• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.191-199
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• 2012

Objectives: The study aim was to evaluate the application of a chemical exposure assessment tool for the Korean workplace. The Ministry of Employment and Labor in Korea (KMOEL) introduced the need for workplace risk assessments in 2011, requiring the Korean chemical industry to consider both domestic and international chemical regulation policies (e.g., estimations of exposure scenarios). Exposure scenarios are required in the European Union as part of material safety data sheets (MSDS) under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) system. Methods: Although many programs for the estimation of exposure have been developed worldwide, to date there is no standard for the Korean workplace. To develop programs suitable for the Korean workplace, we examined the applicability of the European Center for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals target risk assessment (ECETOC TRA), which is recommended by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA). Results: To investigate the applicability of the ECETOC TRA to Korean industry, this study simulated 15 industrial processes. The predicted respiratory exposures for four processes using origin input parameters were underestimated compared to the measured respiratory exposure. Using calibrated input parameters, results for two processes were underestimated compared to the measured respiratory exposure. This result suggests that the use of calibrated input parameters reduces the differences between predicted and measured respiratory exposure. Conclusions: we developed applicable exposure estimating method by modifying the ECETOC TRA program; one suggested the development of exposure estimating program that explains Korea domestic workplace exposure scenario.This study will support the introduction of exposure scenario in MSDS system and protect health of worker from hazardous chemical.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.215-229
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• 2023

Objectives: To validate the effectiveness of a real-time chemical exposure monitoring system developed by KOSHA (Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency), we applied the system to a workplace in the electronics industry for 153 days. Methods: The monitoring system consisted of a PID chemical sensor, a LTE communication equipment, and a web-based platform. To monitor chemical exposure, four sets of sensors were placed in two manufacturing tasks - inspection and jig cleaning - which used TCE as a degreasing agent. We reviewed previous reports of work environment measurements and conducted a new work environment measurement on one day during the period. The PID sensor systems detected the chemical exposure levels in the workplace every second and transmitted it to the platform. Daily average and maximum chemical exposure levels were also recorded. Results: We compared the results from the real-time monitoring system and the work environment measurement by traditional methods. Generally, the data from the real-time monitoring system showed a higher level because the sensors were closer to the chemical source. We found that 28% of jig cleaning task data exceeded the STEL. Peak exposure levels of sensor data were useful for understanding the characteristics of the task's chemical use. Limitations and implications were reviewed for the adoption of the system for preventing poisoning caused by chemical substances. Conclusions: We found that the real-time chemical exposure monitoring system was an efficient tool for preventing occupational diseases caused by chemical exposure, such as acute poisoning. Further research is needed to improve the reliability and applicability of the system. We also believe that forming a social consensus around the system is essential.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.257-265
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• 2008

Nanotechnology is emerging as one of the key technologies of the 21 st century and is expected to enable one to broaden the applicability across a wide range of sectors that can benefit public and improve industrial competitiveness. Already, consumer products containing nanomaterials are available in markets including coatings, computers, clothing, cosmetics, sports equipment and medical devices. Recently, Institute of Occupational Medicine in UK reported an occupational hygiene review for nanoparticles in the viewpoint of nanotoxicity. They reported that the exposure control is very important issues in workplace for exposure assessment, but no proper methods are available to measure the extent of exposures to nanoparticles in the workplace. Therefore, for the estimation of exposure of nanomaterials, we have to approach the material-balance methodology, which similarly carried out in TRI (toxic release inventory) for hazardous chemicals. In order to use this methodology, the exposure source of nanomaterials should be determined firstly. Therefore, herein we investigated the main sources and processes for the exposure to nanomaterals by conducting the survey. The results could be used to define and assess nanohazard sources.

• International Journal of Contents
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• 제12권3호
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• pp.17-21
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to obtain qualitative data on Korean-American dry cleaners' concerns about work-related health and safety and their attitudes toward the use of PPE(Personal Protective Equipment). Two focus group discussions were conducted with convenient samples of Korean-American drycleaners in middle-eastern state. A total of 13 individuals participated in two focus groups. Participants had concerns as both owners and workers. As owners, they were concerned mostly about compliance of environmental regulation and economic depression. The participants knew very little about the hazards of chemical exposure and expressed vague concerns about chemical exposure and health. Majority of participants do not use PPE and had no intention of using it in the future because of their limited knowledge about the hazardous nature of chemical exposure. The findings from this study would guide the development of intervention to increase drycleaners knowledge of chemical exposure and use of PPE.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.155-165
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• 2021

Objectives: Acute exposure to high concentrations of chemicals can occur when a chemical accident takes place. As such exposure can cause ongoing environmental pollution, such as in the soil and groundwater, there is a need for a tool that can assess health effects in the long term. The purpose of this study was assessing the health risks of residents living near a chemical accident site due to long-term exposure while considering the temporal concentration changes of the toxic chemicals leaked during the accident until their extinction in the environment using a multimedia environmental dynamics model. Methods: A health risk assessment was conducted on three cases of formaldehyde chemical accidents. In this study, health risk assessment was performed using a multimedia environmental dynamics model that considers the behavior of the atmosphere, soil, and water. In addition, the extinction period of formaldehyde in the environment was regarded as extinction in the environment when the concentration in the air and soil fell below the background concentration prior to the accident. The subjects of health risk assessment were classified into four groups according to age: 0-9 years old, 10-18 years old, 19-64 years old, and over 65 years old. Carcinogenic risk assessment by respiratory exposure and non-carcinogenic risk assessment by soil intake were conducted as well. Results: In the assessment of carcinogenic risk due to respiratory exposure, the excess carcinogenic risk did not exceed 1.0×10-6 in all three chemical accidents, so there was no health effect due to the formaldehyde chemical accident. As a result of the evaluation of non-carcinogenic risk due to soil intake, none of the three chemical accidents had a risk index of 1, so there was no health effect. For all three chemical accidents, the excess cancer risk and hazard index were the highest in the age group 0-9. Next, 10-18 years old, 65 years old or older, and 19-64 years old showed the highest risk. Conclusion: This study considers environmental changes after a chemical accident occurs and until the substance disappears from the environment. It also conducts a health risk assessment by reflecting the characteristics of the long-term persistence and concentration change over time. It is thought that it is of significance as a health risk assessment study reflecting the exposure characteristics of the accident substance for an actual chemical accident.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.142-153
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• 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine environmental chemical exposure related to residential and personal lifestyle characteristics in the adult Korean population. The observations of this study can provide information useful for developing reduction approaches for exposure to chemicals among the general adult population. Methods: The second stage of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNHES) was conducted from 2012 to 2014, with 6,478 persons participating. Using the results of the survey, the relationship between exposure levels of heavy metals and organic chemicals and exposure factors, e.g. residential and personal lifestyle characteristics, were analyzed. Results: The exposure levels of VOCs and PAHs were significantly lower in participants living at a distance of more than 100 m from roads versus living closer to roads. Home ventilation lowered VOC and PAH exposure but did not lower chemical exposure from household products. Use of public transportation showed lower exposure to heavy metals, VOCs, and PAHs. Current smoker was significantly higher for levels of heavy metals, VOCs, and PAHs, and the exposure trend was similar for current drinkers. Physical activity was related with higher exposure to phthalates and environmental phenols. Conclusion: Our observations based on a nationally representative population for Korea show that exposure to chemicals varies by residential and personal lifestyle, and this should be considered for developing appropriate mitigation measures and policies. Given the health concerns surrounding environmental chemicals, it is necessary to develop comprehensive measures to reduce chemical exposure.

• 한국가스학회지
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• 제21권5호
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• pp.77-82
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• 2017

노후화 된 공정설비와 공장의 규모 확대 등 유해화학물질 사용량이 증가하고 있으며, 2013년부터 지속적으로 누출에 의한 사고가 발생하는 것을 확인할 수 있다. 장외영향평가에서 누출에 대한 끝점 농도는 ERPG 2로 나타내며, 안전보건공단의 가이드에서 시간에 따라 7분 미만에서 10분의 AEGL 2, 7분 이상 25분 미만일 때는 30분의 AEGL 2값을 사용한다. 기준이 되는 끝점 농도가 시간에 따라 모호하게 사용되고 있어, 사고 발생 시 문제를 야기할 것으로 생각이 된다. 이에 본 연구에서 회귀곡선을 통해 1~10분 사이의 AEGL 값을 도출하고, 동 시간의 Probit function의 0% Lethality 데이터와 비교하였으며, AEGL 결과 값을 사용하여 보다 명확한 시간에 따른 독성누출 평가에 활용될 것으로 생각된다.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제4권4호
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• pp.177-186
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• 2013

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in industry is increasing, bringing with it a number of adverse health effects on workers. Like other chemical carcinogens, NPs can cause cancer via oxidative DNA damage. Of all the molecules vulnerable to oxidative modification by NPs, DNA has received the greatest attention, and biomarkers of exposure and effect are nearing validation. This review concentrates on studies published between 2000 and 2012 that attempted to detect oxidative DNA damage in humans, laboratory animals, and cell lines. It is important to review these studies to improve the current understanding of the oxidative DNA damage caused by NP exposure in the workplace. In addition to examining studies on oxidative damage, this review briefly describes NPs, giving some examples of their adverse effects, and reviews occupational exposure assessments and approaches to minimizing exposure (e.g., personal protective equipment and engineering controls such as fume hoods). Current recommendations to minimize exposure are largely based on common sense, analogy to ultrafine material toxicity, and general health and safety recommendations.

• 생태와환경
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• 제56권4호
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• pp.406-413
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• 2023

어류의 시각적 및 화학적 정보를 토대로 포식자를 인지하는 능력은 개체가 자연에서 생활하는 동안 학습을 통해서 확보된다. 하지만 인공증식된 멸종위기종들의 경우 자연적응력 부족으로 인한 복원효율성 저하가 지속적으로 발생하고 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 복원을 위해 인공증식된 멸종위기종 여울마자의 자연적응력 증진을 위해 포식자 인지 능력 증진을 수행하였다. 연구결과 포식자 인지 훈련 기간에 따라 자극원에 대한 반응성이 달라짐을 확인할 수 있었으며, 인공증식된 여울마자는 동종의 알람신호를 통해 위험을 인지하는 능력이 떨어져 있었으며, 이는 포식 위험원 노출을 통한 훈련으로 개선이 가능하였고, 포식자에 노출되었을 때 포식자와 알람신호에 동시에 노출 되었을 경우 훈련 기간이 길어짐에 따라 자극에 대한 반응성이 줄어드는 것을 확인하였다. 알람신호에 대한 반응은 시간이 지날수록 커지는 경향을, 포식자에 대한 반응은 훈련 48시간 후 가장 높은 반응을 보이고 72시간 후 반응성이 떨어지는 경향을, 알람신호와 포식자 동시 노출에 대한 반응은 훈련 이전 가장 높은 반응을 보인 뒤 반응성이 낮아진 채로 유지되는 경향을 보였다. 따라서 방류 전 인공증식 개체의 동종의 알람신호(화학적 자극)에 대한 반응성을 높이기 위한 프로그램이 필요하며, 포식자(시각적 자극)에 대한 반응성도 높게 나타난 48시간가량의 포식 위험원 노출이 적합하다고 판단된다. 본 실험을 통해 인공증식 여울마자의 동족 알람신호 자극에 대한 반응성 부족이 확인되었으며 멸종위기종 방류전 자연성 증진 프로그램의 운용의 필요성이 확인되었다.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제7권1호
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• pp.61-71
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• 1991

The acute and genetic effect of formaldehyde on mice through inhalation route was studied. The Riley's chamber with one stack of cage was used for the exposure and the micronucleus test was performed under unprecedently maximum exposure concentration. LC50's of formaldehyde in mice by whole body exposure for 4 hours were 105.5 ppm with 95% confidence interval of 72.6 ppm and 143.2 ppm for male, and 159.2 ppm with 95% confidence interval of 116.5 ppm and 272.7 ppm for female. Cinicial symptoms by acute exposure were salivation, lacrimation, and abnormal respiration.