• Toxicological Research
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.119-127
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• 2008

The objectives of this study were to examine the lung injury and inflammation caused by manual metal arc stainless steel(MMA-SS) welding fume inhalation and to evaluate the recovery process. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to MMA-SS welding fumes for 2 h per day in a whole-body exposure chamber, with a total suspended particulate(TSP) concentration of $51.4{\pm}2.8mg/m^3$(low dose) or $84.6{\pm}2.9mg/m^3$(high dose) for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed after 30 days of exposure as well as after a 30-day recovery period. To assess the inflammatory or injury responses, cellular and biochemical parameters as well as cytokines were assayed in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF). MMA-SS welding fume exposure led to a significant elevation in the number of alveolar macrophages(AM) and polymorphonuclear cells(PMN). Additionary, the values of $\beta$-n-acetyl glucosaminidase($\beta$-NAG) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in the BALF were increased in the exposed group when compared to controls. After 30 days of recovery from exposure, a significant reduction in inflammatory parameters of BALF was observed between the exposed and recovered groups. Slight, but significant elevations were noted in the number of AM and PMN in the recovered groups, and AM that had been ingested fume particles still remain in the lungs. In conclusion, these results indicated that welding fumes induced inflammatory responses and cytotoxicity in the lungs of exposed rats. Fume particles were not fully cleared from lungs even after a 30-day recovery period.

• 대한임상독성학회지
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.30-33
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• 2011

Trichloroethylene (TCE, $C_2HCl_3$), which was introduced as a gas for general anesthesia and analgesia in early 1900's has been widely used in industry as an organic solvent. Occupational exposure to TCE is an important medical problem. Manifestations of acute exposure to TCE include mucocutaneous irritation, hepatotoxicity, cognitive impairment, sleep, headache, respiratory insufficiency and death. We report a 38-year-old man who was admitted to a department of emergency medicine after occupational inhalation exposure to TCE. He rapidly developed semicoma and respiratory depression. After mechanical ventilation, hypercapnea and hypoxemia disappeared and his mental state again became alert. Careful evaluation and proper respiratory support are important for respiratory failure after occupational TCE inhalation.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.84-94
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• 2018

Background: This paper describes a simple-to-use and reliable screening tool called Critical Task Exposure Screening (CTES), developed by a chemical company. The tool assesses if the exposure to a chemical for a task is likely to be within acceptable levels. Methods: CTES is a Microsoft Excel tool, where the inhalation risk score is calculated by relating the exposure estimate to the corresponding occupational exposure limit (OEL) or occupational exposure band (OEB). The inhalation exposure is estimated for tasks by preassigned ART1.5 activity classes and modifying factors. Results: CTES requires few inputs. The toxicological data, including OELs, OEBs, and vapor pressure are read from a database. Once the substance is selected, the user specifies its concentration and then chooses the task description and its duration. CTES has three outputs that may trigger follow-up: (1) inhalation risk score; (2) identification of the skin hazard with the skin warnings for local and systemic adverse effects; and (3) status for carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic effects. Conclusion: The tool provides an effective way to rapidly screen low-concern tasks, and quickly identifies certain tasks involving substances that will need further review with, nevertheless, the appropriate conservatism. This tool shows that the higher-tier ART1.5 inhalation exposure assessment model can be included effectively in a screening tool. After 2 years of worldwide extensive use within the company, CTES is well perceived by the users, including the shop floor management, and it fulfills its target of screening tool.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.358-367
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• 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to review model algorithms and input parameters applied to some exposure models and to compare the simulated estimates using an exposure scenario from each model. Methods: A total of five exposure models which can estimate inhalation exposure were selected; the Korea Ministry of Environment(KMOE) exposure model, European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals Targeted Risk Assessment(ECETOC TRA), SprayExpo, and ConsExpo model. Algorithms and input parameters for exposure estimation were reviewed and the exposure scenario was used for comparing the modeled estimates. Results: Algorithms in each model commonly consist of the function combining physicochemical properties, use characteristics, user exposure factors, and environmental factors. The outputs including air concentration ($mg/m^3$) and inhaled dose(mg/kg/day) are estimated applying input parameters with the common factors to the algorithm. In particular, the input parameters needed to estimate are complicated among the models and models need more individual input parameters in addition to common factors. In case of CEM, it can be obtained more detailed exposure estimates separating user's breathing zone(near-field) and those at influencing zone(far-field) by two-box model. The modeled exposure estimates using the exposure scenario were similar between the models; they were ranged from 0.82 to $1.38mg/m^3$ for concentration and from 0.015 to 0.180 mg/kg/day for inhaled dose, respectively. Conclusions: Modeling technique can be used for a useful tool in the process of exposure assessment if the exposure data are scarce, but it is necessary to consider proper input parameters and exposure scenario which can affect the real exposure conditions.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.49-53
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• 2018

Cyclohexanone ($C_6H_{10}O$, CAS No. 108-94-1) is a colorless oily liquid obtained through the oxidation of cyclohexane or dehydrogenation of phenol. It is used in the manufacture of adhesives, sealant chemicals, agricultural chemicals, paint and coating additives, solvent, electrical and electronic products, paints and coatings, photographic supplies, film, photochemicals, and as an intermediate in nylon production. Owing to the lack of information on repeated inhalation toxicity of cyclohexaone, in this study, we aimed to characterize the subacute inhalation toxicity. B6C3F1 mice were exposed to 0, 50, 150, and 250 ppm of cyclohexanone for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks via whole-body inhalation in accordance with the OECD Test Guideline 412 (subacute inhalation toxicity: 28-day study). Mortality, clinical signs, body weights, food consumption, hematology, serum biochemistry, organ weights, as well as gross and histopathological findings were evaluated between the control and exposure groups. No mortality or remarkable clinical signs were observed during the study. No adverse effects on body weight, food consumption, hematology, serum biochemistry, and organ weights, gross or histopathological lesions were observed in any male or female mice in any of the exposure groups, although some statistically significant changes were observed in organ weights. We concluded that no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) is above 250 ppm in mice exposed to cyclohexanone for 6 hr/day for 5 days/week.

• 농약과학회지
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.507-528
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• 2011

포장에서 농약 살포액의 조제, 살포 등의 작업을 수행하는 농작업자는 피부노출, 호흡노출경로를 통해 농약에 노출되며, 이러한 상황에서의 농약 노출에 대한 합리적인 위해성 평가를 위해서는 해당 영농상황에서 노출량을 정량적으로 측정해야 한다. 농약 노출 측정방법으로 patch, 장갑, 양말, 마스크를 이용하는 방법과 호흡 노출은 주로 고체흡착제와 공기흡입펌프가 연결된 personal air monitor를 사용하는 것이 좋을 것으로 판단된다. 이 농작업자의 정량적 피부 노출 측정법으로 유효할 것으로 판단된다. 노출 재료에 침착/부착된 농약량이나 고체흡착제에 포집된 농약량을 신체 전체에 대한 농약 노출량으로 외삽하기 위한 EPA 자료를 대체할 수 있도록 한국 사람의 표준 신체표면적 및 호흡률을 제안하였다. 중요한 노출 인자인 피부노출의 의복 침투율과 피부 침투율, 그리고 호흡노출의 침투율을 UK-POEM과 관련된 연구결과를 참고하여 다양하게 제안하였다. 노출 평가를 위한 살포 시간은 노출 측정 재료에 침착된 농약이 분석이 될 만큼 충분한 농약이 포집될 수 있도록 살포시간이 충분해야 하는데, 국내의 SS기나 동력분무기의 경우는 1반복 당 모두 약 20~40분에 살포(약 0.1~0.2 ha)로 해서 3반복 측정 결과를 4시간으로 환산할 것을 제안하였다.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.195-205
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• 2022

Background: The biggest concern when using household chemical products is the health risk from inhalation exposure. Objectives: The purpose of this paper was to provide information necessary for estimating inhalation exposure factors in several countries/organizations and to present some examples. Methods: We attempted to use PRISMA-ScR for a systematic review, but no major reports were found. We used the Google search function instead to find 'exposure factor handbook'. As for the results, inhalation exposure factors from South Korea, the United States, Canada, the EU, Australia, Japan, and China were compared. Results: The basic concept and origin of exposure factors was the US Environmental Protection Agency's Exposure Factor Handbook. Its latest version is 2011, but several chapters have been updated in 2017, 2018, and 2019. South Korea's Exposure Factor Handbook was updated in 2019, more recently than those of other countries, and was systematically investigated. In South Korea, the average daily respiratory rate is 14.62 m³/day for adults and 12.73 m³/day for children. It is difficult to compare breathing rate by country because each country divides age groups differently and uses different methods to estimate it. Information on household chemical products, space used, and ventilation rate are in the exposure factor handbook in some countries and not in others. It is not in the handbook in South Korea, but in the notice from the NIER (National Institute of Environmental Research), a sub-regulation of the Chemical Product Safety Act. Conclusions: The exposure factors registered in South Korea's exposure factor handbook have been systematically studied and reflect the most recent data. When using data not in the relevant handbook, data from other countries might be applied, but it should be determined whether the nature and quality of the original data have been managed.

• 한국환경과학회지
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.163-171
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• 2013

The aggregate risk assessment on xylene and ethylbenzene was carried out according to the guidance established newly in 2010 with the purpose of providing information for risk management. In human exposure assessment, the results indicated that lower ages were exposed more and that, in the interior space at home, the highest level of human exposure occurred via inhalation. At outdoor spaces, exposures via inhalation and drinking were less than 1%. In human health risk characterization, xylene showed HI(Hazard Index) < 1 in all ages. When reasonable maximum exposure(RME) was applied, HI for young children was 0.64. The HI of ethylbenzene was also below 1(0.02~0.04) in all ages, indicating no potential risk. From this study, it is considered that xylene need to be continous monitoring with interest because this substance may be more sensitive on young age group. In additon, to reduce the uncertainty of the risk assessment, the korean exposure factors on young age group such as infant, children had to be established as soon as possible.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.700-710
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• 2003

For the experiment of the effects between cadmium aerosol inhalation toxicity and ethyl acetate extracts of Folium Mori, 4 inhalation exposure groups of rat were exposed to cadmium aerosol in air by whole-body inhalation exposure for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, and 4 weeks. Cadmium concentration in the air was 0.96㎎/㎥ and mass median diameter (MMD) was 2.48㎛ with 1.85 of geometric standard deviation(GSD). Intraperitoneal injections of ethyl acetate extracts of Folium Mori to inhalation exposure groups were performed for 4 weeks and the results were as follows: The highest body weight gain for 4 weeks and food intake per day were 159.29/4 weeks in treated group III and 18.45g/day in treated group I, respectively. The highest lung and liver weights were 1.31 g in treated group I and 9.42g in treated group III, respectively. The highest kidney weight was 2.21g from treated group I. The lowest cadmium content in lung was 86.39㎍/g from treated group III and the lowest cadmium concentration in blood was 2.72㎍/㎗ from treated group II. Cadmium concentrations of 22.09㎍/g in liver and 24.82㎍/g in kidney were the lowest from inhalation exposure group I and III, respectively. For weekly cadmium concentration in urine, the value of the fourth week from treated group III was the highest, 1.35㎍/㎖. For weekly cadmium concentration in feces, the values of the second and fourth week from treated group I were the highest, 1.11㎍/g. The highest metallothionein concentration in lung was 31.85㎍/g from treated group III and the highest metallothionein concentration in liver was 205.77㎍/g from treated group III. The highest metallothionein concentration in kidney was 206.55㎍/g from treated group III. The highest Hct and Hb values were 38.26% and 11.63g/㎗ from treated group III, respectively. The highest RBC and WBC values were 7.68×106/㎣ and 9.85×10³/㎣ from treated group I, respectively.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.245-250
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• 2016

3-Methylpentane ($C_6H_{14}$, CAS No. 96-14-0), isomer of hexane, is a colorless liquid originating naturally from petroleum or natural gas liquids. 3-Methylpentane has been used as a solvent in organic synthesis, as a lubricant, and as a raw material for producing carbon black. There is limited information available on the inhalation toxicity of 3-methylpentane, and the aim of this study was to determine its subacute inhalation toxicity. According to OECD Test Guideline 412 (subacute inhalation toxicity: 28-day study), Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 0, 284, 1,135, and 4,540 ppm of 3-methylpentane for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks via whole-body inhalation. Mortality, clinical signs, body weights, food consumption, hematology, serum chemistry, organ weights, and gross and histopathological findings were compared between control and all exposure groups. No mortality or remarkable clinical signs were observed during the study. No gross or histopathological lesions, or adverse effects on body weight, food consumption, hematology, serum chemistry, and organ weights were observed in any male or female rats in all exposure groups, although some statistically significant changes were observed in food consumption, serum chemistry, and organ weights. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) for 3-methylpentane above 4,540 ppm/6 hr/day, 5 days/week for rats.