on LB and blood agar at 37℃ for 48 hours to calculate CFUs. PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA was carried out to identify microorganisms. Dunn-Bonferroni was employed to see the microbial reduction effect of the management method and the difference in microbial contamination by management method and climbing gym. Results: As a result of microbial identification, microorganisms such as Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Micrococcus, which were derived from various environments such as skin and soil, were discovered on the surface of the climbing hold. Among the discovered microorganisms, some species had potential pathogenic properties that could cause food poisoning, gastrointestinal disease, bacteremia, and sepsis. All hold management methods were effective in reducing microorganisms (p<0.05), with ethanol disinfection being the most effective (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our results indicate that there are potential pathogens on holds that demand thorough management for microbial prevention. Proposed methods include regular brushing and ethanol disinfection in addition to high-pressure washing with long cycles, which are the existing forms of hold management. Further studies on shoe management are advised to curb soil-derived microorganisms.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.541-555
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• 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine heavy metal exposure levels in the blood and urine of a nationally representative adult population in Korea, and to identify the major influence factors for exposure through linkage analysis using questionnaire data. Methods: Biological samples and questionnaire data were collected from adults aged 18 and over who had participated in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey from 2009 to 2017. Lead, mercury, and cadmium exposure levels were presented with geometric mean and 95th percentiles. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting heavy metal concentrations. Results: Blood lead levels increased slightly in Cycle 2 compared to Cycle 1, but decreased in Cycle 3. Blood and urinary mercury and urinary cadmium levels decreased over time. The main influence factors included gender, age, and smoking status for blood lead levels; gender, age, and intake of fish at least once a week for blood mercury levels; and age for urinary cadmium levels. Conclusion: The Korean National Environmental Health Survey is an effective tool for confirming over-time changes in exposure to lead, mercury, and cadmium in Korean adults and to identify its influence factors. The results of this study are expected to present basic data for calculating reference values and baseline exposure levels for environmental chemicals in Korean adults.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.53-63
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• 2022

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the filtration efficiency, inhalation resistance, and liquid resistance of commercial reusable masks in comparison to the performance of KF-AD masks (reference masks). Methods: Thirty-six masks were purchased from an online market. Filtration efficiency and inhalation resistance were determined in the same manner as in MFDS certification testing, respectively using TIL/IL & Filter Test 1300S (SFP Services, UK) and Breathing Resistance Analyzer DA2001 (Lambda Ray, South Korea). Results: Most of the filtration efficiencies found for the 19 masks were far lower than the test standard for KF-certified masks. Four masks met KF94 and three masks even met KF80. Most inhalation resistances were also much lower than the standard, with many almost one-half of the standard. In addition, all the masks except KF-AD masks did not pass the liquid resistance test. Conclusions: Although most of the filtration efficiency performance results found in this study for the reusable masks, which emerged as an alternative, were lower than the standard for health masks, multi-use masks can be used with a replacement filter inserted.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.34-39
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• 2023

Objectives: In this study, the safety of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) for quasi-drugs and cosmetics was investigated by analyzing the ethanol content, which is an active ingredient with a sterilizing effect, and methanol, which is toxic. Methods: Forty-one ABHSs were purchased at large supermarkets and online stores. Ethanol quantification was performed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector, and methanol quantification was performed by headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The ethanol content of ABHS in quasi-drugs was 49.6-67.8%, which was suitable for standard manufacturing procedures for external disinfectants, and the ethanol content of ABHS in cosmetics was 9.1-61.3%. The methanol content of ABHS in quasi-drugs ranged from not detected(N.D.)-131.8 ppm, which was suitable for the methanol detection standard of ethanol raw materials in the Korean Pharmacopoeia. The methanol content of ABHS in cosmetics was 23.4-859.7 ppm, which was suitable for the detection limit of methanol in cosmetics. Conclusions: The ethanol and methanol content of ABHS was judged to be safe. When selecting an ABHS to be used for sterilization, it seems necessary to check the content of ethanol, an active ingredient, and use it according to its intended purpose.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.110-110
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• 2021