• 상하수도학회지
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• 제27권5호
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• pp.603-610
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• 2013

According to industrialization, increased toxic chemicals discharge has been causing water pollution. Especially domestic sewage is a major source of water pollution. Sixty percent of the total wastewater discharged is domestic sewage. Self-purification capacity of rivers and streams is drastically reduced by the emission of domestic sewage, industrial wastewater and livestock wastewater. Although domestic sewage is managed by implementing standards and regulations, toxicity effect of domestic sewage to humans and the environment is not yet clearly understood. In this study, by using daphnia magna, the ecotoxicity of domestic swage was assessed. Cl, Cu, Pb, COD, T-N, DO, pH and residual chlorine were investigated as background concentrations. The experiments were conducted with water samples obtained from three local sewage treatment plants. The experiment results indicated that higher level of toxicity corresponds to the higher pollution concentrations. The higher level of combinations of background concentrations such as heavy metals leads to the worse ecotoxicity. Especially, the Cu concentration affects the TU value.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제26권9호
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• pp.697-705
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• 2003

The alkylphenols, chlorophenols, and bisphenol A were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring (GC/MS-SIM) followed by two work-up methods for comparison: isobutoxycarbonyl (isoBOC) derivatization and tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) derivatization. Eleven endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) of phenols in biological samples were extracted with acetonitrile and then the acetonitrile layer underwent freezing filtration 6$0^{\circ}C$ for 2 hours. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used with XAD-4 and subsequent conversion to isoBOC or TBDMS derivatives for sensitivity analysis with the GC/MS-SIM mode. For isoBOC derivatization and TBDMS derivatization the recoveries were 92.3∼150.6% and 93.8∼108.3%, the method detection limits (MDLs) of bisphenol A for SIM were 0.062 $\mu$ g/kg and 0.010 $\mu$ g/kg, and the SIM responses were linear with the correlation coefficient varying by 0.9755∼0.9981 and 0.9908∼0.9996, respectively. When these methods were applied to mackerel samples, the concentrations of the 11 phenol EDCs were below the MDL.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.1-17
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• 2018

Objectives: This research is part of a study to be conducted over five years starting from 2017 by the Ministry of Environment on the development of technologies to evaluate the impact of chemical accidents on the human body. Methods: For this research, a five-stage specific study method was developed. Results: In brief, the developed health risk assessment method can be summarized as follows. First, a health risk assessment system was built based on the guidelines set forth by the USA NRC/NAS. Second, based on the disease manifestation theory, the health risk assessment method was divided into 1) a carcinogenic health risk assessment method focused on all carcinogens except non-genotoxic carcinogens and 2) a non-carcinogenic health risk assessment method focused on noncarcinogens including non-genotoxic carcinogens. Third, the detailed contents of the health risk assessment method were developed in four stages(hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk determination) through theoretical consideration of the assessment of the level of health risk related to chemical exposure. Finally, a health risk assessment methodology, classified into stages to address acute, subacute/subchronic, and chronic conditions was developed after considering the physicochemical behavior of hazardous chemicals upon implementation of countermeasures after a chemical accident. Conclusions: A method to evaluate the health risks related to toxic chemicals generated by chemical accidents was developed. This study was performed with the purpose of developing a mathematical health risk assessment method to evaluate the health effects of exposure to hazardous chemicals upon implementation of emergency countermeasures after chemical accidents.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• 제57권1호
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• pp.42-50
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• 2019

국내 산업이 발전함에 따라 유해화학물질의 사용이 급속도로 증가하고 있고, 이에 따른 화학사고 역시 증가하고 있다. 대부분의 화학사고는 저장시설에서 화학물질의 누출로 인해 발생하지만, 갑작스러운 고온 고압으로 인해 저장시설이 파열됨으로써 내부의 물질이 순간적으로 방출되는 사고 역시 발생하고 있다. 이것을 catastrophic failure라고 부르며 그 빈도는 매우 낮지만, 발생했을 때 피해 규모는 매우 크다. 국내에서는 2013년 울산의 한 현장에서 물탱크의 파열로 인해 3명의 사망자를 포함한 15명의 사상자가 발생하였고, 전 세계적으로 1919년부터 2004년까지 저장시설의 순간 전량 방출 사고가 64건 발생하였다. 저장시설에서 위험물질이 누출될 경우 외부로의 확산을 방지하는 방류벽이 존재하지만, 저장시설의 파괴로 물질이 순간적으로 방출되는 경우 내부 물질이 방류벽 바깥으로 넘치는 현상이 발생한다. 이를 월파 현상 또는 overtopping 이라 한다. 해외에서는 저장시설의 순간 전량 방출 사고에 따른 overtopping 효과를 실험을 통해 연구해왔다. 본 연구에서는 선행연구를 바탕으로 전산유체역학(CFD) 시뮬레이션을 이용하여 국내 규정을 준수하는 방류벽의 설계 조건별 overtopping 효과를 확인해 보았다. 그 결과, 방류벽 용량의 최소기준을 만족한 상태에서 높이가 높아지고 설비와의 거리가 가까워짐에 따라 내부 물질이 방류벽 외부로 빠져나가는 현상은 줄어들었다. 추가로 대기조건 및 물질의 종류, 방류벽 형상에 따른 overtopping의 효과를 확인함으로써, 순간 전량 방출 사고의 피해를 고려한 방류벽의 설계 방향 및 저감 대책을 제시하고자 한다.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제40권1호
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• pp.17-26
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• 2014

Background: Despite children's unique characteristics that distinguish them from adults, relatively few attempts have been made to measure exposure factors for characterization of children's exposure to hazardous chemicals in child-specific products (CSP). This study was conducted to establish the child-specific exposure factors for exposure and risk assessment of hazardous substances in CSP. Methods: We investigated the exposure factors (e.g., time use of child-products, time and frequency of object-to-body contact, time and frequency of object-to-mouth contact) influencing children's exposure to CSP (e.g., toys, playmats, oil pastels, etc.) in 650 children through a parent-completed questionnaire using a web-based survey. Participants were recruited in five age groups, <1, 1-2, 2-3, 3-6, and 6-12 years of age. Results: The child-specific exposure factors were presented as the mean, median, $95^{th}$ percentile, minimum, and maximum values. Time activity for play mats was the longest among CSP and infants spent more time on them than did elder age groups (189.3-224.7 min/day for <1-2 years vs. 91.2 min/day for 6-12 years). It is apparent that time and frequency of toy block- and plastic toy-to-mouth contact significantly decreased as a function of age. When the variation of CSP use patterns was compared by gender, the only variable that was statistically different between genders was time activity in child-products exposure space. Conclusion: We believe the five child-specific exposure factors suggested in the present study will be valuable for reducing uncertainty in the estimation of chemical exposure during risk assessment of CSP and furthermore, in the appropriate regulations to protect children's health.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제42권1호
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• pp.61-70
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• 2016

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the exposure risk to tattoo components by analyzing skin absorption using the in vitro method. Tattoos are commonly used for cosmetic purposes, and the skin of not only the operator but of the people who are undergoing the cosmetic procedure is continuously exposed to hazardous chemicals. Methods: Skin permeation risk determination was conducted by the in vitro Franz diffusion cell method according to the ingredient types of tattoo dyes, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), non-volatile organic compounds and heavy metals, using hairless mouse full skin and human cadaver epidermis. Results: The major components with good skin penetration for each type of tattoo dye ingredient were clarified. Among the tatto dye ingredients, 1,2-Dichlorobenzene, Zn, Al, Pb and Ti showed good skin penetration. Most of the skin transmission rates were higher in hairless mouse full skin than in human cadaver epidermis. Conclusion: A possible exposure risk to hazardous substances in tattoo dyes was confirmed from this study. These results are expected to provide a positive contribution to the establishment of management regulations for tattoo dyes.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제45권5호
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• pp.465-473
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• 2019

Objectives: A variety of industries handling hazardous chemicals emit odorous substances. Based on the emission characteristics of major odor substances from the results of hazardous chemical substance emissions, we will define basic data for improving the management methods of odorous substances. Methods: A survey of hazardous pollutant emissions for 2010-2016 was conducted through the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register homepage. Eight kinds of designated odor substances (ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, acetaldehyde, styrene, toluene, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone) provided the study subjects. The status of chemical accidents for the target substances was analyzed using the Chemistry Safety Clearing-house system. Results: From 2010 to 2016, it was found that more than 30% of businesses that emitted odorous substances accounted for more than 50% of the total emissions of the eight substances. Emissions of xylene, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, and ammonia were found, in that order, and they made up more than 90% of the total emitted. By region, about 70% of odorous substances were emitted in the top-four regions: Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Ulsan, Gyeonggi-do Province, and Jeollanam-do Province. Conclusion: Recently, the amount of chemical emissions has been continuously increasing, including those that can cause odor. Odorous substances can be a serious risk to the lives of local residents. Systematic research is needed for the health protection of residents.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.155-162
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• 2022

Background: Workers are exposed to several risks in academic laboratories due to the presence of potentially hazardous substances. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of accident occurrence and associated risk factors among laboratory workers at the scientific laboratories of the public university in Lebanon and the impact of safety measures training and availability. Methods: In this observational study, a survey was conducted for one year in scientific laboratories at faculties of the public university. Results: Among the participants (N = 220), 45.0% have had accidents; the main cause was exposure to chemicals (73.7%) and more specifically by inhalation (45.4%). Females (85.9%) were more exposed to accidents than males. Laboratory workers with a master's degree, a full-time schedule, and more than ten years of experience were significantly more exposed to accidents (p < 0.05). A significant association was found between accident occurrence and training on management of hazardous products (p = 0.044), risks related to workplace (p = 0.030), eyewash and emergency shower (p < 0.001), first aid (p = 0.012), and facial protection availability (p = 0.019). In spite of the lack of safety culture and efficient training on laboratory safety, participants have shown a very good perception regarding safety measures to be applied in case of work accidents. Conclusion: Based on our findings, the prevalence of accident occurrence is elevated among lab workers at the public university. The impact of regular training on laboratory safety preventive measures is of great importance to ensure the efficiency of occupational health and safety in scientific laboratories.

• 한국가스학회지
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.30-41
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• 2017

화학물질은 인류생활과 산업발전을 크게 향상시키며 인류에 많은 이익을 주었지만 일부 위험물질은 인체의 건강과 환경에 유해한 영향을 끼쳐 오래전부터 선진국들은 엄격한 안전기준을 정하여 관리하고 있다. 우리나라는 세계 화학시장의 약 3.4%를 차지하는 화학 강대국으로 성장하고 있다. 국내외 화학물질 관련 법률은 유사하지만 세부적으로는 상이한 점이 많아 안전과 환경에 많은 위험을 주고 산업체 등에게 혼란을 야기시키고 있는 실정이다. 이러한 문제점을 해결하기 위하여 국내 화학물질 관련법과 국제 표준화제도(GHS)를 통일화하고자 하였으며, 산업체의 수출입 시 무역장벽을 해소하고, 위험물에 대한 사고예방 및 대응의 기본이 되는 선진형 물리적 위험성 분류 구분 단일화 방안을 제시하였다.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제39권3호
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• pp.197-210
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• 2013

Several US veterans stationed in Korea have told the press that around 250 fifty-five gallon drums of herbicides, including Agent Orange, were buried at Camp Carroll in 1978. Joint Korean-US Agent Orange investigation and environmental and health studies were started in July 2011. Korean soldiers and military personnel who served in Vietnam during 1964-1973 or near the demilitarized zone in Korea during 1967-1970 were exposed to dioxincontaminated Agent Orange. The joint Korean-US Agent Orange investigation team found that herbicides, pesticides, solvents and other chemicals -not Agent Orange- were buried at Camp Carroll. However, there remains the possibility that Agent Orange was stored and buried at Camp Carroll or other military camps in Korea. Adverse health effects have not been clearly explained despite a number of health studies among veterans in Korea with potential Agent Orange exposure. Although the Korean government has been compensating veterans and military personnel with 18 presumptive-service-connected-diseases and their offspring with three diseases, there are many veterans, military personnel and civilians who require the government°Øs support. The environmental study on contaminated sites and health studies among veterans and civilians were initiated three or four decades after possible Agent Orange contamination and exposure. Several toxic chemicals, including dioxin-contaminated Agent Orange, could remain in the environment and could have hazardous effects on the health of exposed people for more than several decades. Further environmental investigations and health studies are needed to ensure public safety and health, and government support should be guaranteed for people potentially exposed to these toxic chemicals.