• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to assess respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure levels in workers who collect and dispose used coal briquette ash (CBA) in sanitation companies that are subcontracted by one medium-sized local government on the collection of municipal household waste (MHW), and to analyze the quartz content in CBA. When the CBA powder that undergone specialized pretreatment in several steps were subjected to mineral identification and quantitative analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD), it was found that quartz represented 18%, and in addition, mullite, and plagioclase were included. For two CBA collectors, samples were collected by the personal sampling evaluation method. After respirable dust was collected in accordance with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 7500 method, the concentration of quartz was analyzed using XRD. Meanwhile, a portable real-time dust monitor (Sidepak AM520, TSI Inc., USA) was also used to observe the dust exposure level for each time zone and job task. The RCS exposure level of one worker was as high as 0.024 mg/㎥, which was the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLV) level. The other worker also exhibited a concentration of 0.013 mg/㎥, which was more than half of TLV. The Sidepak results revealed that the work of collecting CBA and loading it onto a vehicle was hardly exposed to the dust of a significant level. It was found, however, that the work of transferring the collected CBA to a container through a conveyor belt was exposed to a very high average respirable dust concentration of 2.238 mg/㎥. The results of this study confirmed that quartz, which is crystalline silica and a carcinogen, is contained in CBA, one of municipal household waste (MHW), in high concentration. It was also confirmed that workers are exposed to high RCS concentrations while transferring collected CBA into a container. Although each local government in South Korea handles CBA in different ways, it is imperative to investigate the CBA exposure level of sanitation workers and improve their working conditions.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.91-98
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• 1993

This study was carried out to investigate characteristic of vinyl chloride emissioned from poly vinyl chloride extrusion process and to evaluate the efficiency of local exhaust ventilation system. Before local ventilation facility was constructed in poly vinyl chloride extrusion process, the average worker exposure to vinyl chloride was 3.15 ppm, which exceeded Threshold Limit Value of American Conference of Gorvernmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH-TLV), 1 ppm. lt is possible that vinyl chloride residues in the poly vinyl chloride resin was released or degased due to extrusion heat. The larger the width of vinyl tube become, the higher worker exposure to vinyl chloride was. It is estimated that vinyl chloride from vinyl chloride resin increased as amount of poly vinyl chloride resin extruded in the extrusion process increased. Canopy hood was an appropriate type for poly vinyl chloride resin extrusion process. This local exhaust ventilation has fan static pressure of 7.65 inch wg($190mmH_2O$, total volumetric flowlate of 4,796 CFM ($135.8m^3$/min) and fan power requirement of 12 hp (8.952 Kw). After this local exhaust ventilation was constructed there, the average concentration of worker exposure to vinyl chloride was reduced to be 0.46 ppm, which was below the Threshold Limit Value, 1 ppm. Also, the removal efficiency rate of vinyl chloride attained by local exhaust ventilation was 85.3%. It was a statistically significant (p<0.01).

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.1-18
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to compare performances of two analytical methods, the OSHA 42 and the NIOSH 5522, of quantifying total isocyanates in air. These methods were compared in terms of accuracy and precision and the detection limits using four(4) spiked samples in each of four(4) concentration levels which ranged from 0.25 to 2.0 times of the ACGIH TLV-TWA. In addition, two methods were used to as sess airborne concentrations of total isocyanates at the following processes including autobody spray painting, furniture spray painting, polyurethane foaming, urethane adhesion, UV coating, and pigment mixing. The results of this study showed that the NIOSH 5522 method was better than the OSHA 42 method in terms of accuracy, precis ion, and detection limit for quantifying airborne total isocyanates. It was also clear that the NIOSH method was capable of detecting not only monomeric but also non-monomeric isocyanates. The results of air concentrations of total isocyanates among processes studied indicate that some processes may exceed the recommended level of isocyanates. In addition, to evaluate toxicological effects of total isocyanates, it is recommended to consider additive effects of isocyanates present in mixtures.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.82-90
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• 2012

Objectives: This study was performed to provide workplaces with political guidelines that apply international CMRs (Carcinogens, Mutagens, Reproductive toxins) information to Public Notice of TLVs (Threshold Limit Values). We analyzed information supply status about CMRs of international agencies and compared substances for which TLVs are set in KMoEL (Ministry of Employment and Labor in Korea). Methods: We referred to the reliable literature about classification criteria of CMRs corresponding to UN GHS (Globally Harmonized System of classification and Labeling of chemicals) and Public Notice No. 2009-68 'Standard for Classification, Labeling of Chemical Substance and Material Safety Data Sheet' in KMoEL. The classification system of CMRs in professional organizations (IARC, NTP, ACGIH, EU ECHA, KMoEL, etc.) was investigated through the internet and literature. Conclusions: 191 chemical substances among total 650 substances with TLVs are classified as carcinogens. Also, 43 substances classified as mutagens, and 44 as reproductive toxicants. These results suggest that the information of CMRs in Public Notice of TLV will be reorganized to 191 carcinogens, 43 mutagens, and 44 reproductive toxicants.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2019

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze an excess trend for domestic permissible exposure limit of trichloroethylene based on previous literature review. Materials and Methods: The research object is a trichloroethylene among 13 chemical substances regulated with PEL(Permissible Exposure Limit) in Occupational Safety and Health Act. The information utilized from this study is the work environment measurement data from 2004 to 2013. The highest level among concentration data measured at various workplaces was selected as a representative value through data process. N.D. (Not Detected) data was considered as 1/2 of LOD(Limit Of Detection). Results: Among work environment measurement data between 2004 and 2013, the highest number of excess workplace and excess rate(24 sites & 1.15%) was observed in 2008's data when applying the PEL(50 ppm) of trichloroethylene. When they are compared with the ACGIH's TLV-TWA(10 ppm), 2008's data showed the highest number of excess workplace and excess rate(175 sites & 8.37%). The number of excess workplace and excess rate related to PEL of trichloroethylene showed increase trend in 2005 but tended to decrease after 2008. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained from this study, the exposure level of trichloroethylene in case of domestic workers is not considered as a safe phase regardless of the year of work environment measurement year. Thus, a strictly preventive management in workplace should be provided for reducing exposure level of trichloroethylene.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.98-105
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• 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the exposure level of airborne hexavalent chromium in the plating industry and the exposure level compared to domestic and international occupational exposure limits. Methods: A total 92 samples were collected from ten industrial plating sites. Hexavalent chromium samples were collected using a three-stage cassette equipped with a 37 mm, 5 ㎛ pore size PVC filter. The analysis was performed by ion chromatography. Results: The geometric mean of hexavalent chromium concentration in the plating industry was 0.052 ㎍/m², and it was found that the average exposure level was 0.8 times the South Korean exposure limit. When applying the US ACGIH TLV, however, the average concentration was more than twice as high. Conclusions: The South Korean exposure limit for hexavalent chromium needs to be strengthened due to significant differences in exposure levels according to domestic and international occupational exposure limits. Furthermore, respiratory and dermal sensitization should be labeled.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.472-481
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• 2015

Objectives: Welding is a major task in shipbuilding yards that generates welding fumes. A significant amount of welding in shipbuilding yards is done on steel. Inevitably, manganese is present in the base metals being joined and the filler wire being used and, consequently, in the fumes to which workers are exposed. The objective of this work was to characterize manganese exposure associated with work area, total and particle size-selective mass concentration, and compare the mass concentrations obtained using a three-piece cassette sampler, size-selective impactor sampler and blood manganese concentrations. Materials: All samples were collected from the main work areas at one shipbuilding yard. We used a three piece cassette sampler and the eight stage cascade impactor sampler for the airborne manganese mass concentration of total and all size fractions, respectively. In addition, we used the results of health examination of workers sampled for airborne manganese. Results: The oder of high concentration of airborne manganese in shipbuilding processes was as follows; block assembly, block erection, outfitting installation, steel cutting, and outfitting preparation. The percentages of samples that exceeded the OES of the ministry of employment and labor by the cassette sampling method was 12.5%, however 59.1% of sampled workers by the impactor sampling method exceeded the TLV of the ACGIH. Conclusions: Even though the manganese concentrations in blood of workers exposed to higher airborne manganese concentration were higher than among those exposed to lower concentrations, there was no difference in blood manganese concentrations among work duration. The data analyzed here by characterizing size-selective mass concentrations indicates that the inhaled manganese of welders in shipbuilding yards could be mostly manganese-containing respirable particle sizes.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.11-24
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• 2011

Working in a research laboratory means exposure to a wide range of hazardous substances. Several studies indicated that laboratory workers, especially working with chemicals, might have an increased risk of certain cancers. However, exposure assessment data in laboratory settings are scarce. This study was performed to examine several approaches for quantitatively assessing the exposure levels to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among workers in chemistry laboratories. The list of 10 target VOCs, including ethanol, acetone, 2-propanol, dichlormethane, tetrahydrofuran, benzene, toluene, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, was determined through self-administered questionnaire for six chemistry research laboratories in a university, a government-funded research institute, or private labs. From September to December 2008, 84 air samples were collected (15 area samples, 27 personal time weighted samples, 42 personal task-basis short-term samples). Real time monitors with photo ionization detector were placed during the sampling periods. In this study, benzene was observed exceeding the action levels, although all the results were below the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV). From the air sampling results, we concluded that (1) chemicals emitted during experiments could directly affect to neighbor office areas (2) chemical exposures in research laboratories showed a wide range of concentrations depending on research activities (3) area samples tended to underestimate the exposures relative to personal samples. Still, further investigation, is necessary for developing exposure assessment strategies specific to laboratories with unique exposure profiles.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.70-77
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• 2001

This study was conducted to identify the current status of occupational safety and health by checklist and to evaluate the airborne exposure to chemicals and to provide the appropriate recommendation for safety and health of laundries. A total of 20 laundries located in tile Gyungi district area were surveyed from July 20 to September 15, 2000. The prevalence of laundries having a stove and gas range were found to be 25 % and 55 %, respectively. Smoking is not allowed in 60 % of the laundries. Only 10 % of dry-cleaners were isolated. Ventilation systems in laundries had not been annually inspected. Most of the workers didn't put on respirators, MSDS were not available, and storage bottles did not contain warning labels. The bulk samples of dry cleaning agent include many chemicals that are not controlled by the MOL in Korea. The detected airborne organic solvents in the laundries were benzene, toluene, p-xylene, m-xylene, o-xylene, perchloroethylene, and 2-butoxy ethanol. The airborne concentrations of organic solvents were much less than the occupational exposure limits proposed by the Ministry of Labor(MOL) in Korea. But the concentrations of benzene exceeded the TLV of ACGIH. This study showed that the current status of occupational safety and health was not appropriate for workers in laundries. It is recommended that laundry workers should be educated for the treatment and storage of hazardous organic solvents to improve the occupational safety and health of the working environment as well as MSDS usage. Also, extended research and survey for the organic solvents that are not controlled by the MOL has to be conducted.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.8-15
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• 1991

In order to visualize the distribution of workplace of which mixed solvent level in air exceeded the TLV of 1.0 (ACGIH), 17 thinners used in 44 painting workplaces were analysed with gas chromatography, and their levels in air were compaired with. 1. For detection rate of solvents in thinner was highest in case of toluene (76.4%), and decreased in orders of xylene (70.6%), methylisobutyl ketone (35.3%), acetone (35.3%), methyl ethyl ketone (23.5%), isopropylacohol (17.6%), n-hexane (17.6%), styrene (11.8%), and ethylacetate (11.8%). Average number of solvents detected was 3.0. 2. Detection rates of organic solvent by component category was highest in cases of aromatic hydrocarbons (52.9%), and decreased in orders of ketones (31.4%), alcohols (5.9%), n-hexane (5.9%) and esters (3.9%). The rate by regulatory category, the second category component was detected in 93.9% of total. 3. There was significant correlation (r=0.929, p<0.01)between detection rates of solvents in thinner and in air. 4. Among the total of 44 painting workplace, the rate of them of which level of mixed solvents in air was exceeded was highest in case of aromatic hydrocarbons (29.5%), and decreased in orders of ketones (6.8%), alcohol (2.3%), n-hexane (2.3%), and was highest in guitar painting (71.4%) workplace in case of aromatic hydrocarbons by component category.