• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.163-173
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• 2020

Objectives: The study was evaluated exposure variation and daily absorption level of cadmium, lead concentration of ambient air of monthly data from 1999 to 2017 for main exposure factor in outdoor workers. Methods: Based on the monthly data from 'The annual report of air quality in Korea from 1999 to 2018' in 'Air Korea' website in the Korean Ministry of Environment. The monthly data of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, cadmium, lead concentration of ambient air were recalculated to average, minimum, and maximum. And these data were combined to Asian-dust exposure data from 'The annual report of Asian-dust·smog in 2017' of National Institute of Meteorological Sciences in Korea. Results: Geometric mean(minimum-maximum) concentration in ambient air of monthly data were 0.0017 (ND-0.2015) mg/㎥ in cadmium and 0.0467(ND-0.8554) mg/㎥ in Pb from 1999 to 2017. Both of Cd and Pb concentration in ambient air showed the highest concentration in January and the lowest in August among annual variation from 1999 to 2017. PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 level showed the highest in March(PM₁₀) and February (PM_2.5) the lowest in August both of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5. Discussion: Based on exposure data and prior reports, daily Cd absorption was estimated to 0.013(ND-1.511) mg/day from respiration and 1.89 mg/day from daily food(25.2 mg/day of daily Cd intake). In case of Pb, daily absorption was estimated to 0.350(ND-6.416) mg/day from respiration and 1.38-1.71 mg/day from daily food intake. Conclusion: Cd and Pb with Asian-dust have high influential factor to increase the Cd and Pb exposure at Winter and Spring season in outdoor workers.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.488-499
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• 2019

Objectives: This study was conducted to identify the characterization of organics solvent exposure among painting workers in the shipbuilding painting process, especially for their daily variations(within worker variance). Methods: Charcoal passive dosimeters were worn throughout each work shift for 20 days for five painting workers from October 19 to November 26, 2015. A total of 100 samples were collected, analyzed and compared with statutory workplace environmental measurements. Results: The geometric mean(GM) and geometric standard deviation(GSD) of mixed organic solvent(six substances) exposure index(EI) for the 100 samples were 0.42 and 4.42 respectively. The median and range of GSD for within worker EI representing five workers' daily EI variation is 3.72 and 2.63 ~ 5.20, respectively, which is classified as a very large variation(GSD>3). We were able to divide the painting process into two similar exposure groups(SEGs), Touch-up and Spray. Spray painting workers were much more exposed to organic solvent than Touch-up painting workers(GM=0.71 vs. 0.19), but less variably (GSD=3.64 vs. 4.10). xylene is the substance to which the workers were most exposed(GM=16.19 ppm, GSD=4.36), and the exposure characteristics of six substances including xylene is similar to those of EI. Conclusions: The daily variation of organic solvent exposure in the shipbuilding painting process is so high that statutory Assessment of Reliability of Work Environment Monitoring needs to be conducted with statistically sufficient number of samples and evidence.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.197-201
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• 2006

Daily and seasonal variations of the ambient gamma ray exposure rates were measured by using a pressurized ion chamber from January 2003 to December 2005 in the CheongJu Regional Radiation Monitoring Post and the patterns of the distributions were studied. The annual average of the daily variation of the exposure rate was $\sim0.17{\mu}R/h$. The exposure rate was found to be maximum during 8:00 am to 9:00 am and minimum during 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. For the annual data, the exposure rate was the minimum during the month of February. The exposure rate increased from February to mid-October (except during the period from May to July with no change) and decreased from October to February. The seasonal variation was found to be about $1{\mu}R/h$. Most of the measured values (96%) of the exposure rates fell under the normal distribution with a deviation of less than 4.8% and the remaining 4% had large fluctuations caused mainly by the rainfalls.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.255-269
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• 2003

The objective of this study was to estimate human exposure to benzo (a)pyrene through multimedia/multi-pathway exposure scenario. The human exposure scenario for benzo(a)pyrene was consisted of 12 multiple exposure pathways, and the multipathway human exposure model based on this scenario constituted. In this study, the multipathway human exposure model was used to estimate the concentrations in the exposure contact media, human intake factors and lifetime average daily dose (LAD $D_{model}$) of benzo(a)pyrene in the environment. Sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the important parameters and Monte-Carlo simulation was undertaken to examine the uncertainty of the model. The total LAD $D_{model}$ was estimated to be 5.52${\times}$10$^{-7}$ mg/kg-day (2.06${\times}$10$^{-7}$ -8.65${\times}$10$^{-7}$ mg/kg-day) using the multipathway human exposure model. The inhalation dose accounted for 78% of the total LADD, whereas ingestion and dermal contact intake accounted for 20.2% and 1.8% of the total exposure, respectively. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the most significant contributing input parameter was benzo (a)pyrene concentration of ambient air. Consequently, exposure via inhalation in outdoor/indoor air was the highest compared with the exposure via other medium/pathways.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Food Hygiene and Safety Conference
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• 2002.05a
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• pp.139-142
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• 2002

This study carried out to evaluate TMDI(theoretical maximum daily intake) and EDI(estimated daily intake) for Korean by using MRLs, food intake, residue data, and correction factors and compare with ADI(acceptable daily intake) in order to estimate the health risk based on the pesticide exposure.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.569-576
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• 2019

Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to assess firefighters' daily personal noise exposure and explore noise levels related to specific tasks and their contributions to total noise exposure using 24-hour full-shift noise exposure measurements with task-based data. Methods: Noise exposure was assessed for eight firefighters (two rescuers, two drivers, and four suppressors) using time-activity diaries. We collected a total of 24 full-shift personal noise sample sets (three samples per a firefighter). The 24-hour shift-adjusted daily personal noise exposure level (L_ep,d), eight weekly personal noise exposures (L_eq,w), and 40 task-specific L_eq values (L_{eq activity}) were calculated via the ISO/NIOSH method. Results: The firefighter noise-sample datasets showed that most firefighters are exposed to noise levels above EU recommended levels at a low-action value. The highest noise exposure was for rescuers, followed by drivers and suppressors. Noise measurements with time-at-task information revealed that 82.3% of noise exposure occurred when checking equipment and responding to fire or emergency calls. Conclusions: The results indicate that firefighters are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Therefore, efforts at noise-control are necessary for their protection. This task-specific noise exposure assessment also shows that protective measures should be focused on certain tasks, such as checking and testing equipment.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.311-323
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• 2019

The number of newly constructed traditional Korean houses, i.e., Hanoks, and light-frame buildings is increasing. However, related research is limited owing to the lack of awareness regarding safety evaluations. Therefore, this study conducted an outdoor exposure test to accurately evaluate wooden constructions. Spruce, pine, and fir (SPF) material was monitored for a year, wherein the SPF material was artificially dried under 18% moisture content, and its physical properties and color differences were measured once a month. Large differences were observed in the material's weight and moisture content, which are indexes sensitive to daily range and rainfall; however, no significant difference was found for other basic properties in the pre and post test results. Herein, $L^*$, $a^*$, and $b^*$ values represent color differences; these values exhibited a general decrease after the test. Such differences were attributed to the loss of lignin in the wood. The color difference value was high between the months of May and July, when the daily range and rainfall significantly fluctuated. Multiple regression analysis was performed on the $a^*$ value (redness indicator), daily range, rainfall, and ultraviolet index. The results indicated that the daily range influenced redness the most. According to the estimated regression equation, the daily range and redness are positively correlated. Based on the results, the types and influence of independent variables on color difference are expected to change as the wood's duration of outdoor exposure and the amount of data obtained both increase.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.313-323
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• 2017

Objectives: This study aimed to assess exposure to black carbon(BC) among forklift operators and to identify environmental and occupational factors influencing their BC exposure. Methods: We studied a total of 23 forklift operators from six workplaces manufacturing paper boxes. A daily BC exposure assessment was conducted during working hours from January to April 2017. A micro-aethalometer was used to monitor daily BC exposure, and information on work activities was also obtained through a time-activity diary(TAD) and interviews. BC exposure records were classified into four categories influencing BC exposure level: working environment, workplace, forklift operation, and job characteristics. Analysis of variance(ANOVA) was used to compare average BC exposure levels among the four categories and the relationships between potential factors and BC exposure were analyzed using a multiple linear regression model. Results: The operators' daily exposure was $12.9{\mu}g/m^3$(N=9,148, $GM=7.5{\mu}g/m^3$) with a range: $0.001-811.4{\mu}g/m^3$. The operators were exposed to significantly higher levels when they operate a forklift in a room ${\leq}20,000m^3$($AM=12.3{\mu}g/m^3$), in indoor workplaces($AM=16.3{\mu}g/m^3$), when they operate a forklift manufactured before 2006 ($AM=13.2{\mu}g/m^3$), a forklift with a loading limit of four-tons($AM=27.1{\mu}g/m^3$), with a roll and bale type clamp($AM=17.1{\mu}g/m^3$), and with no particulate filter($AM=15.7{\mu}g/m^3$). Conclusions: Occupational factors including temperature, smoking, season, daytime, room volume($m^3$), location of operating, and manufacturing era and model of forklift influenced the BC exposure of forklift operators. The results of this study can be used to minimize the BC exposure of forklift operators.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.11 no.1_2
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• pp.19-29
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• 1996

Human exposure to volatile compounds in tap water can occur from inhalation and dermal absorption as well as direct ingestion. The relative contribution to total human exposure from these pathways has been considered to be important especially for VOC's (volatile organic compounds). In an attempt to reduce the uncertainty of the risk assessment, it has been suggested that the exposure assessment process could be significantly improved by adopting Monte-Carlo simulation. However, there is no actual data in Korea for each exposure parameter to determine the level of exposure, and the distributional pattern. Therefore, we surveyed water use patterns and behavior related to multi-route exposure to VOC's in household tap water in Korea, and compared these values to the those in western countries. In the first survey, we calculated daily water intake using data from a sample of 1322 persons of several cities in Korea. In the second survey, we obtained questionnaire data on exposure time for showering, bathing and household activities, and tap water intake from 851households in Korea. In the last survey, we measured the exposure parameters (exposure time, water use rate etc.) related to showers, baths, toilets, dish washing, washing and cooking, and tap water intake was surveyed. Also, the subjects were measured their body weight, height and tidal volume, etc. A diary, a flow meter and a measuring cup were used to measure these values as precisely as possible. Average daily water intake was ranged 0.79-1.71 L/day for adults in three surveys. Tap water intake measured by log-sheet during one week in third survey was 1.26 (average), 1.98 L/day (90 percentlie), respectively. These results were comparable with results from EPA (1.4, 2L/day). The average amount of water used by housewives in the third survey was 515.0 $\pm$ 564.6L/day. In usual activity, the amount of water used in the bathroom, the laundry and the kitchen was 140.0 $\pm$ 538.9, 148.0 $\pm$ 174.5, 229.3 $\pm$ 205.4 L/day, respectively. Exposure parameters such as water intake rate, exposure duration, body weight, inhalation rates in surveyed data of Korean people differed from those published from western countries. This could be attributed to variations in lifestyle, dietary habits and physiological characteristics.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.201-215
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• 1999

Limited information is available on the acceptability of Korean MRLs(maximum residue limits) and the health risk based on the pesticide exposure by food intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate TMDI(theoretical maximum daily intake) and EDI(estimated daily intake) for Korean by using MRLs, food intake, residue data, and correction factors, and compare with ADI(acceptable daily intake) in order to estimate the health risk based on the pesticide exposure. The study was performed in three steps. In the frist step, the residual pesticides in each category of food were investigated using the pesticide residue analytical data(1995-96) from officially approved organizations and the analytical data for poultry was adopted from Korean food code method. In the second step, TMDI was estimated from MRLs and food factors, and was compared with ADI. In the third step, the effectiveness of each culinary treatment (washing, peeling, steaming, boiling, and salting) was evaluated and EDI was calculated using pesticide residue data, food factor, and correction factor by treatment. TMDI obtained from MRLs and food intake, and food intake was summed as 1,100.99 g, which was 79.1% of total consumption. The percent ratio of TMDI to ADI for 156 pesticides was mostly below 80% and only 30 pesticides exceeded the ADI. In particular, non-treated EDI from pesticide residue data and food intake was summed up to about 43 $\mu\textrm{g}$/day/capita, and the rank was procymidone(8.6 $\mu\textrm{g}$) > maleic hydrazide(8.2 $\mu\textrm{g}$) > EPN(3.7 $\mu\textrm{g}$) > deltamethrin(3.5 $\mu\textrm{g}$) > cypermethrin(3.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$). The treated EDI calculated from pesticide residue data, food intake, and correction factor by culinary treatment was summed up to 13.7 $\mu\textrm{g}$/day/captia. The percentage of ADI was TMDI(79.74%) > non-treated EDI (0.17%) > treated EDI (0.04%), and the exposure level of Korean population to whole pesticides was below the level to produce health risk. Oncogenic risk of five pesticides used in Korea whose oncogenic potency(Q*) was known were assessed from TMDI and treated EDI. Dietary oncogenic risk for Korean was estimated to be 2.0$\times$10-3 on the basis of TMDI, 8.3$\times$10-7 on the basis of treated EDI. The oncogenic risk from TMDI exceeded the risk level(1$\times$10-6) of EPA, whereas the oncogenic risk from treated EDI and real exposure level lower than that of EPA.