• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.393-401
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• 2013

Objectives: Endotoxins in dust generated in occupational settings is known to contribute to the occurrence of respiratory illness among workers. The relationship between the level of endotoxins in total dust or respirable particulates collected from swine farms and immunological markers related with respiratory allergy was evaluated among swine husbandry workers. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from ten workers at ten swine farms at Gyeonggi province, Korea. Peripheral mononuclear cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin for 48 hours. The levels of various cytokines produced at culture supernatants were determined using a commercially available ELISA kit. The concentration of particulate matter($PM_{10}$) in the indoor air of the swine farms was evaluated using a PVC membrane filter and mini volume air sampler, and endotoxin levels in the dust were measured by Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Kinetic QCL method. Results: Levels of endotoxins in the total dust were categorized into high(geometric mean: $109.35EU/m^3$) and low concentrations (geometric mean: $0.95EU/m^3$) for five swine farms. Interleukin-4 levels were higher in the high endotoxin group than in the low endotoxin group, while interferon-${\gamma}$ levels were lower in the high endotoxin group than in the low endotoxin group. The ratio (interferon-${\gamma}$ to interleukin-4), indicating immunologic skewedness against allergic reactivities, was lower in the high endotoxin group($1.15{\pm}0.60$) than the low endotoxin group($3.09{\pm}2.38$). In addition, the level of interleukin-13, another cytokine contributing to the occurrence of allergic responses, was significantly higher in the at the high endotoxin group($1.12{\pm}0.37ng/m{\ell}$) than in the low endotoxin group($0.37{\pm}0.04ng/m{\ell}$). Hematologic assessment showed significantly lower cellularity in the number of total leukocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils in the high endotoxin group than in the low endotoxin group. Conclusions: Even though a sufficient number of swine workers and farms were not investigated, this study generlly suggests that the immunological function of swine farm workers exposed to high levels of endotoxin could be modulated toward allergic reactivities.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.20 no.4 s.58
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• pp.21-30
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• 2005

This research was performed to measure the concentration distribution of bioaerosol in apartment houses in the region of Chungnam (Chunan, Asan) for 1 month, December, 2004. The results are as follows. 1. By using SDA method, the average concentration of total microbe and fungus in the air inside and outside apartment house below 4 years are $69,42cfu/m^3\;and\;15.66cfu/m^3$, while apartment house over 4 years, $214.58cfu/m^3\;and\;216.43cfu/m^3$, respectively With gravitational sedimentation method, the average concentration of total microbe and fungus of apartmenthouse below 4 years are $100.63cfu/m^3\;and\;22.83cfu/m^3$, while apartment house over 4 years, $216.43cfu/m^3\;and\;70.000cfu/m^3$, respectively. 2. The I/O ratio of floating germ of apartment house below 4 years and over 4 years are 2.87 and 5.12 for total microbe, and 3.32 and 8.28 for fungus, respectively. The I/O ratio of falling germ of apartment house below 4 years and over 4 years are 1.55 and 2.81 for total microbe, and 2.85 and 4.08 for fungus, respectively. The apartment house below 4 years shows a low I/O ratio in all cases. 3. The difference in concentration of microbe between inside master bedroom and living room of apartment house below 4 years is $13.183cfu/m^3$, total microbe, and $4.787cfu/m^3$, fungus, while, apartment house over 4 years, $43.531cfu/m^3$, total microbe, and $21.932cfu/m^3$, fungus. The measured differences are statistically significant. 4. Air sampler was used to verify the difference in concentration of microbe with the age of apartment house. The difference in concentration of total microbe and fungus for outside apartment house below 4 years and over 4 years are $49.82cfu/m^3$ and $3.78cfu/m^3$, respectively. The difference of inside living room shows $160.23cfu/m^3$ for total microbe and $28.01cfu/m^3$ for fungus, and the difference of inside master bedroom shows $225.43cfu/m^3$ for total microbe and $56.73cfu/m^3$ for fungus. The differences are statistically significant. The difference in concentration of outside apartment house below 4 years and years 4 years are $34.66cfu/m^3$, total microbe, and $15.66cfu/m^3$, fungus, while inside apartment house below 4 years and over 4 years, $196.93cfu/m^3,\;and\;78.67cfu/m^3$, respectively. The measured differences are statistically significant.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.26 no.1 s.41
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• pp.147-164
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• 1993

A study has been conducted on developing questionnaires to serve as on site diagnostic tools for the early detection of neuropsychiatric impairment among workers chronically exposed to low-level organic solvents. Two drafts of tentative questionnaires have been developed as follows; several question items were selected from questionnaires which were administered to workers exposed to organic solvents in previous studios and were grouped into each symptom category based on the presence of its association using Guttman scaling method, then these selected items were reviewed by neuropsychiatry specialists. The final draft of the questionnaire (total symptom score=36) was developed by selecting 33 question items which had more than a 0.88 Guttman coefficient of reproducibility in each symptom category from a pilot study in which these tentative questionnaires were administered to workers manufacturing soles. Three plants using organic solvents and one plant never using organic solvents as a control group were selected to test the reliability and validity of the developed questionnaires. The major organic solvent in the workplace environment detected by a personal air sampler and GC/MSD nab toluene. The concentration of toluene in air from the department using organic solvent was statistically different from that of the department never using organic solvent. The concentration of toluene from almost all of the workplace did not exceed the allowable level. There was no statistically significant difference between the concentration of urinary hippuric acid from the workers of the department using organic solvent and that of the department never using it. Total symptom score of the plant never using organic solvents was 9.8 and those of the three plants using organic solvents were 15.6, 14.7, and 13,7 respectively. In order to evaluate the validity of the questionnaires, the workers from two different departments of the plant in which usage of organic solvents are totally dofferemt were compared. The total symptom score was 17.8 for workers of the department using organic solvent and 13.5 for the department never using organic solvent and scores of each symptom group between exposure and non-exposure group also showed statistically significant difference. The finding that total symptom score of the exposure group increased as the duration of employment increased indirectly suggests the usefulness of the developed questionnaire to assess the health effects of chronic exposure to organic solvents. The correlation coefficient, which was calculated to evaluate the test-retest reliability, was 0.581 (p=0.001). The coefficient of Crohnbach which reflects the internal consistency of the questionnaire was 0.91. In conclusion, the reliabilty of the questionnaire was well maintained over the time lapse between the two administrations of the questionnaire and despite the seasonal difference.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.1-7
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• 2010

The study objective was to compare the interior greening volume ratios for the change in concentration of fine particle, temperature and relative humidity, and to identify the level of interior landscape volume ratio as a suitable condition to achieve the desired indoor properties. Plants were moved into a room (88m3) randomly. After moving, the volume ratio of the interior greening level was set at 0%, 1%, 2% and 3%. The concentration of fine particles was measured with a mini-volume portable air sampler (Air Metrics, USA). The temperature and relative humidity were recorded with a digital sensor (Kiwi-LTH, USA) during the experiment under different volume ratios with three replications. 1. The results of the change in concentration of the fine particles revealed a trend towards an increased volume ratio of interior greening with decreasing concentration of fine particles, compared to non-plants (0%). The concentration of fine particles at volume ratios of 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% was 55ug/$m^3$, 233ug/$m^3$, 40ug/$m^3$ and 30ug/$m^3$, respectively. 2. The change in temperature, at volume ratios of 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% was $21.2^{\circ}C$, $17.4^{\circ}C$, $16.7^{\circ}C$ and $18.9^{\circ}C$, respectively, in near interior greening, and $22.1^{\circ}C$, $18.7^{\circ}C$, $18.4^{\circ}C$ and $20.5^{\circ}C$ respectively, at a distance of 3m from the interior greening. These study results suggested that temperature was affected by volume ratio and distance from the interior greening. 3. The relative humidity, at volume ratios of 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% was 34.2%, 32.5%, 36.7%, and 46.9%, respectively, in near interior greening, and 31.2%, 26.9%, 31.4% and 38.3%, respectively, at a distance of 3m from the interior greening. With increasing volume ratio of interior landscape, there were positive and significant results between the distance difference and the relative humidity more than temperature.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.315-324
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• 2003

The characteristics of particles were evaluated through the measurement data of PM$_{2.5}$, PM$_{10}$ and TSP instruments located in air quality monitoring stations installed and operated by Seoul Metropolitan city. The data of particulate mass on the filter was collected bv a high volume air sampler during the sand storm period. The number of days of sand storm in Seoul showed a different pattern from 1990 to November 2002, We can see a trend of increased occurrence and duration of sand storms. The ratio of PM$_{10}$ to TSP was shown as 52.9% and 59.4% during the sand storm period in 2000 and 2001. respectively. It was indicated that the particles larger than 10${\mu}$m increased by approximately 10% in sand storm periods compared to no sand storm period. While PM$_{10}$ size fraction reached 71.4% in 2002, the contribution of sand storm to total particulate concentration was estimated to be 11.9% for PM$_{2.5}$, 23.1% for PM$_{10}$, 19% for TSP in 2002, respectively and sand storms highly correlated with annual total particulate concentration.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.366-377
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• 2021

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are generated in petrochemical complexes, can spread to residential areas and affect the health of residents. Although harmful PAHs are mainly present in particle phase, gas phase PAHs can generate stronger toxic substances through photochemical reaction. Therefore, the risk assessment for PAHs around the petrochemical complex should consider both particle and gas phase concentrations. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the concentration characteristics of particle and gas phase PAHs by season in residential areas around petrochemical complexes, and to assess the risk of PAHs. Methods: Samples were collected for 7 days by seasons in 2014~2015 using a high volume air sampler. Particle and gas phase PAHs were sampled using quartz filter and polyurethane foam, respectively, analyzed by GC-MS. Chronic toxicity and probabilistic risk assessment were performed on 14 PAHs. For chronic toxicity risk assessment, inhalation unit risk was used. Monte-Carlo simulation was performed for probabilistic risk assessment using the mean and standard deviation of measured PAHs. Results: The concentration of particle total PAHs was highest in autumn. The gas phase concentration was highest in autumn. The average gas phase distribution ratio of low molecular weight PAHs composed of 2~3 benzene rings was 85%. The average of the medium molecular weight composed of 4 benzene rings was 53%, and the average of the high molecular weight composed of 5 or more benzene rings was 9%. In the chronic toxicity risk assessment, 7 of the 14 PAHs exceeded the excess carcinogenic risk of 1.00×10^-6. In the Monte-Carlo simulation, Benzo[a]pyrene had the highest probability of exceeding 1.00×10^-6, which was 100%. Conclusions: The concentration of PAHs in the residential area around the petrochemical complex exceeded the standard, and the excess carcinogenic risk was evaluated to be high. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the air environment around the petrochemical complex.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.6
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• pp.663-672
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• 2006

Background: $PM_{10}$(Particulate matter with a diameter ($<10{\mu}m$), which is characterized by different environmental conditions, is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. The Asian dust event caused by meteorological phenomena can also produce unique particulate matter in affected areas. This study investigated the cytokine produced by A549 epithelial cells exposed to particles collected during both the Asian dust pfenomenon and ambient air particles in a non-dusty period. Method: Air samples were collected using a high volume air sampler(Sibata Model HV500F) with an air flow at $500{\ell}/min$ for at least 6 hours. The cytokine messenger RNA(mRNA) was measured using a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The A549 cells were exposed to 10 to $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of a suspension containing $PM_{10}$ for 24 hours. Each was compared with those in the non-exposed control cells. Result: The mRNA levels of interleukin(IL)-$1{\alpha}$, $IL-I{\beta}$, IL-8, and the granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF) increased after veing exposed to $PM_{10}$ in the ambient air particles, compared with those in the non-exposed control cells. The increase in $IL-1{\alpha}$ and IL-8 were dose dependent at a $PM_{10}$ concentration between $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ and $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. The mRNA level of IL-8 in the A549 epithelial cells was higher during the in the Asian dust period($500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) than during the non dust period. Conclusion: A549 cells exposed to the $PM_{10}$ collected during the Asian dust period produce more proinflammatory cytokine than during non-dusty period. This cytokine enhances the local inflammatory response in the airways and can also contribute to the systemic component of this inflammatory process.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.279-285
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• 2005

Background : Ambient particles during Asian dust events are usually less than $10{\mu}m$ in size, and known to be associated with the adverse effects on the general population. There is little evidence linking Asian dust to adverse effects on the airways. In 2002, the authors found that particulate matter during Asian dust events had an effect on the symptoms and pulmonary function of patients with bronchial asthma. An aggravating factor might be that of a viral infection, but this remains unclear. Conversely, it has been speculated that African dust may carry the virus responsible for foot and mouth disease. Asian dust events are also likely to be responsible for transporting viruses, some of which are pathogenic, and common in many environments. Therefore, in this study, air samples were screened for the presence of viruses. Methods : Air samples were collected 20 times each during Asian dust events and under non-dust conditions, for at least 6 hours per sample, using a high volume air sampler (Sibata Model HV500F), with an airflow rate of 500L/min, between April and August 2003, and between April and August 2004. The samples were then screened for the presence of targeted viruses (Influenza A, B, Hog cholera virus, and Aphthovirus) using a polymerase chain reaction method. Results : One Asian dust event occurred between April and August 2003, and 3 between April and August 2004, with a 24 hour average PM10 level of $148.0{\mu}g/m^3$. The 24 hour average PM10 level was $57{\mu}g/m^3$. There was a significant difference in the PM10 concentration between dusty and clear days. No viruses (Influenza virus, Aphthovirus, and Hog cholera virus) were identified in the air samples obtained during the dusty days. Conclusions : Although no virus was detected in this study, further studies will be needed to identify suspected viruses carried during Asian dust events, employing more appropriate virus detection conditions.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.398-402
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• 2020

This study was conducted to set up a proper replacement cycle of High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters by observing the microbial populations in the air of the cultivation house of Pleurotus eryngii, before and after HEPA filter replacement at different periods. The density of bacteria and fungi in the air during each cultivation stage was measured using a sampler before the replacement of the HEPA filter. The results showed that airborne microorganisms had the highest density in the mushroom medium preparation room, with 169.7 CFU/㎥ of bacteria and 570 CFU/㎥ of fungi, and the removed old spaun had 126.3 CFU/㎥ of bacteria and 560 CFU/㎥ of fungi. The density of bacteria and fungi in the air at each cultivation stage before the replacement of the HEPA filter was 169.7 CFU/㎥ and 570 CFU/㎥, and 126.3 CFU/㎥ and 560 CFU/㎥, during the medium production and harvesting processes, respectively. After the replacement of the HEPA filter, the bacterial density was the lowest in the incubation room and the fungal density was the lowest in the cooling room. The microbial populations isolated at each period consisted of seven genera and seven species before the replacement, including Cladosporium sp., six genera and six species after 1 month of replacement, including Penicillium sp., 5 genera and 7 species after 3 months of replacement, including Mucor plumbeus, and 5 genera and 12 species, 5 genera and 10 species, and 5 genera and 10 species, 4, 5, and 6 months after the replacement, respectively, including Penicillium brevicompactum. During the period after replacement, the species were diversified and their number increased. The density of airborne microorganisms decreased drastically after the replacement of the HEPA filter. Its lowest value was recorded after 2 months of replacement, and it increased gradually afterwards, reaching a level similar to or higher than that of the pre-replacement period. Therefore, it was concluded that replacing the HEPA filter every 6 months is effective for reducing contamination.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.247-257
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• 2014

Assessment for operator's dermal and inhalation exposure to acetamiprid during cultivation of water melon in greenhouse was carried out. For dermal exposure measurement, whole body dosimetry (WBD) was performed as the first trial in Korea. WBD consists of cotton/polyester outer clothes and cotton inner clothes. Hand exposure was measured by washing of nitrile gloves and hands while head exposure was monitored by face/neck wipe technique. Inhalation exposure was monitored with personal air sampling pumps and IOM sampler (glass fiber filter). Analytical limit of quantitation was 2.5 ng/mL. Good reproducibility (C.V < 8.7%), linearity ($R^2$ > 0.99) and recovery (70~119%) were obtained. Field recovery of acetamiprid was 77~95%. During mixing/loading, hand exposure of acetamiprid was about 10 times ($229.7{\mu}g$) more than that of application case ($20.9{\mu}g$). During application, total dermal exposure was $1207.4{\mu}g$. Exposure of lower legs was $1132.1{\mu}g$, which is 93.8% of the total dermal exposure. Inhalation exposure during mixing/loading and application was not detected. Margin of safety (MOS) was calculated for risk assessment using male Korean average body weight (70 kg) and acceptable operator exposure level ($124{\mu}g/kg/day$) to give 140, suggesting that health risk of operator during treatment of acetamiprid for water melon in greenhouse could be safe.