• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.269-273
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• 2014

The objective of this study is to safety assessment for human body on the guided missile combustion products. This study is to verify the safety assessment when operating the interior missile ejection take on verify the safety of the human body. During the missile ejection of combustion products, this study is analyzed combustion products. Result are accepted NIOSH and KOSHA of the safe guideline, and 6 exposure gas to the specified values 42% (CO), 22% ($CO_2$), not detected (others) are within minimal exposures criteria of the reference value respectively. Contribution of these results supported that interior missile ejection during combustion products may have been ensured human safely. Therefore, the future for improving the environmental safety of the shooting projectile steel plate round, dust collector, ventilation and other facilities is to improve environmental safety and efficient renovated design needed by target focused areas.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.57-63
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• 2016

In this study, the toxicity of combustion products of wood-based materials (MDF, OSB) were analyzed using experimental animal techniques. The average deed stopping time of MDF was shorter than that of OSB. This means that the toxicity of the combustion products of MDF is higher than that of OSB. To analyze the cause of the result quantitatively, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) of the gas phase materials was performed. Qualitative analysis result, CO and $CO_2$ were detected. Quantitative analysis results, the gas generation rate was higher in OSB than in MDF. Blood analysis of mice revealed, COHb to be higher in OSB than MDF. A correlation between the gas generation rate and COHb was found. Currently, the toxicity of the combustion products of the materials is being examined using the toxicity index, such as Fractional Effective Dose (FED). The FED is based on the gas emissions. The average deed stopping time decreased with increasing toxicity of exposed material. On the other hand, the result of this study showed that, the CO emissions of OBS were 186.5% that of MDF. The COHb of OSB was > 129.6% that of MDF. Nevertheless, the average deed stopping time of the OSB is 51 seconds longer than that of MDF. Therefore, more toxicity studies on factors other than the gas phase materials in the combustion products will be needed.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.28-34
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• 2019

Regardless of the ignition source, the main factors affecting the spread of flames to the human body are combustibles. The sound absorption material, which is the finishing material used in music institutes and karaoke rooms, consists of polyurethane that generates a large amount of toxic gas with a high amount of combustion gases during a fire. Still, the current law does not require the use of impregnated finishing materials for tutoring services with less than 100 users. In this study, the rate of flame diffusion was measured using the MultiRaelite composite gas measuring instrument (target substance VOC, HCHO, SO₂, CO₂, CO, HCN, and NO₂) for the collection of sound-absorbing materials installed in the actual music academy. The results showed that the toxic gas found in this experiment exceeded the allowable concentration of TWA (Time Weighted Average) and STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit). In addition, a comparative combustion test of the general sound absorber and non-combustion sound absorbing materials on the market showed wide differences in ignition and diffusion. Therefore, based on the results of the experiment, private institutes with less than 100 users should be mandated to use non-combustion sound absorbing materials.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.785-808
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• 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the short-term weathering on the flame retardant performance of wood coated with Dancheong. Flame retardants were applied on the Dancheong coated Korean red pine. Flame retardants applied panels were layed at the two conditions of outdoor exposure and artificial aging to assess the reliability of artificial aging. Flame retardants used were commercial products developed for historical wooden buildings. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the forming of carbonized membrane by melting of flame retardant on wood surface. These carbonized membranes may help delay the further combustion of wood. Flame retardant performance was assessed by measuring heat release rate (HRR) and total heat release (THR) by cone calorimetry. There was no difference in flame retardant performance between before and after 6-month outdoor exposure tests. And also no difference in flame retardant performance between before and after 2-week artificial aging which corresponds to 6-month outdoor exposure. Both tests showed the similar results of combustion characteristics.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Health Society Conference
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• 2005.12a
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• pp.4-15
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• 2005

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant with neurotoxic effects on the central nervous system. The major exposure route of MeHg to humans is via consumption of fish and shellfish which accumulate the chemical through the food web in an aquatic environment. Hair mercury level is an excellent marker for MeHg exposure. We have been conducting a survey on hair mercury contents among general populations from 14 districts to estimate the current Japanese MeHg exposure level. Total mercury levels of all hair samples collected (12923 in total) were analyzed by the oxygen combustion-gold amalgamation method using an atomic absorption mercury detector. Multiple regression analysis revealed that mercury levels were significantly correlated with several covariates, such as sex, age, the amount of daily intake of total fish/shellfish, a preference for certain fish such as tuna or bonito, and artificial waving. The geometric means for the population without artificial waving were 2.47 and 1.65 ${\mu}g/g$ for males (n = 5623) and females (n = 3470), respectively. Hair mercury levels varied with age, and the variations were more significant in males. Since the difference between sexes was not evident at younger ages, some hormonal control might also be involved in the mercury uptake by human hair. The average mercury levels in our hair samples varied among the sampling districts. Tuna is a major carnivorous fish with high mercury accumulations that is often consumed in Japan. The amount of fish consumption and the preference rate far tuna would appear to be responsible far the regional variation in hair mercury levels in Japan. Recently, a provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of MeHg was revised by 61st JECFA to 1.6 ${\mu}g/kg/week$, which was about half that of the Japanese standard, and corresponded to a hair level of 2.2 ppm. The distribution of hair mercury levels in Japanese populations in the present study indicated that 25% of the Japanese females of child-bearing age were estimated to be exposed to MeHg over the PTWI level. This would reflect the high Japanese consumption of marine products. However, not only mercury contamination, but also the nutritional benefit may have to be considered when discussing the risk involved in the current level of fish and shellfish consumption in Japan.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.66-77
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• 2023

Background: Along with the increase in consumer interest in and consumption of tattoo products, the controversy over harmful heavy metals associated with the use of tattoo cosmetics is also increasing. Therefore, investigation of hazardous metals in these tattoo products is needed. Objectives: This study was performed to provide useful data for establishing reasonable standards to securely manage tattoo cosmetics, tattoo stickers, and tattoo inks distributed in the market. Methods: Thirteen kinds of hazardous metal contents (Pb, As, Cd, Sb, Ni, Co, Cu, Cr, Se, Ba, Zn, Sn, and Hg) were analyzed for 23 tattoo cosmetics, ten tattoo stickers, and 16 tattoo inks. Hg was measured through the combustion-gold amalgamation method, and other hazardous metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after acidic decomposition using a microwave apparatus. Results: The detected ranges of Pb, As, Cd, Sb, Ni, and Hg in tattoo cosmetics were 0.07~1.18, 0.06~0.41, ND~0.07, 0.01~3.44, 0.12~2.75, and ND~0.01 ㎍/g, respectively. All of the hazardous metals detected were below the recommended maximum standards of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The mean amount of Pb detected in tattoo stickers for children was 0.24 ㎍/kg and Cd was not detected, meaning both metals met the recommended criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in all measured metals between children's tattoo stickers and adults' tattoo stickers. In the results of the study on the hazardous metal content of tattoo inks, four products (25%) for Pb, one product (6%) for As, 13 products (81%) for Ni, four products (25%) for Cu, and five products (31%) for Zn exceeded the recommended standards approved by the government. The highest predicted exposure amount for hazardous metals exceeding the recommended level of tattoo inks in a single tattooing was 5.69 ㎍/kg for Ni, 8.51 ㎍/kg for Zn, 0.44 ㎍/kg for Pb, 8.07 ㎍/kg for Cu, 0.44 ㎍/kg for As, and 71.36 ㎍/kg for Ba. Conclusions: It is necessary to prepare criteria for content limitation for the management of Co, Cr, Ba and Se tattoo cosmetics, and tattoo inks require thorough quality control.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.443-458
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• 2008

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are chemical compounds that inhibit the combustion of organic materials by scavenging free radicals that would otherwise encourage the spread of flames. These compounds are found in a wide variety of materials including paints, plastics, textiles, furniture and electronics. Mounting evidence, however, suggests that the non-reactive BFRs can easily leach into the environment and pose significant environmental and health concerns. PBDDs/PBDFs are often formed in the process of manufacturing brominated flame retardants and from the combustion of waste products containing flame retardants BFR. Therefore, this paper describes the general characteristics, management status, residual concentration in environments and analytical method.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.173-179
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• 2016

Coals and coal ashes, raw materials and by-products, in coal-fired power plants contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). They may give rise to internal exposure to workers due to inhalation of airborne particulates containing radioactive materials. It is necessary to characterize radioactivity concentrations of the materials for assessment of radiation dose to the workers. The objective of the present study was to analyze radioactivity concentrations of coals and by-products at four coal-fired plants in Korea. High purity germanium detector was employed for analysis of uranium series, thorium series, and potassium 40 in the materials. Radioactivity concentrations of $^{226}Ra$, $^{228}Ra$, and $^{40}K$ were $2{\sim}53Bq\;kg^{-1}$, $3{\sim}64Bq\;kg^{-1}$, and $14{\sim}431Bq\;kg^{-1}$ respectively in coal samples. For coal ashes, the radioactivity concentrations were $77{\sim}133Bq\;kg^{-1}$, $77{\sim}105Bq\;kg^{-1}$, and $252{\sim}372Bq\;kg^{-1}$ in fly ash samples and $54{\sim}91Bq\;kg^{-1}$, $46{\sim}83Bq\;kg^{-1}$, and $205{\sim}462Bq\;kg^{-1}$ in bottom ash samples. For flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, the radioactivity concentrations were $3{\sim}5Bq\;kg^{-1}$, $2{\sim}3Bq\;kg^{-1}$, and $22{\sim}47Bq\;kg^{-1}$. Radioactivity was enhanced in coal ash compared with coal due to combustion of organic matters in the coal. Radioactivity enhancement factors for $^{226}Ra$, $^{228}Ra$, and $^{40}K$ were 2.1~11.3, 2.0~13.1, and 1.4~7.4 for fly ash and 2.0~9.2, 2.0~10.0, 1.9~7.7 for bottom ash. The database established in this study can be used as basic data for internal dose assessment of workers at coal-fired power plants. In addition, the findings can be used as a basic data for development of safety standard and guide of Natural Radiation Safety Management Act.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.286-297
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• 2020

This research studied human health risk assessment of PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) in road dust sediments collected from 6 sites in four different cities in Korea. PAHs are well known to be human carcinogens and toxic compounds that are commonly generated from incomplete combustion of fuels and energy products. Such compounds which is absorbed by atmospheric suspended dust can be emitted into air in gaseous form and often deposited on road dust sediments. The PAHs which is deposited on sediment particles can also be re-dispersed by vehicles or winds on the road surface. It can be harmful for humans when exposed via breathing, ingestion and dermal contact. This study examined human health risk assessment of PAHs in deposited road dust sediments. Results showed that the excess cancer risk estimates were above 1.0×10-6 at main traffic roads and resident area in Ulsan city. According to the result of deterministic risk assessment, dermal-contact was the major pathway, while the contribution of the risk from inhalation was less than 1%. The probabilistic risk assessment showed similar levels of cancer risk derived from the deterministic risk assessment. The result of sensitivity analysis reveal that exposure time is the most contributing factor (69%). Since the values of carcinogenic risk assessment were higher than 1.0 × 10^-6, further detailed monitoring and refined risk assessment for PAHs may be required to identify more reliable and potential cancer risks for those who live in the study locations in Ulsan city.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.477-487
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• 2019

Objectives: Firefighters are known to be exposed to a variety of toxic substances, but little information is available on the exposure profile of firefighting activities. The aims of this study were to conduct exposure monitoring of toxic chemicals at fire scenes, to compare the concentrations of respective chemicals among firefighting tasks, and to assess the main factors influencing the concentrations of chemicals. Methods: Researchers performed sampling at firefighting scenes during four weeks in 2013. At the scene, we collected samples based on firefighters' own activities and examined the situation and scale of the accident. Collected samples were classified into three categories, including fire extinguishing and overhaul, and were analyzed in the laboratory according to respective analysis methods. Results: A total of fourteen fire activity events were surveyed: five fire extinguishing, six overhaul, and three fire investigations. Although no substance exceeded the ACGIH TLV, PAHs were detected in every sample. Naphthalene ranged from 0.24 to 279.13 mg/㎥ (median 49.6 mg/㎥) and benzo(a)pyrene was detected in one overhaul case at 10.85 ㎍/㎥. Benzene (0.01-12.2 ppm) was detected in every task and exceeded the ACGIH TLV. No significant difference in concentrations between tasks was shown. Conclusions: These results indicate that all firefighting tasks generated various hazardous combustion products, including possible carcinogens.