• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.451-459
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• 1997

This paper alms to describe the indoor-outdoor air quality in school environment through the analyses of heavy metal concentration by inductively Coupled Plasma(ICPI, which were observed at some school environment, such as traffic area, industrial area seme-industrial area, and residence area. The results are as follows : (1) Regardless Indoor and outdoor, the area with the highest concentration of heavy metal is industrial area followed by traffic area, residence area and semi-industrial area in descending order of magnitude. And the heavy metal concentration of indoor is higher than that of outdoor. (2) The main heavy metal components with more high level concentration of Indoor than those of outdoor are Zn, Al, Ca and these heavy metal concentrations are higher in class than In corridor and outdoor.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.85-92
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• 1999

Indoor air quality tends to be the dominant contributor to personal exposure because most people spend over 90% of their time indoors. For some contaminants, exposure to indoor air poses a potentially greater health threat than outdoor air exposures. Indoor nitrogen dioxide ($NO_2$) levels are mainly affected gas range, flue gas spillage, kerosene heaters, wood-burning appliances and cigarette smoke. In addition, indoor $NO_2$ levels are influenced by such house characterization as surface reaction and air exchange rate. In this study, the measurements of indoor and outdoor $NO_2$ concentrations were taken using identical protocols, and information was collected on housing characteristics using identical questionnaires in 14 houses out of 15 houses for daily 30 daily 30 days in Brisbane, Australia.The usage of gas range was the most contributing factor in indoor $NO_2$ concentration in relation to house characteristics. Average indoor and outdoor ratios of NO2 concentration in electronic and gas cooking houses were $0.6{\pm}0.1$ and $0.9{\pm}0.2$, respectively. The frequency distributions of $NO_2$ concentration in each house were approximately log-normal Geometric mean of indoor $NO_2$ concentrations of electronic and gas cooking houses for daily 30 days ranged from 2.5 ppm to 11.5 ppm with a mean 6.8 and from 4.7 ppm to 28.6 ppm with a mean 15.6 ppm, respectively. The $NO_2$ concentrations between electronic and gas cooking houses were significantly different (p<0.05). Since each house has different life-style and house characteristics, sampling interval to measure the $NO_2$ levels was recommended above 7 days.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.163-176
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• 1998

In this study, airborne particle samples were obtained to determine the concentrations of particulate air pollutants in indoor and outdoor air of public facilities in Taegu area. Total of 12 public facilities, regulated by the Public Sanitary Law, were selected as sampling sites, which include three underground arcades, one railway and two bus terminals, three general hospitals, and three department stores. In each place, sampling was carried out seasonally during the period of October 1994 to July 1995, and four samples per each site per season were collected both indoors and outdoors simultaneously. After determination of suspended particulate matter (SPM) mass concentrations, the particle samples were divided into two parts for subsequent chemical analysis: one for the analysis of trace elements and the other for water soluble ions. Seasonal levels of SPM appeared to be the highest in spring and the lowest in summer both indoors and outdoors, while locational variations of highest in statioyterminals, and lowest in department stores . SPM concentrations indoors and outdoors did not show any significant differences each other in most places . However, there were significant correlations between indoor and outdoor levels of SPM and other chemical species . These results indicates that indoor SPM levels are likely to be significantly affected by outdoor sources in many places. The most significant source of SPM was estimated to be the resuspension of soil/road dust both indoors and outdoors . The concentrations of toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu) in underground arcades appeared to be very much lower than the established air quality guidelines for underground environments. In addition, it is likely that micro-environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and air velocity, play a less significant role than outdoor air quality as a factor affecting the levels of particulate pollutants in indoor environments of public facilities in Taegu area.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.16-24
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• 2024

Background: Indoor PM_2.5 concentrations in residential houses can be affected by various factors depending on the season. This is because not only do the climate characteristics depend on the season, but the activity patterns of occupants are also different. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare factors affecting indoor PM_2.5 concentrations in apartments and detached houses in Daegu according to seasonal changes. Methods: This study included 20 households in Daegu, South Korea. The study was conducted during the summer (from July 10 to August 10, 2023) and the autumn (from September 11 to October 9, 2023). A sensor-based instrument for PM_2.5 levels was installed in the living room of each residence, and measurements were taken continuously for 24 hours at intervals of one minute during the measurement period. Based on the air quality monitoring system data in Daegu, outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations were estimated using ordinary kriging (OK) in Python. In addition, the indoor activities of the occupants were investigated using a time-activity pattern diary. The affecting factors of indoor PM_2.5 concentration were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Results: Indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations of the residences during summer were 15.27±11.09 ㎍/m³ and 11.52±7.56 ㎍/m³, respectively. Indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations during autumn were 13.82±9.61 ㎍/m³ and 9.57±5.50 ㎍/m³, respectively. The PM_2.5 concentrations were higher in summer compared to autumn both indoors and outdoors. The primary factor affecting indoor PM_2.5 concentration in summer was occupant activity. On the other hand, during the autumn season, the primary affecting factor was outdoor PM_2.5 concentration. Conclusions: Indoor PM_2.5 concentration in residential houses is affected by occupant activity such as the inflow of outdoor PM_2.5 concentration, cooking, and cleaning, as found in previous studies. However, it was revealed that there were differences depending on the season.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.126-132
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• 2015

Objectives: The Korean government implemented a smoke-free regulation for pubs with a net indoor area of ${\geq}100m^2$ on January 1, 2014. The purpose of this study was to determine the indoor levels of concentrations of particulate matter smaller than $2.5{\mu}m$ ($PM_{2.5}$) in implemented and non-implemented pubs in Seoul and Changwon. Methods: $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations in fifty-two $100-150m^2$ (implemented) and fifty-seven < $100m^2$ (non-implemented) pubs were measured. A real-time aerosol monitor was used to measure $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations. Field technicians recorded characteristics of the pubs including net indoor area, indoor volume and presence of smoking rooms and counted the number of burning cigarettes, patrons and vents. Results: Differences between indoor and outdoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations in $100-150m^2$ and < $100m^2$ pubs were not significantly different in each city. Smoking was observed in 33% of $100-150m^2$ pubs and 51% of < $100m^2$ pubs. Average differences between indoor and outdoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations in the $100-150m^2$ and < $100m^2$ pubs were $79.2{\mu}g/m^3$ and $155.6{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. When smokers were not observed, differences between indoor and outdoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations ware $12.4{\mu}g/m^3$ in $100-150m^2$ pubs and $24.5{\mu}g/m^3$ in < $100m^2$ pubs. Conclusion: Although the regulation was implemented only in ${\geq}100m^2$ pubs, a higher difference between indoor and outdoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations was observed in implemented and non-implemented pubs with smokers. Strict implementation of the regulation in all pubs is needed for better indoor air quality.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.479-487
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• 2009

Because of the building is made airtight, Indoor Air Quality(IAQ) is go from bad to worse. There are many source of indoor pollution in any home. These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Such immediate effects are usually short-term and treatable. In this study was measured and analyzed VOCs exposure levels and characteristic of Indoor air pollutant from new apartments in Korea. VOCs were measured indoor pre-residential and residential in new apartment and analyzed GC/MS. The concentration levels of indoor respirable TVOC were found to be higher than those of outdoor TVOC for new apartments. Before occupation, the average indoor and outdoor concentrations were 1498.61 $ug/m^3$ and 468.38 $ug/m^3$, respectively. After being occupied, the average indoor and outdoor concentration were 847.04 $ug/m^3$ and 102.84, respectively. The concentrations of TVOC in new apartments before occupation were shown in the order of Toluene(328.12 $ug/m^3$) > m,p-Xylene(163.67 $ug/m^3$) > Ethy1benzene(80.70 $ug/m^3$>o-XYlene (67.04$ug/m^3$). In addition, the TVOCs concentrations after occupation were also found in the order of Toluene (272.28 $ug/m^3$) > m.p-Xylene(121.79 $ug/m^3$) > Ethylbenzene(53.92 $ug/m^3$)>O-Xylene(24.94 $ug/m^3$). As a result, the concentrations of VOCs in new apartment houses were shown to be affected by indoor environment according activity patterns. So new apartments need to be controled in indoor air quality so that the residents can have more comfortable and healthier living environment.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 1994

Formaldehyde has been in widespread industrial use since World War II . Numerous sources of formaldehyde are present in the indoor environment. Additionally, the current trend toward tighter, more energy efficient buildings with lower ventilation rates has led to increase concentrations of this and other pollutants generated indoors. In this paper, the field survey was carried out once a month from January to MarctL 1994 to measure indoor and outdoor formaldehyde concentration in several underground locations in Seoul. The results could be summarized as follows : 1. At Yang- jae underground shopping center, the mean formaldehyde concentration was 77.8ppb for indoor and 68.4ppb for outdoor. At Ban- po underground shopping center, it was 175.8ppb for indoor and 127.3ppb for outdoor. At Jam- shil underground shop ping center, it was 135.2ppd for indoor and 34.6ppb for outdoor. Indoor the No.2 sub way line, it was 105.6ppb. The formaldehyde concentration using Berge equation was as follows : At Yang- jae underground shopping center, the mean formaldehyde concentration was 85.99ppb for indoor and 72.75ppb for outdoor At Ban- po underground shopping center, it was 254. 17ppb for indoor and 138.14ppb for outdoor. At Jam- shil underground shopping center, it was 249.13ppb for indoor and 36.87ppb for outdoor. Indoor the No.2 subway line, it was 131.73ppb. 3, The result of correlation analysis indicated that the relationship between temperature and formaldehyde concentration is very high( $\gamma $= 0.831 ∼ 0.974). 4. Also, the relationship between humidity and formaldehyde concentration is variant ($\gamma $ = 0.246 ∼0.999). 5. The mean formaldehyde concentration indoor and outdoor Ban- po underground shop ping center and indoor Jam- shil underground shopping center and indoor the No.2 sub way line exceed the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air- conditioning Engineers( ASHRAE) stflndard of 100ppb(120 $\mu $g/m$^{3}$).

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.339-355
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• 2021

Background: Particulate matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5) and black carbon contribute to poor air quality in urban areas, and can also affect indoor environments. Exposure to PM can be associated with respiratory and lung diseases. Objectives: This study investigated the indoor and outdoor concentration distribution patterns of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and black carbon at an apartment building, a typical residential space in the metropolitan areas of South Korea, by season, day of the week (weekday vs. weekend), and time of the day. It aims to obtain foundational data for the effective management of pollutants and investigate the difference in pollution levels between indoor and outdoor environments. Methods: Indoor and outdoor concentrations of PM and black carbon were measured at an apartment building located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do Province, using dust sensors and an Aethalometer AE51 (AethLabs, San Francisco, CA, USA) over the course of a year from June 2020 to May 2021. The concentration distribution patterns were analyzed by season and time of day. Results: PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations in the outdoor environment were higher than those in the indoor environment, regardless of the season. By contrast, the indoor black carbon concentration was higher than that in the outdoor environment during summer and autumn. The concentrations of PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and black carbon were found to be higher on weekdays than during weekends, especially during rush hour, with concentrations of 25.92~56.58 ㎍/m³, 21.12~44.82 ㎍/m³, 0.63~3.40 ㎍/m³. Conclusions: The outdoor concentrations of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and black carbon were higher during the weekdays, especially during rush hour, than during weekends. This study is expected to provide basic data for the health management of apartment occupants because it is measured over a period of more than one year.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2001

Since most people spend over 80% of their time indoor, indoor air quality tends to be the dominant contributor to personal exposure. In this study, indoor and outdoor $NO_2$concentrations were measured and compared with simultaneously personal exposures of 27 house-wives and female workers of kindergarten. Time activity pattern and house characteristics were used to determine the effects of these factors on personal exposure. Since house-wives student spent most their times in indoor with mean of 89.8%, their $NO_2$ exposure was associated with indoor $NO_2$ level(r= 0.92) rather than outdoor $NO_2$ level(r= 0.87). female workers were also associated with indoor $NO_2$ level(r= 0.70) though sample number were small. Using time-weighted average model, $NO_2$ exposures of house-wives were estimated by $NO_2$ measurements in indoor home and outdoor home levels. Estimated $NO_2$ personal exposures were significantly correlated with measured $NO_2$ personal exposures (r= 0.90). These results might mean that air pollutants exposure of old and feeble persons, and infants could be estimated by measuring concentrations of indoor home.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.21 no.1 s.52
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• pp.57-69
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• 2006

Lately human exposure to fine particles smaller than $2.5{\mu}m$ in aerodynamic diameter ($PM_{2.5}$) has become a great concern in Korea due to their possible cause of elevated mortality, lung function decrements, and more frequent hospital admissions for asthma. This study was conducted to investigate seasonal variations of human exposure to residential $PM_{2.5}$ and particle-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Ten homes in Chuncheon, Korea were visited for continuous 72 hour sampling of $PM_{2.5}$ in the living rooms using a MiniVol Portable Sampler from December 22, 2002 to November 3, 2003. During the same period, outdoor $PM_{2.5}$ samples were collected on the top of the Natural Sciences Building of Kangwon National University which is located in the middle of the ten households. Samples were analyzed for $PM_{2.5}$ mass concentrations and six selected PAHs. In two smoking homes, the highest $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations were measured ranging from 51.1 to 69.7 {\mu}g/m^3$ on average in all seasons, indicating smoking is a very important contributor to the elevation of indoor particle concentrations. Seasonal comparison showed that indoor particle concentrations were higher than outdoor ones except winter. Total PAH concentrations in smoking homes were highest in winter among the seasons primarily due to low ventilation rate, followed by the outdoor site and nonsmoking homes. BaP toxic equivalents (TEQs) were calculated for five PAHs. The TEQ for smoking homes in winter was highest followed by the outdoor site in winter. It is concluded that smoking and ventilation rate are two important contributors to the elevation of indoor $PM_{2.5}$ and PAH concentrations.