• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.65-76
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• 2019

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate economical ventilation effectiveness to reduce hazardous materials exposure and damage of workers by analyzing exposure amount of noxious substances under various ventilation conditions of nail salon for indoor environments. Research design, data, and methodology - This study was carried out with cooperation of Nail shop located in SeongNam city to involve an analysis of the environmental impact indoor air quality, pollutant exposure and economical cost-effectiveness in the nail workplace. The hazardous substances were PM-10(Particulate Matter-10㎛), VOCs(Volatile Organic Compounds) and Formaldehyde, which are the major materials of nail workplace. Results - PM-10 is reduced by about 60% with air cleaner, forced artificial ventilation by 32%, and natural ventilation by about 12%. TVOCs and Formaldehyde showed similar efficiency (80~100%) after natural ventilation and ventilation after 60 minutes. The removal efficiencies of VOCs and formaldehyde were similar to those of natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation system. However, in case of dust, natural ventilation was reduced by artificial ventilation system due to inflow of external dust during natural ventilation. Conclusions - If the pollution degree of outdoor air is not high, air volume is high, and natural ventilation is performed when the air conditioning and heating system is not operated. Even at the end of the work, it keeps operating for 60 minutes to remove the pollutants generated. Results of this analysis demonstrated that the worker environment can be improved by adopting institutional legislation and guidelines for ventilation.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.360-369
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• 2018

Objectives: Outdoor tobacco smoke can penetrate into the indoor environment through cracks in the building envelope. This study aimed to characterize the particle size distribution of infiltrated secondhand smoke (SHS) through the gap in a single glazed and a secondary glazed window according to pressure differences in a chamber. Methods: Two polyvinyl chloride sliding windows were evaluated for infiltration, one with a glazed window and the other with a secondary glazed window. Each window was mounted and sealed in a polycarbonate chamber. The air in the chamber was discharged to the outside to establish pressure differences in the chamber (${\Delta}P$). Outdoor smoking sources were simulated at a one-meter distance from the window side of the chamber. The particle size distribution of the infiltrated SHS was measured in the chamber using a portable aerosol spectrometer. The particle size distribution of SHS inside the chamber was normalized by the outdoor peak for fine particles. Results: The particle size distribution of SHS inside the chamber was similar regardless of window type and ${\Delta}P$. It peaked at $0.2-0.3{\mu}m$. Increases in particulate matter (PM) concentrations from SHS infiltration were higher with the glazed window than with the secondary glazed window. PM concentrations of less than $1{\mu}m$ increased as ${\Delta}P$ was increased inside the chamber. Conclusions: The majority of infiltrated SHS particles through window gap was $0.2-0.3{\mu}m$ in size. Outdoor SHS particles infiltrated more with a glazed window than with a secondary glazed window. Particle sizes of less than $1{\mu}m$ were associated with ${\Delta}P$. These findings can be a reference for further research on the measurement of infiltrated SHS in buildings.

• 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.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.44-49
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• 2011

Under the Enforcement Rules of the National Health Promotion Act, smoking areas in coffee shops in Korea should be divided off from other areas. The effect on indoor air quality of different division types for smoking areas was evaluated. Using real-time monitors, fine particulate matter <2.5 ${\mu}m$ in diameter ($PM_{2.5}$) concentrations were measured simultaneously in the smoking and non-smoking areas of 30 coffee shops in Seoul. Average $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations in smoking and non-smoking areas were 132 ${\mu}g/m^3$ and 52 ${\mu}g/m^3$, respectively; significantly different. Average $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations in non-smoking areas were 39 ${\mu}g/m^3$ in the glass-wall type and 64 ${\mu}g/m^3$ in the separate-floor type. These $PM_{2.5}$ levels were above the US national ambient air quality standard of 35 ${\mu}g/m^3$. Although indoor $PM_{2.5}$ levels in non-smoking areas were reduced by the division, the rates of reduction were not significantly different by division type. Our results demonstrated that $PM_{2.5}$ from smoking areas can infiltrate into non-smoking areas. Therefore, a complete indoor smoking ban in coffee shops is the only way to protect customers and workers in non-smoking areas.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.218-227
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• 2023

Background: Since 2019, the Ministry of Environment has implemented a seasonal fine dust management system from December to March, targeting high PM_2.5 levels with the aim of reducing PM_2.5 concentrations and protecting public health. The focus of improving the seasonal management system lies in the atmospheric PM_2.5 levels. Considering the primary goal of protecting public health, it is necessary to analyze the policy effects from an exposure perspective rather than a concentration-based approach. Objectives: This study aims to quantitatively assess the improvement of indoor PM_2.5 levels and the health impacts of the seasonal management system by comparing the periods before and during its implementation in residential environments. Methods: PM_2.5 concentrations within residential environments in a metropolitan area were measured using an optical particle counter (IAQ-C7, K-weather, Ltd, Korea) at one-minute intervals during the pre-implementation period (November 21~25, 2022) and during the implementation period (December 19~23, 2022). Based on the measured PM_2.5 concentrations, a quantitative evaluation of cancer and mortality risks was conducted according to age and gender. Results: The results of comparing indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations before and during the implementation of the seasonal management system showed a decrease of approximately 56.6% and 47.9%, respectively. Health risk assessments revealed that both the safety-limit-based and safety-target-based Hazard Quotients (HQ) exceeded the threshold of 0.1 for children under 19 years of age, both before and after the implementation. The mortality risk decreased by approximately 47.9% after the implementation, with children aged 0-9 showing the highest mortality risk at 0.9%. Conclusions: The findings of this study confirmed the positive health impacts of the seasonal management system across all age groups, particularly children under 19 who are more vulnerable to fine dust exposure.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.12
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• pp.501-506
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• 2011

Purpose: A high level of air pollutants can increase the number of patients with allergy-related diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). To analyze the association between air pollution and allergic disease, we investigated 2 areas in Korea: Incheon, an industrial area, and Jeju, a non-industrialized area. Methods: Second grade students at elementary schools (11 schools in Incheon and 45 schools in Jeju) were examined in a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used and a skin prick test was performed. The levels of $NO_2$, $CO_2$, $O_3$, particulate matter (PM) $PM_{10/2.5}$, formaldehyde, tVOCs, and dust mites in the classrooms and grounds were determined. Results: The levels of outdoor CO, $PM_{10}$, and $PM_{2.5}$ were significantly higher in Incheon (P<0.01). The levels of indoor CO, $CO_2$, $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$ were significantly higher in Incheon (P<0.01). The prevalence rates of AR symptoms at any time, AR symptoms during the last 12 months, diagnosis of rhinitis at any time, and AR treatment during the last 12 months were significantly higher in Incheon (P<0.01). The prevalence rate of wheezing or whistling at any time, and wheezing during the last 12 months were significantly higher in Incheon (P<0.01). Conclusion: We found that the children living in Incheon, which was more polluted than Jeju, had a higher rate of AR and asthma symptoms compared to children in Jeju. To determine the effect of air pollution on the development of the AR and asthma, further studies are needed.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.551-561
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• 2019

This study was conducted to find out differences in the removal efficiency of particulate matter (PM) depending on the type of plants and the morphological characteristics of leaves. A total of 12 plants were used, with three plants selected for each type of leaves (big leaf, small leaf, compound leaf, needle leaf). We measured the removed amount of PM10 and PM2.5, the structure of the abaxial leaf surface, and the weight of the wax layer of each plant. Plants with the high removal efficiency of PM included Pachira aquatica Aubl., Ardisia crenata, and Dieffenbachia 'Marianne', and plants with the low removal efficiency included Nandina domestica Thunb, Schefflera arboricola, and Quercus dentata. The abaxial leaf surface having a high removal efficiency of PM had many large wrinkles, and the abaxial leaf surface having a medium removal efficiency was flat and smooth. On the other hand, there were many fine hairs on the abaxial leaf surface with a low removal efficiency. According to the plant leaf type, the PM10 removal efficiency of plants with needle leaves was about three times higher than that of other plants. In particular, the wax layer of conifers weighed 6-24 times higher than those of other plants. The stomata of conifers were evenly distributed on the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces; however, the stomata of Sciadopitys verticillata appeared in the form of papillae unlike general stomata. Therefore, the removal efficiency of PM varied depending on the macro-, and micro-morphological characteristics of plant leaves such as the structure of the abaxial leaf surface, and the weight of the wax layer. Based on this research, selecting plants that are effective in reducing PM in consideration of the plant type and leaf characteristics will improve indoor air quality and decrease exposure of PM to human body.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.51-56
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• 2012

Objectives: High concentrations of airborne particulate matters (PM) can affect the health of passengers using public transportation. The objectives of this research were to develop a PM control system for a railway cabin and to evaluate the performance of the device under conditions of an actual journey. Methods: This study measured the concentrations of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ simultaneously in a reference cabin and a cabin with the PM control device. Results: The average $PM_{10}$ concentration in the reference cabin was 100 ${\mu}g/m^3$, and the $PM_{10}$ concentration in the cabin with the control device was 79 ${\mu}g/m^3$. While the overall control efficiency of the control device was 15.4%, reduction was more effective for peak $PM_{10}$ concentration. However, $PM_{2.5}$ levels did not differ greatly between the reference cabin and the cabin with the control device. The ratio of $PM_{2.5}$ to $PM_{10}$ was 0.37. $PM_{10}$ concentrations in cabins were not associated with ambient concentrations, indicating that the main sources of $PM_{10}$ were present in cabins. Additionally, average $CO_2$ concentration in the cabins was 1,359 ppm, less than the maximum of 2,000 ppm set out by the Korean Ministry of Environment's guideline. The $CO_2$ concentration in cabins was significantly associated with the number of passengers: the in-cabin concentration = $23.4{\times}N+460.2$, where N is the number of passengers. Conclusions: Application of the PM control device can improve $PM_{10}$ concentration, especially at peak levels but not $PM_{2.5}$ concentration.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.268-276
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• 2018

BACKGROUND: In the month of January 2018, fine dust alerts and warnings were issued 36 times for $PM_{10}$ and 81 times for PM2.5. Air quality is becoming a serious issue nation-wide. Although interest in air-purifying plants is growing due to the controversy over the risk of chemical substances of regular air-purifying solutions, industrial spread of the plants has been limited due to their efficiency in air-conditioning perspective. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study aims to propose a vegetation-based bio-filter system that can assure total indoor air volume for the efficient application of air-purifying plants. In order to evaluate the quantitative performance of the system, time-series analysis was conducted on air-conditioning performance, indoor air quality, and comfort index improvement effects in a lecture room-style laboratory with 16 persons present in the room. The system provided 4.24 ACH ventilation rate and reduced indoor temperature by $1.6^{\circ}C$ and black bulb temperature by $1.0^{\circ}C$. Relative humidity increased by 24.4% and deteriorated comfort index. However, this seemed to be offset by turbulent flow created from the operation of air blowers. While $PM_{10}$ was reduced by 39.5% to $22.11{\mu}g/m^3$, $CO_2$ increased up to 1,329ppm. It is interpreted that released $CO_2$ could not be processed because light compensation point was not reached. As for the indoor comfort index, PMV was reduced by 83.6 % and PPD was reduced by 47.0% on average, indicating that indoor space in a comfort range could be created by operating vegetation-based bio-filters. CONCLUSION: The study confirmed that the vegetation-based bio-filter system is effective in lowering indoor temperature and $PM_{10}$ and has positive effects on creating comfortable indoor space in terms of PMV and PPD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.73-86
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• 2020

In the modern era, the elementary schools in the Republic of Korea are advanced with the competitive world. Thus advancement in technology, and other factors in the elementary schools are releases some kind of particulate matter (PM), which causes deleterious effects on school students health, academic program, growth and development. The school students are susceptible to PM particularly, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5. Based on this hazardous effect of PM on school students we conducted the research on the elementary schools class rooms by introducing vertical gardening system to get the schools "ever green". The main aim of this study is to investigate the environmental factors in the educational effect program in the class rooms and indoor air quality changes. For the educational effect, the 4th operation program was applied to 2 schools for 2 hours once a month from September to December 2019. Each school conducted a survey on satisfaction, plant friendliness, and environmental sensibilities, targeting classes that participated in the green school program and those who did not. The environmental effects were monitored by installing indoor air quality facility in the program participating classes and the non-participating classes. From November 2019 to December 2019, three factors were measured: PM10, PM2.5, and humidity. The results were analyzed by T-test using the SPSS 24.0 software program. As a result of the analysis, student's overall satisfaction with the program and their intention to re-engage were high in terms of educational effect. It was also found to be effective in emotional, educational, social, and physical aspects. In particular, it was found that there was a statistically significant effect on improving plant friendliness in terms of plant friendliness and environmental sensitivity. In terms of environmental effects, it was found that there was a significant difference between the program-applied and non-programmed classes in PM10, PM2.5, and humidity. Through this study, it was confirmed that the plant education program using vertical gardens is effective in both the educational effect and the improvement of indoor air quality in the classroom. In conclusion, vertical gardening system in the elementary schools should implement for the beneficial of young generation development and back bone to the nation.