• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제57권2호
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• pp.185-196
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• 2024

Objectives: Excess mortality associated with long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) has been documented. However, research on the disease burden following short-term exposure is scarce. We investigated the cause-specific mortality burden of short-term exposure to PM_2.5 by considering the potential non-linear concentration-response relationship in Korea. Methods: Daily cause-specific mortality rates and PM_2.5 exposure levels from 2010 to 2019 were collected for 8 Korean cities and 9 provinces. A generalized additive mixed model was employed to estimate the non-linear relationship between PM_2.5 exposure and cause-specific mortality levels. We assumed no detrimental health effects of PM_2.5 concentrations below 15 ㎍/m³. Overall deaths attributable to short-term PM_2.5 exposure were estimated by summing the daily numbers of excess deaths associated with ambient PM_2.5 exposure. Results: Of the 2 749 704 recorded deaths, 2 453 686 (89.2%) were non-accidental, 591 267 (21.5%) were cardiovascular, and 141 066 (5.1%) were respiratory in nature. A non-linear relationship was observed between all-cause mortality and exposure to PM_2.5 at lag0, whereas linear associations were evident for cause-specific mortalities. Overall, 10 814 all-cause, 7855 non-accidental, 1642 cardiovascular, and 708 respiratory deaths were attributed to short-term exposure to PM_2.5. The estimated number of all-cause excess deaths due to short-term PM_2.5 exposure in 2019 was 1039 (95% confidence interval, 604 to 1472). Conclusions: Our findings indicate an association between short-term PM_2.5 exposure and various mortality rates (all-cause, non-accidental, cardiovascular, and respiratory) in Korea over the period from 2010 to 2019. Consequently, action plans should be developed to reduce deaths attributable to short-term exposure to PM_2.5.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• 제20권4호통권51호
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• pp.365-374
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• 2005

Ambient air particulate matters are classified into two distinct modes in sire distribution, namely the coarse and fine particles. Correlation between high particulate concentration and adverse effect on human populations has long been recognized. However, the toxicology of these adverse efforts has not been clarified. We investigated the genotoxic effect of PM 2.5 collected from urban area in Seoul by comet assay (A549 cells), CBMN assay (CHO-K1 cells) and EROD-microbioassay (H4IIE cells). Results from in vitro micronucleus assay and comet assay showed that PM 2.5 samples collected from traffic area, residential area and indoor air induced chromosomal damage and DNA breakage in a non-cytotoxic dose. The complex mixture effect of these PM 2.5 extracts was quantified by EROD-microbioassay in terms of its bio-TEQ (biologiral -TCDD equivalent concentration) which was 70.87$\pm$28.07, 93.55$\pm$21.80 and 14.31 $\pm$ 1.10 ng/g-PM 2.5 in traffic area, residental area and indoor air samples, respectively. Conclusively, we suggested that PM 2.5 collected from traffic area and residential area contains CYPIA inducer and genotoxic materials.

• 한국입자에어로졸학회지
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• 제8권4호
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• pp.151-160
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• 2012

Health effects caused by the ultrafine particles in ambient air are great concern to the public health, and the strict measuring and monitoring of the ambient aerosol are required. In this work, the characteristics of the aerosol size distribution in Pohang province are studied. Optical particle counters (Grimm APS 1108 and 1109) were used to measure the aerosol size distribution in the area. Locations near the national monitoring site located in the industrial and the residence area were selected for the measuring sites of this study, and the locations in border area between the industry and the residence were selected for the reference of the comparison. In the industry site, it is found that the concentration of aerosol particles near the size of 5 ${\mu}m$ appear characteristically and the fluctuations in concentration with respect to time are minimal. The mass concentration of the aerosol above 10 ${\mu}m$ in diameter in the industry area was found to fluctuate significantly. The mass portion of $PM_{10}$ and PM2.5 to TSP in the residence area were 83% and 51% respectively. In the industrial regional, it was found that the mass portion of PM10 and $PM_{2.5}$ to TSP were 76% and 35% respectively. In the boundary area the mass portion of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ to TSP were 78% and 54% respectively.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제51권6호
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• pp.265-274
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• 2018

Objectives: A positive association between air pollution and both the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported in some epidemiologic and animal studies, but little research has evaluated the relationship between air pollution and diabetic coma. Diabetic coma is an acute complication of DM caused by diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, which is characterized by extreme hyperglycemia accompanied by coma. We conducted a time-series study with a generalized additive model using a distributed-lag non-linear model to assess the association between ambient air pollution (particulate matter less than $10{\mu}m$ in aerodynamic diameter, nitrogen dioxide [$NO_2$], sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone) and emergency department (ED) visits for DM with coma in Seoul, Korea from 2005 to 2009. Methods: The ED data and medical records from the 3 years previous to each diabetic coma event were obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service to examine the relationship with air pollutants. Results: Overall, the adjusted relative risks (RRs) for an interquartile range (IQR) increment of $NO_2$ was statistically significant at lag 1 (RR, 1.125; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.039 to 1.219) in a single-lag model and both lag 0-1 (RR, 1.120; 95% CI, 1.028 to 1.219) and lag 0-3 (RR, 1.092; 95% CI, 1.005 to 1.186) in a cumulative-lag model. In a subgroup analysis, significant positive RRs were found for females for per-IQR increments of $NO_2$ at cumulative lag 0-3 (RR, 1.149; 95% CI, 1.022 to 1.291). Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that ambient air pollution, specifically $NO_2$, is associated with ED visits for diabetic coma.

• 한국응용과학기술학회지
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.374-384
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• 2016

대기오염에 관한 관심은 국내 외에서 점진적으로 상승하고 있으며, 자동차와 연료분야 연구자들은 청정 (친환경 대체연료) 연료와 연료품질 향상 등을 이용하여 새로운 엔진 설계, 혁신적인 후 처리 시스템 등의 많은 방법으로 차량 배기가스를 감소시키려고 노력하고 있다. 이러한 연구들은 주로 배출 가스 및 가솔린 차량의 PM 입자 배출 두 가지 이슈로 진행되고 있다. 자동차의 배출가스 및 미규제 물질, PM (입자상 물질) 입자는 환경오염과 인체에 악영향을 주는 많은 문제를 일으키고 있다. 자동차 배출가스의 주요 물질인 입자상 물질은 작은 입자로 구성된다. 이러한 작은 크기 때문에, 흡입된 입자는 쉽게 폐 깊숙이 침투 할 수 있다. 이 입자의 거친 표면들은 대기중에서 다른 독성 물질과 결합하기가 쉽다. 따라서 입자흡입의 위험을 증가시킨다. 함산소 연료첨가제 유형 (MTBE, 바이오 ETBE, 바이오 에탄올, 바이오 부탄올)에 기초하여, 본 논문은 가솔린 자동차 배출가스 및 미규제 물질, 나노입자 배출에 산소함량의 영향을 토론하였다. 또한, 본 논문은 두 가지 시험모드를 사용하여 배출가스 특성을 평가하였다. 시험모드는 FTP-75 및 HWFET 모드이었다. 전체 측정항목에서 배출가스 규제 값보다 적게 배출되고 있는 것을 볼 수 있었고, 산소함량이 증가하면서 측정항목에 따라 증감이 다름을 알 수 있었다.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.6-15
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• 2024

Background: People's activities have been restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes in activity patterns may lead to a decrease in fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) concentrations. Additionally, the level of population exposure to PM_2.5 may be changed. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the impact of population movement and meteorological factors on the distribution of PM_2.5 concentrations before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. Methods: The study area was Guro-gu in Seoul. The research period was selected as January to March 2020, a period of significant population movement changes caused by COVID-19. The evaluation of the dynamic population was conducted by calculating the absolute difference in population numbers between consecutive hours and comparing them to determine the daily average. Ambient PM_2.5 concentrations were estimated for each grid using ordinary kriging in Python. For the population exposure assessment, the population-weighted average concentration was calculated by determining the indoor to outdoor population for each grid and applying the indoor to outdoor ratio to the ambient PM_2.5 concentration. To assess the factors influencing changes in the ambient PM_2.5 concentration, a statistical analysis was conducted, incorporating population mobility and meteorological factors. Results: Through statistical analysis, the correlation between ambient PM_2.5 concentration and population movement was positive on both weekends and weekdays (r=0.71, r=0.266). The results confirmed that most of the relationships were positive, suggesting that a decrease in human activity can lead to a decrease in PM_2.5 concentrations. In addition, when population-weighted concentration averages were calculated and the exposure level of the population group was compared before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, the proportion of people exceeding the air quality standard decreased by approximately 15.5%. Conclusions: Human activities can impact ambient concentrations of PM_2.5, potentially altering the levels of PM_2.5 exposure in the population.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.217-225
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• 2016

The purpose of the study was to initially investigate the concentration patterns of $PM_1$, $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ in the Seoul subway lines, and then to figure out the PM behaviors of internal and external sources inside subway tunnels. The PMs were monitored by a light scattering real-time monitor during winter (Jan. 8-26 in 2015) and summer (July 2-Aug. 7 in 2015) in tunnel air, in passenger cabin air, and in the ambient air. The daily average $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$, and $PM_1$ concentrations on these object lines were $101.3{\pm}38.4$, $81.5{\pm}30.2$, and $59.7{\pm}19.9{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. On an average, the PM concentration was about 1.2 times higher in winter than in summer and about 1.5 times higher in underground tunnel sections than in ground sections. In this study, we also calculated extensively the average PM mass ratios for $PM_{2.5}/PM_{10}$, $PM_1/PM_{10}$, and $PM_1/PM_{2.5}$; for example, the range of $PM_{2.5}/PM_{10}$ ratio in tunnel air was 0.82-0.86 in underground tunnel air, while that was 0.48-0.68 in outdoor ground air. The ratio was much higher in tunnel air than in outdoor air and was always higher in summer than in winter in case of outdoor air. It seemed from the results that the in/out air quality as well as a proper amount of subway ventilation must be significant influence factors in terms of fine PM management and control for the tunnel air quality improvement.

• 대기
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.501-509
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• 2019

Asian Dust is a meteorological phenomenon that sand particles are raised from the arid and semi-arid regions-Taklamakan Desert, Gobi Desert and Inner Mongolia in China-and transported by westerlies and deposited on the surface. Asian dust results in a negative effect on human health as well as environmental, social and economic aspects. For monitoring of Asian Dust, Korea Meteorological Administration operates 29 stations using a continuous ambient particulate monitor. Kim et al. (2016) developed an automatic quality check (AQC) algorithm for objective and systematic quality check of observed PM₁₀ concentration and evaluated AQC with results of a manual quality check (MQC). The results showed the AQC algorithm could detect abnormal observations efficiently but it also presented a large number of false alarms which result from valid error check. To complement the deficiency of AQC and to develop an AQC system which can be applied in real-time, AQC has been modulated. Based on the analysis of instrument status codes, valid error check process was revised and 6 status codes were further considered as normal. Also, time continuity check and spike check were modified so that posterior data was not referred at inspection time. Two-year observed PM₁₀ concentration data and corresponding MQC results were used to evaluate the modulated AQC compared to the original AQC algorithm. The results showed a false alarm ratio decreased from 0.44 to 0.09 and the accuracy and the probability of detection were conserved well in spite of the exclusion of posterior data at inspection time.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• 제7권4호
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• pp.209-216
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• 2013

This study focused on a comprehensive and detailed interpretation for the springtime air quality influenced by both artificial (particulate matter (PM) and asbestos) and biological (pollen) sources in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. An intensive measurement of PM was conducted at four characteristic sites (i.e., a heavy traffic area, a residential area, an industrial area, and a desolate area) in the Fukuoka Prefecture during spring of 2007. Analysis of major ionic species in $PM_{2.5}$ was performed by an Ion Chromatography, and asbestos and pollen were identified by Scanning Electron Microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX). $PM_{2.5}$ concentration ($65.3{\mu}gm^{-3}$) measured in an industrial area (site C) was extraordinarily high compared to those monitored in other areas; it greatly exceeded the Japan's $PM_{2.5}$ criteria (a daily average of $35{\mu}gm^{-3}$). NOAA's HYSPLIT dispersion model suggests that this high level of $PM_{2.5}$ monitored at site C is unlikely to affect the Asian continent. The ambient concentrations of $PM_{2.5}$-related anions ($NH_4{^+}$, $NO_3{^-}$, and $SO_4{^{2-}}$) and their relative contributions to $PM_{2.5}$ were also investigated in four study areas. The concentrations of these major water-soluble ions exhibit not only strong spatial dependence but also different ratios to each other. Asbestos fiber (crocidolite and amosite) concentration values changed in the range of 2.5 to 14.4 f per liter of air. The number of pollen grains showed that Cedar ranked higher in concentration than other types of pollen, with the maximum concentration at site A.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제55권6호
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• pp.185-192
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• 2012

The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased worldwide, a phenomenon that can be largely attributed to environmental effects. Among environmental factors, air pollution due to traffic is thought to be a major threat to childhood health. Residing near busy roadways is associated with increased asthma hospitalization, decreased lung function, and increased prevalence and severity of wheezing and allergic rhinitis. Recently, prospective cohort studies using more accurate measurements of individual exposure to air pollution have been conducted and have provided definitive evidence of the impact of air pollution on allergic diseases. Particulate matter and ground-level ozone are the most frequent air pollutants that cause harmful effects, and the mechanisms underlying these effects may be related to oxidative stress. The reactive oxidative species produced in response to air pollutants can overwhelm the redox system and damage the cell wall, lipids, proteins, and DNA, leading to airway inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Pollutants may also cause harmful effects via epigenetic mechanisms, which control the expression of genes without changing the DNA sequence itself. These mechanisms are likely to be a target for the prevention of allergies. Further studies are necessary to identify children at risk and understand how these mechanisms regulate gene-environment interactions. This review provides an update of the current understanding on the impact of air pollution on allergic diseases in children and facilitates the integration of issues regarding air pollution and allergies into pediatric practices, with the goal of improving pediatric health.