• Title/Summary/Keyword: Harmful air

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Experiment on Reduction of Pollutants in Titanium Dioxide Photocatalytic Ventilation System (이산화티탄 광촉매 환기장치의 오염물질 저감 실험)

  • Song, Yong Woo
    • Land and Housing Review
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    • v.13 no.2
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    • pp.117-123
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    • 2022
  • In this study, titanium dioxide photocatalyst was applied to the ventilation system to reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are representative indoor harmful substances. A reaction device capable of installing an ultraviolet lamp was designed and manufactured so that the pollutant decomposition effect of the titanium dioxide photocatalyst identified through previous studies could be applied indoors. The reaction device was used on the indoor ventilation system and applied to the Mock-Up test. As a result of the Mock-up test, the NOx reduction performance according to the change in air volume once per hour and five times per hour was confirmed. As a result, it was confirmed that as the number of ventilation increases, the NOx reduction time decreases proportionally, and the reduction performance increases.

Development of Large-sized Propane Engine for Emission Reduction of Construction Machinery (건설기계의 배출가스 저감을 위한 대형 프로판 전용 엔진 개발)

  • Yongrae Kim;Cheolwoong Park;Hyungjun Jang;Young Choi;Moonyong Jeong;Myunghoon Han;Donghoon Jeong
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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    • v.27 no.3
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    • pp.91-97
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    • 2023
  • Aging construction machinery and vehicles with old diesel engines usually have a long life span, so they continue to emit harmful emissions. Therefore, replacing these older diesel engines with engines that meet the latest emisstion standard is expected to help improve air quality, and engines with propane fuels, which are easily available at construction sites, can be an appropriate alternative. In this study, a propane fueled engine was developed based on a 6.8-liter CNG engine, and technologies such as gas injectors, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and enhanced catalysts were applied. As a result, nitrogen oxides achieved half of the emission performance at the Stage-V level, the latest emission standard, while securing diesel engine output and torque in the same class.

Numerical Study on Indoor Dispersion of Radon Emitted from Building Materials (건축자재로부터 방출되는 라돈의 실내 확산에 대한 수치해석적 연구)

  • Park, Hoon Chae;Choi, Hang Seok;Cho, Seung Yeon;Kim, Seon Hong
    • Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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    • v.36 no.5
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    • pp.325-332
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    • 2014
  • Growing concerns about harmful influence of radon on human body, many efforts are being made to decrease indoor radon concentration in advanced countries. To develop an indoor radon reduction technology, it is necessary to develop a technology to predict and evaluate indoor inflow and emission of radon. In line with that, the present study performed computational modelling of indoor dispersion of radon emitted from building materials. The computational model was validated by comparing computational results with analytical results. This study employed CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis to evaluate the radon concentration and the airflow characteristics. Air change rate and ventilation condition were changed and several building materials having different radon emission characteristics were considered. From the results, the indoor radon concentration was high at flow recirculation zones and inversely proportional to the air change rate. For the different building materials, the indoor radon concentration was found to be highest in cement bricks, followed by eco-carats and plaster boards in the order. The findings from this study will be used as a method for selecting building materials and predicting and evaluating the amount of indoor radon in order to reduce indoor radon.

A Study on Legal Issues in Telecommunication and Direct Broadcasting by Uses of Artificial Satellites (정보화(情報化) 시대(時代)에서의 통신(通信) 및 방송위성이용(放送衛星利用)에 따르는 법적(法的) 문제(問題) 분석(分析)과 대응방안 연구(硏究))

  • Lee, Young-Jin
    • The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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    • v.9
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    • pp.445-488
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    • 1997
  • In the forthcoming 21st century new technical and scientific developments in outer space demands new approaches towards the problems arising in several fields of the use and exploitation of outer space including practical applications. The main purposes of this study are to analyze the legal problems of geostationary orbital position, telecommunication, direct television broadcasting by uses of artificial satellites. Communication via artificial Earth satellites was one of the first applications of space technology and is now one of the most developed field. From the technical and economic standpoints the advantages of world-wide satellites communication system are too all obvious. However, as the practical uses of space technology become more freguent, the legal conflicts among nations have become more divisive. One of the problem grown in uses of artificial satellites is that of the increasing shortage of suitable orbital slot positions for satellites, especially in geostationary orbit. Legal status of geostationary orbit as a limited resourece have to be reviewed in consideration of the side effect of the "First use, first-served" principle. The geostationary orbit is to be used for the benifits of all mankind and to be guaranteed for each state institutionaly in order to have eguitable access to the use of the orbit. Rapid increase of satellites broadcasting system in not only developed countries but also in developing countries opened up new possibilities with one another's scientific and cultural achievements. But there is also a potential danger that this powerful new instrument of influencing public opinion will be abused. Such a danger incudes spill-over or harmful interference. This controversial issue brings about the question whether prior consent from the receiver nation is needed to broadcast across international boundaries. Some states have rejected prior consent because it interfere with the free flow of information. Many other countries have opposed that opinion as an invasion and violation of sovereignty and as a violation of the 1967 Treaty and the UN Charter. Since declaration of the First Year of Outer Space in 1985, our country have promoted the plan of launching communication and broadcasting satellites. With the Koreasat launched in 1995 as the start, a real satellite-telecommunication era was opened in korea. According to this new development of our country, there will also rise various legal problems related to satellite broadcasting and telecommunication such as the inflow of foreign programs, the permeation of culture and the infringement of program copyright. Consequently the effective reactions to these problems in satellite-communication era should be tried including international cooperation. It is therefore to take into careful consideration the legal issues which may arise in outer space activities and to formulate positive policy on international cooperation with surrounding or advanced countries and international organization concerned. For this purpose the United Nations also prepares the UNISPACE III in 1999, to enable the international community to meet a more promising 21st century.

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A Study of Improving Fuel Droplet Movement with Sonic Wave Radiation (음파를 이용한 연료 입자 운동성 향상에 관한 연구)

  • Min, Sunki
    • Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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    • v.20 no.12
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    • pp.608-613
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    • 2019
  • NOx (Nitrogen oxide) in the exhaust gas from vehicle engines is considered one of the most harmful substances in air pollution problems. NOx is made when combustion occurs under high temperature conditions and EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) is normally used to lower the combustion temperature. As the EGR ratio increases, the NOx level becomes low, but a high EGR ratio makes the combustion unstable and causes further air pollution problems, such as CO and unburned hydrocarbon level increase. This study showed that fuel droplets could move more freely by the radiation of sonic wave for the stable combustion. In addition, the engine performance improved with increasing EGR ratio. As a basic study, the effect of sonic wave radiation on the velocity of fuel droplets was studied using CFD software. The results showed that the velocity of small droplets increased more under high frequency sonic wave conditions and the velocity of the large droplets increased at low frequency sonic wave conditions. In addition, an engine analysis model was used to study the effects of the increased combustion stability. These results showed that a 15% increase in EGR ratio in combustion resulted in a 45% decrease in NOx and a 10% increase in thermal efficiency.

Air Temperature Decreasing Effects by Shading and Ventilation at Micro-scale Experiment Plots (소공간 실험구의 차광과 통풍에 의한 기온저감 효과)

  • Kim, Hyun-Cheol;Woo, Ji-Keun
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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    • v.13 no.6
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    • pp.39-48
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    • 2010
  • The purpose of this study was to analyze air temperature decreasing effects by shading and ventilation at micro-scale experiment plots, especially focused on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) in outdoor spaces. To monitor the time-serial changes of Dry-bulb Temperature (DT), Globe Temperature (GT) and Relative Humidity (RH) in the wind blocking and shading conditions, Two hexahedral steel frames were established on the open grass field, the dimension of each frame was 1.5m(W)${\times}$1.5m(L)${\times}$1.5m(H). Four vertical side of one frame was covered by transparent polyethylene film to prevent wind passing through (Wind break plot; WP). The top side of the other frame was covered with shading curtain which intercept 95% of solar light and energy (Shading plot; SP). And, Another vertical steel frame without any treatment preventing ventilation and sunlight was set up, which represents natural conditions (Control plot; CP). The major findings were as follows; 1. The average globe temperature (GT) was highest at WP showing $50.94^{\circ}C$ and lowest at SP showing $34.58^{\circ}C$. The GT of natural condition (SP) was $42.31^{\circ}C$ locating the midst between WP and SP. The difference of GT of each plot was about $8-16^{\circ}C$, which means the ventilation and shading has significant effect on decreasing the temperature. 2. WP showed the highest average dry-bulb temperature (DT) of $38.41^{\circ}C$ which apparently differ from SP and CP showing $31.94^{\circ}C$ and $33.15^{\circ}C$ respectively. The DT of SP and CP were nearly the same. 3. The average relative humidity (RH) was lowest at WP showing 15.21%, but SP and CP had similar RH 28.79%, 28.02% respectively. 4. The average of calculated WBGT were the highest at the WP ($27.61^{\circ}C$) and the lowest at the SP ($23.64^{\circ}C$). The CP ($25.49^{\circ}C$) was in the middle of the others. As summery, compared with natural condition (CP), the wind blocking increased about $2.11^{\circ}C$ WBGT, but the shading decreased about $1.84^{\circ}C$ WBGT. So It can be apparently said that the open space with much shading trees, sheltering furnitures and well-delivered wind corridor can reduce useless and even harmful energy for human outdoor activity considerably in outdoor spaces.

Seasonal Concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Residential Areas Around Petrochemical Complexes and Risk Assessment Using Monte-Carlo Simulation (석유화학단지 주변 주거지역 다환방향족탄화수소(PAHs)의 농도와 Monte-Carlo 모의실험을 통한 위해성평가)

  • Park, Dong-Yun;Choe, Young-Tae;Yang, Wonho;Choi, Kil-Yong;Lee, Chae-Kwan
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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    • v.47 no.4
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    • pp.366-377
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    • 2021
  • Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are generated in petrochemical complexes, can spread to residential areas and affect the health of residents. Although harmful PAHs are mainly present in particle phase, gas phase PAHs can generate stronger toxic substances through photochemical reaction. Therefore, the risk assessment for PAHs around the petrochemical complex should consider both particle and gas phase concentrations. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the concentration characteristics of particle and gas phase PAHs by season in residential areas around petrochemical complexes, and to assess the risk of PAHs. Methods: Samples were collected for 7 days by seasons in 2014~2015 using a high volume air sampler. Particle and gas phase PAHs were sampled using quartz filter and polyurethane foam, respectively, analyzed by GC-MS. Chronic toxicity and probabilistic risk assessment were performed on 14 PAHs. For chronic toxicity risk assessment, inhalation unit risk was used. Monte-Carlo simulation was performed for probabilistic risk assessment using the mean and standard deviation of measured PAHs. Results: The concentration of particle total PAHs was highest in autumn. The gas phase concentration was highest in autumn. The average gas phase distribution ratio of low molecular weight PAHs composed of 2~3 benzene rings was 85%. The average of the medium molecular weight composed of 4 benzene rings was 53%, and the average of the high molecular weight composed of 5 or more benzene rings was 9%. In the chronic toxicity risk assessment, 7 of the 14 PAHs exceeded the excess carcinogenic risk of 1.00×10-6. In the Monte-Carlo simulation, Benzo[a]pyrene had the highest probability of exceeding 1.00×10-6, which was 100%. Conclusions: The concentration of PAHs in the residential area around the petrochemical complex exceeded the standard, and the excess carcinogenic risk was evaluated to be high. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the air environment around the petrochemical complex.

A Study on the Characteristics of Ion, Carbon, and Elemental Components in PM2.5 at Industrial Complexes in Ansan and Siheung (안산·시흥 산업단지 지역 PM2.5 중 이온, 탄소, 원소성분의 특성 연구)

  • Lee, Hye-Won;Lee, Seung-Hyeon;Jeon, Jeong-In;Lee, Jeong-Il;Lee, Cheol-Min
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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    • v.48 no.2
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    • pp.66-74
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    • 2022
  • Background: The health effects of particulate matter (PM2.5) bonded with various harmful chemicals differ based on their composition, so investigating and managing their concentrations and composition is vital for long-term management. As industrial complexes emit considerable quantities of pollutants, higher PM2.5 concentrations and chemical component effects are expected than in other places. Objectives: We investigated the concentration distribution ratios of PM2.5 chemical components to provide basic data to inform future major emissions control and PM2.5 reduction measures in industrial complexes. Methods: We monitored five sites near the Ansan and Siheung industrial complexes from August 2020 to July 2021. Samples were collected and analyzed twice per week in spring/winter and once per week in summer/autumn according to the National Institute of Environmental Research in the Ministry of Environments' Air Pollution Monitoring Network Installation and Operation Guidelines. We investigated and compared composition ratios of 29 ions, carbon, and elemental components in PM2.5. Results: The analysis of PM2.5 components at the five sites revealed that ion components accounted for the greatest total mass at approximately 50% while carbon components and elemental components contributed 23~28% and 8~10%, respectively. Among the ionic components, NO3- occupies the greatest proportion. OC occupies the greatest proportion of the carbon components and sulphur occupies the greatest proportion of elemental components. Conclusions: This study investigated the concentration distribution ratios of PM2.5 chemical components in industrial complexes. We believe these results provide basic chemical component concentration ratio data for establishing future air management policies and plans for the Ansan and Siheung industrial complexes.

Public Exposure to Natural Radiation and the Associated Increased Risk of Lung Cancer in the Betare-Oya Gold Mining Areas, Eastern Cameroon

  • Joseph Emmanuel Ndjana Nkoulou II;Louis Ngoa Engola;Guy Blanchard Dallou;Saidou;Daniel Bongue;Masahiro Hosoda;Moise Godefroy Kwato Njock;Shinji Tokonami
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.48 no.2
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    • pp.59-67
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    • 2023
  • Background: This study aims to reevaluate natural radiation exposure, following up on our previous study conducted in 2019, and to assess the associated risk of lung cancer to the public residing in the gold mining areas of Betare-Oya, east Cameroon, and its vicinity. Materials and Methods: Gamma-ray spectra collected using a 7.62 cm×7.62 cm in NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer during a car-borne survey, in situ measurements and laboratory measurements performed in previous studies were used to determine the outdoor absorbed dose rate in air to evaluate the annual external dose inhaled by the public. For determining internal exposure, radon gas concentrations were measured and used to estimate the inhalation dose while considering the inhalation of radon and its decay products. Results and Discussion: The mean value of the laboratory-measured outdoor gamma dose rate was 47 nGy/hr, which agrees with our previous results (44 nGy/hr) recorded through direct measurements (in situ and car-borne survey). The resulting annual external dose (0.29±0.09 mSv/yr) obtained is similar to that of the previous study (0.33±0.03 mSv/yr). The total inhalation dose resulting from radon isotopes and their decay products ranged between 1.96 and 9.63 mSv/yr with an arithmetic mean of 3.95±1.65 mSv/yr. The resulting excess lung cancer risk was estimated; it ranged from 62 to 216 excess deaths per million persons per year (MPY), 81 to 243 excess deaths per MPY, or 135 excess deaths per MPY, based on whether risk factors reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, United Nations Scientific Committee on the effects of Atomic Radiation, or International Commission on Radiological Protection were used, respectively. These values are more than double the world average values reported by the same agencies. Conclusion: There is an elevated level of risk of lung cancer from indoor radon in locations close to the Betare-Oya gold mining region in east Cameroon. Therefore, educating the public on the harmful effects of radon exposure and considering some remedial actions for protection against radon and its progenies is necessary.

Analysis on Socio-cultural Aspect of Willingness to Pay for Air Quality (PM10, PM2.5) Improvement in Seoul (서울지역 미세먼지 문제 개선을 위한 사회문화적 지불의사액 추정)

  • Kim, Jaewan;Jung, Taeyong;Lee, Taedong;Lee, Dong Kun
    • Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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    • v.28 no.2
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    • pp.101-112
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    • 2019
  • Over the last few years, air pollution ($PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$) in the Seoul metropolitan area (SMA) has emerged as one of the most concerned and threatening environmental issues among the residents. It brings about various harmful effects on human health, as well as ecosystem and industrial activities. Governments and individuals pay various costs to mitigate the level of air pollutants. This study aims to empirically find the willingness to pays (WTP) among the parents from different socio-cultural groups - international and domestic groups to mitigate air pollution ($PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$) in their residential area. Contingent Valuation Methods (CVM) is used with employing single-bounded dichotomous choice technique to elicit the respondent's WTP. Using tobit (censored regression) and probit models, the monthly mean WTP of the pooled sample for green electricity which contributes to improve air quality in the region was estimated as 3,993 KRW (3.58 USD). However, the mean WTP between the international group and domestic group through a sub-sample analysis shows broad distinction as 3,325KRW (2.98 USD) and 4,449 KRW (3.98 USD) respectively. This is because that socio-cultural characteristics of each group such as socio-economic status, personal experience, trust in institutions and worldview are differently associated with the WTP. Based on the results, the society needs to raise awareness of lay people to find a strong linkage between the current PM issue and green electricity. Also, it needs to improve trust in the government's pollution abatement policy to mobilize more assertive participation of the people from different socio-cultural background.