• 한국입자에어로졸학회지
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.79-86
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• 2022

Many commercial air purifiers currently have deployed granular activated carbon (GAC) filters for removing volatile organic compounds in the indoor air. GACs are generally used to remove gaseous contaminants in the air through adsorption by the inner surfaces of pores. In addition, airborne particles can be also filtered by the surface adsorption of the GACs, which can improve the life-time of the particulate filters. In this study, the filtration efficiency of GACs to ultrafine particles through surface adsorption was investigated at different volume flow rates by deploying a continuous particle filtration system. The polydisperse sodium chloride (NaCl) particles were generated by a set of an atomizer and a diffusion dryer, and then mixed with particle-free air at different volume flow rates. The penetration of ultrafine particles and pressure drop for each experimental condition were measured to figure out the effect of the volume flow rate on the surface adsoprtion of the GACs to particles, ~ 2 mm. The particle filtration efficiency of the GACs decreased as the volume flow rate increased from 4 to 14 lpm. However, the 5 times thicker GAC filter layer decreased the penetration of ultraparticles than a preious study. The filtration efficiency of the single granule was also higher than the previous result in the literature with smaller granule filter materials.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• 제4권2호
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• pp.97-105
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• 2010

A quantitative single particle analytical technique, denoted low-Z particle electron probe X-ray microanalysis (low-Z particle EPMA), was applied to characterize particulate matters collected at two underground subway stations, Jegidong and Yangje stations, in Seoul, Korea. To clearly identify the source of the indoor aerosols in the subway stations, four sets of samples were collected at four different locations within the subway stations: in the tunnel; at the platform; near the ticket office; nearby outdoors. Aerosol samples collected on stages 2 and 3 ($D_p$: $10-2.5\;{\mu}m$ and $2.5-1.0\;{\mu}m$, respectively) in a 3-stage Dekati $PM_{10}$ impactor were investigated. Samples were collected during summertime in 2009. The major chemical species observed in the subway particle samples were Fe-containing, carbonaceous, and soil-derived particles, and secondary aerosols such as nitrates and sulfates. Among them, Fe-containing particles were the most popular. The tunnel samples contained 85-88% of Fe-containing particles, with the abundance of Fe-containing particles decreasing as the distances of sampling locations from the tunnel increased. The Fe-containing subway particles were generated mainly from mechanical wear and friction processes at rail-wheel-brake interfaces. Carbonaceous, soil-derived, and secondary nitrate and/or sulfate particles observed in the underground subway particles likely flowed in from the outdoor environment by human activities and the air-exchange between the subway system and the outdoors. In addition, since the platform screen doors (PSDs) limit air-mixing between the tunnel and the platform, samples collected at the platform at the Yangjae station (with PSDs) showed a marked decrease in the relative abundances of Fe-containing particles compared to the Jegidong station (without PSDs).

• 한국입자에어로졸학회지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.9-21
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• 2022

In this study, a novel antiviral coating method for the air filtration system of subway station was investigated. Using dry aerosol coating process, we developed a high-performance antiviral air filter with spark discharger and carbon brush type ionizer. Silver nanoparticles were produced by a spark discharge generation system with ion injection system and were used as antiviral agents coated onto a medium grade air filter. The pressure drop, filtration efficiency, and antiviral ability of the filter against aerosolized MS2 virus particles as a surrogate of SARS-CoV-2 virus were tested with dust contamination. Dust contamination caused the increase of the filtration efficiency and pressure drop, while the antiviral agents (in this study, silver nanoparticles) coating did not have any significant effect on the filtration efficiency and pressure drop. Using these properties, we suggested a novel method to maximize the antiviral performance of the antiviral air filter that was contaminated by dust particles. Moreover theoretical analysis of antiviral ability with dust contamination and re-coated antiviral agents was carried out using a mathematical model to calculate the time-dependent antiviral effect of the filter under actual conditions of subway station. Our model can be used to apply on antiviral air filtration system of subway station for prevention of pandemic diffusion, and predict the life cycle of an antiviral filter.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.36-45
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• 2006

The aim of this study is to examine size-based concentration and genera of airborne fungi distributed in public facilities such as hospital, kindergarten, day-care center and postpartum nurse center and to provide fundamental data in order to prevent respiratory diseases caused by exposure to airborne fungi. Culturable total and respirable concentrations of airborne fungi averaged to $382\;cfu/m^3\;and\;292\;cfu/m^3$ in hospital, $536\;cfu/m^3\;and\;347\;cfu/m^3$ in kindergarten, $334\;cfu/m^3\;and\;266\;cfu/m^3$ in day-care center, and $371\;cfu/m^3\;and\;289\;cfu/m^3$ in postpartum nurse center, respectively. The ratio of respirable to total concentration of airborne fungi in the investigated public facilities was ranged from $55\%\;to\;70\%$ but there was no significant difference among them (p>0.05). The mean I/O ratio of culturable total and respirable concentrations were 0.56 and 0.64 in hospital, 0.72 and 0.91 in kindergarten, 0.33 and 0.45 in day-care center, and 0.63 and 0.73 in postpartum nurse center, respectively. Indoor concentration of airborne fungi did not correlated significantly with indoor temperature and relative humidity (p>0.05) but had a significant positive correlation with $CO_2$ concentration (p<0.01) and surrounding condition (p<0.05). Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp., and Aspergillus spp. were estimated to over $95\%$ of total airborne fungi identified in the investigated public facilities.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제44권4호
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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.

• 한국가시화정보학회지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.34-39
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• 2024

With the fine particulate matter (PM) poses a serious threat to public health and the environment. The ultrafine PM in particular can cause serious problems. This study investigates the effectiveness of a submicron dry fog system in removing fine PM. Two methods are used to create fine dust particles: burning incense and utilizing an aerosol generator. Results indicate that the dry fog system effectively removes fine dust particles, with a removal efficiency of up to 81.9% for PM₁₀ and 61.9% for PM_2.5 after 30 minutes of operation. The dry fog, characterized by a mean size of approximately 1.5 ㎛, exhibits superior performance in comparison to traditional water spraying methods, attributed to reduced water consumption and increased contact probability between water droplets and dust particles. Furthermore, experiments with uniform-sized particles which sizes are 1 ㎛ and 2 ㎛ demonstrate the system's capability in removing ultrafine PM. The proposed submicron dry fog system shows promise for mitigating fine dust pollution in various industrial settings, offering advantages such as energy consumption and enhanced safety for workers and equipment.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.36-42
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• 2024

Background: The use of scented candles and incense sticks, both of which are household products that are burned for indoor deodorization and calming effects, is increasing. Fine dust has been designated as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) affect air pollution and can cause diseases. Objectives: This study aims to determine the effect on indoor air quality by measuring PM_2.5 and VOCs generated when burning scented candles and incense sticks. Methods: Scented candles and incense sticks were selected as household products to burn. As for the target sample, top-selling products (five types of scented candles, five types of incense sticks) were purchased online. The PM_2.5 concentration according to time was measured immediately next to the sample and three meters away from each other in an enclosed space using a real-time aerosol photometer. VOCs were collected as samples under the same conditions using Tenax tubes and were quantitatively analyzed by TD-GC/MS. Results: In the case of scented candles, the concentration of PM_2.5 did not increase during combustion and after being extinguished by placing a cover on the candle. For the incense sticks, the concentration of PM_2.5 averaged 1,901.27 ㎍/m³. After burning scented candles and incense sticks, some VOCs concentrations were increased such as ethyl acetate and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene). Conclusions: Therefore, when using scented candles, extinguishment by placing a cover on the candle can be expected to reduce PM_2.5. It is advisable to avoid using incense sticks because PM_2.5 concentration increases from the start of combustion.

• 한국입자에어로졸학회지
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.151-158
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• 2017

실내 환경 및 산업체 배기가스중의 미세먼지를 제거하는 방법으로서 압력손실이 낮으면서도 집진효율이 높은 전기집진기가 널리 사용되어지고 있다. 그러나 전기집진기는 서브마이크로미터 크기의 먼지에 대한 제거효율이 낮기 때문에, 정전분무법으로 하전액적을 공급하여 먼지와의 충돌을 촉진시켜 하전효율을 높이는 방법이 대안으로 떠오르고 있다. 그러나 먼지의 하전효율은 정전분무된 액적의 크기 및 개수와 밀접한 관계가 있으나, 액적의 크기를 효과적으로 측정하는 방법이 확립되어 있지 않은 것이 현실이다. 본 연구에서는 손쉽게 이용할 수 있는 수돗물로 정전분무를 한 후, 분무된 액적을 다양한 방법으로 가시화하여 고속카메라로 촬영하였다. 그리고 Image J 프로그램으로 액적의 크기분포를 측정하여 가시화방법에 따른 액적의 크기를 상호 비교하였다. 결과적으로, 레이저로 가시화하여 고속카메라로 촬영하면 미세액적의 이미지화가 가능하기 때문에, 그 액적의 크기는 Xenon광으로 가시화하여 측정한 것보다 약 50 % 작음을 알 수 있었다. 또한 레이저로 가시화하여 측정한 액적의 크기가 $Fern{\acute{a}}ndez$ de la Mora and Loscertales (1994)의 예측치와 비교적 잘 일치함을 알 수 있었다.

• 한국입자에어로졸학회지
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.79-90
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• 2019

It is important to control fine particles in children care centers, elementary schools, elderly care facilities and so on where vulnerable children and the aged stay during most of their time. This study has investigated $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ concentrations in two classrooms equipped with an air cleaner and two air cleaners, respectively and they were compared to those in a classroom without an air cleaner as well as those outdoors. Eight air cleaners which have various clean air delivery rates (CADRs) between 9.9 and $21.3m^3/min$ were tested in classrooms in two elementary schools in Seoul. Average $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ were $7.3{\pm}0.7$ and $45.5{\pm}4.1{\mu}g/m^3$ in classrooms equipped with an air cleaner and $4.2{\pm}0.6$ and $24.6{\pm}2.5{\mu}g/m^3$ in classrooms with two air cleaners, whereas they were $22.1{\pm}2.6$ and $109.1{\pm}9.6{\mu}g/m^3$ in classrooms without an air cleaner and $36.9{\pm}5.1$ and $74.1{\pm}10.6{\mu}g/m^3$ outdoors, respectively. $PM_{2.5}$ in classrooms could be reduced effectively by using an air cleaner or two air cleaners, because $PM_{2.5}$ was mainly infiltrated from outdoors, however $PM_{10}$ could not because $PM_{10}$ was mainly caused indoors by students' activities. Air cleaners were more effective for removal of $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ in classrooms with a high airtightness than those in classrooms with a relatively low one. Average $CO_2$ in classrooms was about 1500 to 2000 ppm for class hours dependent on the student number per a classroom, which was about 1.5 to 2 times higher than the standard, regardless of the use of air cleaner.

• 한국입자에어로졸학회지
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.23-35
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• 2022

Recently, passengers using public transport are concerned about the effects of COVID-19 and fine dust. Therefore, from February 2020 to February 2021, we investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected even after disinfection in 55 public transportation places visited by confirmed patients in Seoul. 34 air samples and 702 object surface samples were collected and tested with RT-PCR, one surface sample was positive. In addition, preemptive investigations were conducted in 22 subway trains that passengers were being on board at that time. 1,018 preemptive tests were performed, and all were negative. Although PM-2.5 is dangerous in itself, it can be a potential carrier of viruses. It seemed that a solution was needed as one line continuously exceeded the criteria of PM-2.5. Through this study, it is judged that cluster infection in public transportation can be prevented if efforts to reduce the concentration of fine dust, appropriate disinfection management, and personal disinfection such as wearing a mask in public transportations.