• 한국결정성장학회지
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.191-195
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• 2017

본 연구에서는 공기 정화식 마스크의 필터로 사용되는 일반적인 부직포와 전기방사 나노섬유가 코팅된 부직포에 대한 미세 구조를 분석하고 미세먼지 차단 특성을 향상 시킬 수 있는 새로운 마스크 디자인을 제안하였다. 평균적으로 $25{\mu}m$의 직경을 갖는 부직포 섬유와 달리 전기방사 방법으로 형성된 나노섬유는 그 직경이 25 nm~120 nm로 매우 작아 비표면적이 크고, 불규칙적으로 배열된 촘촘한 그물방 구조를 갖고 있었다. 일반적인 부직포 필터는 부직포 섬유 표면의 정전기력에 의해 미세먼지를 흡착할 수 있었지만, 수십 ${\mu}m$ 크기 이상의 기공이 부직포 전반에 걸쳐 존재하기 때문에, 수 ${\mu}m$ 크기를 갖는 미세먼지를 여과하는데 한계가 있었다. 반면 나노섬유가 코팅된 부직포 필터의 경우, 나노섬유의 구조적 특성으로 인해 투과성과 통기성을 유지하면서 수 ${\mu}m$ 크기의 미세먼지를 기계적으로 흡착하여 효과적으로 여과할 수 있었다. 우수한 마스크 필터의 성능과 더불어 올바른 마스크 착용이 미세먼지 차단 특성을 극대화 할 수 있는데, 이를 위해 안면부와 마스크 사이의 틈으로 미세먼지의 유입을 막을 수 있도록 안면부에 밀착이 잘 될 수 있는 새로운 마스크 디자인을 제안하였다.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.42-47
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to investigate for filtration efficiency of several dust masks, comparing with filtration efficiency certified by KOSHA(Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency), and to require of the right use of protective respirators. Using a welding fume generator and chamber, several dust masks, which were widely used in the workplaces in korea, were tested for their filtering efficiency for stainless steel arc welding fume. The filtration efficiency testing system consisted of a welding fume generator, a chamber and a filtration unit. The filtration unit was made of a mask which was inserted into the sampling cassette and another sampling cassette, which contained mixed cellulose ester filter paper. These two cassettes were connected with tubing. Stainless steel arc welding fume generator was delivered into an chamber. The welding fume in the chamber was passed into the filtration unit with flow rate of 30 liter/min. The welding fume filtration efficiency was evaluated by gravimetric measurement. Metal concentrations in the welding fume before and after filtration were measured with inductive coupling plasma analyzer. Following results were obtained: Filtration efficiency of welding fume for common hygienic mask was 63.82% and the average efficiencies for A, B, C, D, E, F and G masks were 94.62%, 96.58%, 83.20%, 82.76%, 77.25%, 86.55% and 93.22%, respectively. Our results indicate that dust masks used widely in the welding workplaces in korea are not proper for protecting worker's health and then the use of fume mask should be required.

• 대한치과기공학회지
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.93-102
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• 2011

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate working environment for dental technician by measuring dust level, ventilation conditions and the use of personal protective equipment and to provide basic information required to improve working environment and develop health education programs for dental technician. Methods: A total of 240 dental technician who are registered with the Daegu Association of Dental technician and working at 34 dental laboratories participated in the study. And the dust level was measured at 21 different spots in 16 dental laboratories out of 34. Results: Of 34 dental laboratories, 31 (91.2%) were equipped with a ventilator, but the remaining 3 (8.8%) did not have a ventilator. By the number of ventilator, 1 to 3 ventilators were found in 22 dental laboratories (71.0%), 4 to 6 ventilators were in 7 laboratories (22.5%) and more than 7 ventilators in 2 laboratories(6.5%). According to the frequence of changing filters in dust collector, 20 dental laboratories (58.9%) changed filters every four weeks, 10 laboratories (29.4%) changed them every six weeks and 4 laboratories (11.7%) changed them every eight weeks. Of total respondents, 114 (61.3%) said they wore a mask all the time while working, 56 (29.6%) said they frequently wore a mask, 19 (10.1%) said they did not wear a mask. As for the type of masks, 159 (84.1%) used a disposable mask, 25 (13.2%) used a cotton mask and 5 (2.7%) used an anti-dust mask. For dust sat on their outfits while working, 102 (54.0%) shook their uniforms inside workplace to keep dust off the uniforms, 64 (33.9%) did not anything until they wash their uniforms and 23 (12.1%) shook their uniforms outside workplace to keep dust off the uniforms. Of total respondents, 182 (96.3%) had a particle in their eyes while carrying out grinding work. Based on the measurement of floating dust at workplace, 3 dental laboratories showed dust concentration exceeding the minimum level of 10 mg/$m^3$ allowed under the permit for environment. Of those, 1 laboratory had the dust concentration that was more than 1.5 times higher than the minimum level. Dust concentration was higher in laboratories that used a dust collector with 0.5 horse power and changed filters more than 3 weeks ago. Dust comprised of nickel (more than 70%), chrome (9%) and others. The mean chrome concentration was more than twice higher than the minimum permissible level of 0.5 mg/$m^3$. There were two laboratories that showed chrome concentration exceeding the level of 0.4 mg/$m^3$. Like dust concentration, chrome level was higher in laboratories that used a dust collector with 0.5 horse power and changed filters more than 3 weeks ago. There were six laboratories that had nickel concentration exceeding the minimum permissible level of 1 mg/$m^3$. Of those, one laboratory had nickel concentration that was more than three times higher than the minimum permissible level. Nickel concentration was also higher in laboratories that used a dust collector with 0.5 horse power and changed filters more than 3 weeks ago. Conclusion: It is not likely that heavy metal concentrations found in the study constitute respiratory dust. It is however necessary for health of dental technician to apply the Industrial Safety and Healthy Law to dental laboratories and make recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment, installation of a proper number of ventilators, more frequent change of filters in dust collector and improved ventilation for polishing work. At the same time, dental technician need education on how to use personal protective equipment and how to efficiently remove dust from their uniforms.

• 품질경영학회지
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.301-310
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of work intensity on fit factor and affective quality of the dustproof Background: Among the victims who suffer pneumoconiosis due to the inhalation of toxic substances or the lack of oxygen during the work, the proportion of the victims is larger than the other causes. Wearing a respirator may prevent pneumoconiosis, but it can be hazardous to workers because of the leakage through filters, cartridges, exhaust valves, broken parts, and face-to-face contact. Despite leakage through the contact area between the mask and the face has various causes such as the wearer's activity, sweat accumulation, facial shape, etc., There is a lack of relevant research and regulation compared to developed countries that have already institutionalized the law 30 years ago and give the right to sell through a test Method: The work intensity was adjusted by walking or running at 6km/h and 11km/h on the treadmill, and tasks were defined with reference to the test procedure and the exercise sequence applied in the face leakage test of the dustproof mask. And fit factor was measured objectively using 'Respirator Fit Tester 8038' which measures fit factor calculated by dividing the number of dust present outside the mask by inside the mask. In addition, affective quality was classified by the ease of use, ease of breathing, and ease of wearing, and was measured using the 5-point likert scale questionnaire. Results: There was a significant difference in fit factor, ease of breathing, and wearing convenience according to work intensity and no significant difference in ease of use(${\alpha}=0.01$). And when the work intensity was high, fit factor, ease of breathing, and wearing convenience were all lower than when the work intensity was low. Conclusion: In Korea, it is necessary to consider consideration of the work intensity when testing the leakage rate of the face part for safety certification of the respiratory protective equipment, When developing a mask, it should be possible to maintain high adhesion even under intense, active situation and high temperature conditions by selecting materials, improving the wearing style, and expanding the adjustable range.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.269-282
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• 2017

Objectives: Currently, masks against yellow dust and fine particulates are being certified with no consideration of facial dimensional variations among children and adults. The aims of this study were to develop masks against yellow dust and fine particulates for children in Korea and provide basic data to suggest new test methods for mask certification that consider the breathing capacity of children. Methods: A total of 730 study participants aged from six to 13 years old were recruited in the Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon region. This study used a 3D scanning instrument to obtain 16 facial anthropometric data points. Literature reviews, a comparison of breathing capacity between adults and children, and analysis of children's pulmonary physiological data were conducted in order to suggest new test standards for certifying children's masks against yellow dust and fine particulates. In addition, types of children's masks, choice of wearing a mask or not, and reasons for not wearing masks were surveyed. Results: Based on a clustering analysis of participants' facial dimensions, facial shapes were classified into three groups: small, medium, and large. The sizes of children's masks were subtracted by using 3D sketch techniques(Large: $121.25mm{\times}89.46mm$, Medium: $111.92mm{\times}78.55mm$, Small: $102.13mm{\times}72.87mm$). In certifying children's mask, flow rates of $60{\ell}/m$ for the filtering efficiency test and $20{\ell}/m$ for the breathing resistance test were recommended, since children's pulmonary physiological capacity is about 60-70% of adults' pulmonary capacity. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that three mask sizes for children would be sufficient and practical for providing protection against yellow dust and fine particulates. Revising current test methods for certifying respiratory protective devices for children is important, since children's pulmonary physiological capacity substantially differs from that of adults. Therefore, it is recommended that new test standards for certifying children's masks be promulgated in the near future.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제32권4호
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• pp.435-448
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• 2022

Objectives: As the time spent wearing masks has increased with spread of COVID-19, various research related to masks have been reported. However, there are still few experiments on the physiological response of the body to wearing industrial dust masks in South Korea. Considering the actual working hours at the work site, it is necessary to investigate the comfort of industrial dust masks. Therefore, this study aims to confirm the change in subjective discomfort level according to the wearing time for industrial dust masks in South Korea that have been certified for safety by KCS. Methods: This study evaluated subjective discomfort level over four hours. The experimental conditions were five types: not worn (control group), special grade, first grade, second grade (with valve), and second grade (without valve). The subjective discomfort levels were classified for breathing, warmth (body and face) and wetness (body and face). Subjects recorded their discomfort level on a checklist every one hour. Results: In special grade and second grade (without valve), the discomfort level in terms of breathing, warmth (face), and wetness (face) was significantly higher than that of the control group. However, the effects of all kinds of industrial dust masks on the discomfort level in the body were low. Conclusions: Since this study was conducted on subjects working in an office with a comfortable working environment, it is difficult to apply it to workers at actual industrial sites. However, it is considered meaningful as the first clinical study to evaluate the subjective level of discomfort over a long time for domestic industrial dust masks that have been certified for safety by KCS.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.350-366
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• 2016

Objectives: No 3D anthropometric analyses have been conducted for Korean children's faces for the purpose of designing respiratory protective devices. The aim of this study was to develop masks against yellow dust and fine particulates, particularly for children in Korea. Methods: This study utilized a 3D scanning method to obtain 16 facial anthropometric data from children, ages of 5 to 13 years old. A total of 144 boys and girls were recruited from the kindergarten, elementary schools and middle schools in Seoul. With facial dimensions obtained, cluster analysis was performed to categorize them into similar facial groups. For each cluster, an optimal mask was designed and manufactured using a 3D printer. In addition, lung function data were obtained from 62 subjects and compared with those of normal adults. The pulmonary physiological results were subsequently used to suggest a test method for mask certification. Results: Facial shapes were classified into tree clusters: small, medium, and large. The face width and length for the first group were small with high nosal protrusion. The face width and length for the second group were the largest among the three clusters. The third group had the largest angle of nose root - gnathion(n-prn-gn). Age was the most significant variable in the facial dimensions. Children's pulmonary physiological capacity was about 60% of adults' capacity. The results of fit test using the prototype masks developed showed very good fits for children. Conclusions: For Korean children, three mask sizes will be sufficient and practical for providing protection against yellow dust and fine particulates. Anthropometric data obtained using digitalized 3D face analysis can be very effective for designing respiratory devices. 3D images can be accurate and easily measured for multiple dimensions, particularly for curved areas of the face. It is imperative to adopt different test methods for certifying respiratory protective devices for children, since their pulmonary physiological capacity is inferior compared with that of adults.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.229-237
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• 2014

Objectives: This study intends to determine the current status of management of personal protective equipment fume hoods in university laboratories. Methods: A walk-through survey of 402 labs in Gyeongbuk Province and Daegu Metropolitan City were carried out between May 2009 and July 2010. Respectively, 348 and 54 laboratories were examined in Gyeongbuk Province and Daegu. Results: In size, labs serving over 15,000 student made up the majority with 276(66.4%). In terms of major, engineering labs were the highest in number with 100(24.9%). As to personal protective equipment, a gas mask and a dust mask were available in 17.8% and 14.3% of the labs, respectively, but 68.9% of labs were equipped with protective goggles. Meanwhile, only 12.7% of labs had separate protective equipment storage boxes. About 60% of the labs had installed a fume hood, of which the average capture velocity was 0.37 m/sec. Conclusions: For toxic substances, the labs are obliged to provide personal protective equipment in in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. In addition, the capture velocity of fume hoods must be in strict compliance in order to prevent occupational diseases due to toxic chemicals.

• 한국학교보건학회지
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2003

Purpose : While there have been growing concerns about the effects of Asian dusts on health, there are few studies for relationship between Asian dusts and health outcome. This study was designed to examine the perceived symptoms and behavior change of children during the Asian Dust events. Methods : We surveyed 459 students at an elementary school in Seoul, Korea from November 20th to 27th 2002. Children with parents were asked to return the completed questionnaires within a week. The questionnaires included the sociodemographic factor, previous respiratory disease, and perceived symptom, hospital visits and behavior change during the Asian dusts. Results : The majority of children reported that they restrained going out and outdoor recreational activity during the Asian dusts. The rate of children who worn the mask was 49% and 47% in second grade and fifth grade, respectively. Regarding the perceived symptom during the Asian dusts, the children in 2nd were more likely to have symptom than 5th and there were significant difference between two groups in cough, asthma symptom, dry cough, phlegm and medication for allergy or asthma symptom. In addition, children who had previous disease were more likely to change behavior in order to prevent the effects of Asian dusts. Conclusions : This study suggested that the younger children and children who had past respiratory disease were susceptible to the effect of Asian dusts. There is a need for providing public information and health education to prevent the impact of Asian dusts on health.