• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.823-839
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• 2012

Environmental Specimen Banks (ESBs) are playing pivotal role in monitoring the effect of environmental pollution on the ecosystem based on the retrospective analysis of the representative samples collected regularly and stored in cryogenic condition. In Korea, National Environmental Specimen Bank (NESB) was established in 2009 and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sampling, and cryogenic milling and storage had been prepared during 2007-2010. Since then, the tentative SOPs for the seven kinds of specimens (shoots of Red Pine (Pinus densiflora) and Korean Pine (Pinus koraiensis), leaves of Mongolian Oak (Quercus mongolica) and Zelkova Tree (Zelkova serrata), eggs of Feral Pigeon (Columba livia var. domestica), muscles and organs of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), and Freshwater Bivalve (Unio (Nodularia) douglasiae)) have been put to test in the field and laboratory as well against the practicality and feasibility. The SOPs were improved by reflecting the findings from the research and the following discussion regarding the selection of specimen (Feral Pigeon suffering from a control management), sample size (a problem of decreasing number of sampling trees related to increasing sampling time) and period (a problem related to a bud growth), and sampling methods etc.. In addition, barcoding system for the management of the specimen information, and monitoring system of the cryogenic storage to regulate the optimum temperature and the liquid nitrogen level were also developed for the efficient and effective control of the samples. Lastly, the safety guide and emergency protocol were augmented to guarantee a safe work environment with the cryogenic facility. These improvements of the SOPs are expected to contribute to more stable operation of the NESB.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.2
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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.

• Proceedings of the Korea Environmental Mutagen Society Conference
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• 2004.05a
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• pp.61-61
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• 2004

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Biology Conference
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• 2001.12a
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• pp.92-92
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• 2001

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Biology Conference
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• 2001.12a
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• pp.93-93
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• 2001

• 한국생물공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.390-390
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• 2003

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.369-375
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• 2009

We evaluated the homogeneity and accuracy of low level airborne fibrous standard, and accomplished the proper proficiency test. We had found that the correlation of concentration of standard solution and asbestos density was 0.9863~0.9968, and concluded that the proper guideline of the analysis result was ${\mid}Z{\mid}{\leq}2$ interval of Z-score.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Toocicology Conference
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• 2001.11a
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• pp.98-98
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• 2001

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.529-540
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• 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare exposure levels of PAHs and benzene metabolites in the urine of nationally representative adults in Korea and identify exposure factors in relation to questionnaire results. Methods: The study analyzed PAHs and benzene metabolites in the urine of adults aged 19 and older recruited in Cycles 1-3 of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS). Participants were administered questionnaires on demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary habits to identify the association with exposure levels to environmental chemicals. Results: 1-hydroxypyrene and t,t-muconic acid levels in this study were higher than those in large-scale biomonitoring conducted in other countries (the US and Canada), while 2-hydroxynaphthalene levels were lower. Most environmental chemicals exhibited significant differences depending on gender and age, and exposure levels tended to increase with grilled food intake. In addition, variables such as smoking, distance between home and a road, travelling on public transportation, and ventilation time had a significant effect on exposure to environmental chemicals. Conclusions: The importance of this study lies in utilizing the representative results of KoNEHS, large scale biomonitoring conducted in Korea over roughly ten years. Variables including smoking and roasted food intake were found to affect exposure to PAHs and benzene, which can be used to establish baseline exposure levels of environmental chemicals in Korea.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.15-26
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• 1998

In order to assess the present status of the fragmentation of ecosystem and the building of ecological corridor, 79 EISs(Environment Impact Statements) which were conducted in Kyunggido and Kangwondo have been reviewed using 36 analysing factor. The results obtained from this study were as follows: a. The most frequently appearing type of ecosystem fragmentation was 'mountain vs. mountain type in topography' and '2 vs. 2 grades in the degree of green naturality.' b. The most frequently listed fauna in EISs included squirrels and wild rabbits for mammals, grass snake and pit viper for reptiles, and tree frog and true tree frog for amphibians. c. Among the EISs for 50 projects, the construction of ecological corridor mentioned in only 4 projects and other structures such as drainage duct and closed conduit in 14 projects were suggested as ecological corridor. There were no corridors suggested in 32 projects. Thus, in case of using other structures for wildlife animals but ecological corridors, it should be accompanied by incidental facilities for including animal movement.