• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.81-95
• /
• 1994

This study was performed in a diatomite factory where silicosis had been found at October, 1993. The major objectives were to evaluate worker exposure to diatomaceous earth and to present engineering control methods for workplace management. Total and respirable dust of diatomaceous earth were measured. Size distribution of dust was analyzed by applying the multiple diffraction method. Also crystalline silica in respirable dust samples was analyzed qualitatively by X-ray diffraction. The suitable Local Exhaust Ventilation systems for that factory were recommended. The results were as follows. The airborne total and respirable dust concentrations by exposure groups showed approximate normal distribution. The means of total dust exposures at flour maufacturing, fire brick grinding and packaging, ceramic raws packaging processes exceeded Korean and ACGIH standards, $10mg/m^3$. The means of total and respirable dust concentrations to high exposure groups were 6.8 and 3.9 times higher than those of low expousre groups, respectively. The size distribution of diatomaceous earth dust was lognormal with a median diameter of $7.07{\mu}m$(range, $0.10-60.0{\mu}m$) and with a geometric standard deviation of 1.43. The crystalline silica in respirable dust samples was identified to quartz and cristobalite and/or tridymite. Above results suggest that engineering controls and periodic environmental and medical surveillances will be important for preventing silicosis in the diatomite factory.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.161-168
• /
• 2024

This study was conducted to identify the pollutants generated by the fuel complex and to determine the health effects of the surrounding residents. In addition, based on the results of epidemiological surveys and health impact surveys of local residents, we analyze the distribution of patient groups and exposure characteristics according to the distance from the fuel complex boundary. Samples were collected from the briquette plant within the fuel complex and analyzed by SEM-EDXA, X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer, and ICP. In addition, the distribution of patients and exposure characteristics were analyzed according to the distance from the fuel complex and yard boundaries. Analysis of briquette samples from the fuel complex showed that the average particle size was 10-30 ㎛, the shape was irregular, and SiO₂ accounted for more than 50%. It is believed that silica, which causes pneumoconiosis, may have been scattered into the air. In particular, there was a large distribution of 5 ㎛ particles that affect respiratory diseases. According to the analysis of the residential addresses and distribution of pneumoconiosis cases, many pneumoconiosis cases were located in the area between 200 and 500 meters from the boundary of the fuel complex. In addition, 28 pneumoconiosis cases were identified as a result of the epidemiological survey and health impact survey at the fuel complex. In detail, there were 8 cases of occupational pneumoconiosis, 6 cases of environmental pneumoconiosis, and 14 cases of occupational and environmental pneumoconiosis. The confirmed pneumoconiosis cases were located between 0.3 and 1.1 kilometers from the fuel complex. It was found that environmental pollutants generated by the fuel complex adversely affect the health of local residents. In particular, there are many cases of pneumoconiosis in the area between 200 and 500 meters from the boundary of the fuel complex, and this distance is considered to be the direct and indirect impact zone of the briquette plant.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.95-103
• /
• 2015

Objectives: This study was conducted in order to better understand the conceptual model and Stoffenmanager nano module and apply it to the synthesis and packing processes of nanomaterials. Methods: Site visits were conducted to five nanomaterial production processes. Product and exposure variables were investigated in these workplaces. Hazard banding and exposure classification of the synthesis and packing processes of nanomaterials were conducted using documents and the website of Stoffenmanager Nano. Results: The five sites featured different products, packing tasks, ventilation and local exhaust, and others. The hazards for nano-nickel and copper were classified as E. The hazards for both fumed silica and indium tin oxide were classified as D. The hazard for spherical silica was classified as C. The exposure classes in the synthesis process of nanomaterials ranged from 2 through 4. The exposure classes in the packing process of nanomaterials ranged from 1 through 4. Conclusions: Application of Stoffenmanager nano to the synthesis and packing processes of nanomaterials helped to better understand the control level of the work environment and to suggest appropriate actions. The comparison of each process showed the effect of the production process and handling of solids and ventilation on exposure class.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.88-94
• /
• 1998

Korea has been rapidly industrialized during the past 35 years. During this period, Korea has emphasized only production and workers health has been ignored. Workers are most frequently exposed to organic vapors, such as thinners. This study was performed to evaluate worker exposures to organic solvents by size and type of industry. Results are summarized below. Workers were exposed to mixtures of toluene, xylenes, trichloroethylene, n-hexane, acetone, methanol, n-butanol, n-butyl acetate, and MIBK. Considering additive effects of the compounds, exposure indices (EIs) were calculated. It was found that worker exposures to organic solvents were highest in small industries and lowest in large industries. During a day shift, the highest exposure was indicated 3 - 5 p.m. in the afternoon. Workers in small industries had potential exposures exceeding permissible exposure limits for organic solvents. Local exhuast systems were inappropriate and respiratory protective devices were not supplied to the workers in small industries. Neither program for safe use and storage of toxic materials nor program for respirators was found in any of the plants investigated. Based on the results of the study, workers of small scale industries should be considered first in industrial health.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.166-173
• /
• 2015

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate cobalt concentrations in airborne inhalable, total and respirable dust from manufacturing industries using cobalt. Methods: To compare cobalt concentrations, three types of dust samplers(a 37mm closed cassette sampler, Institute of Occupational Medicine(IOM) sampler, and Aluminum cyclone sampler) were used. The analysis of cobalt concentrations was conducted using AAs based on the NIOSH 7300 method. Results: The geometric mean of cobalt concentration in total dust was $1.47{\mu}g/m^3$, and the rate of excess of the Korean Occupational Exposure Limit(KOEL) was 10.0%. The geometric mean concentrations of cobalt in super alloy manufacturing industries were higher than those in plating industries, and molding operations showed higher exposure levels to cobalt than did other operations. Conclusions: The rate of cobalt concentration in inhalable dust from super alloy manufacturing industries exceeding the Workplace Exposure Limit(WEL) as recommended by the Health & Safety Executive(HSE) was 7.1%, which means proper work environmental management is required through wet work environments. Given that molding operations had higher cobalt concentrations, it is necessary to apply measures such as local exhaust for reducing airborne dust in cobalt manufacture industries.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.393-402
• /
• 2011

Asbestos is a toxic material that can lead to lung cancer and other diseases. There is no information regarding areas in Korea that contain asbestos in nature; consequently we need to manage such areas with care. The purpose of this study was to construct a local graded map of asbestos exposure risk based on the natural occurrence of asbestos in rocks. We first developed a means of evaluating the asbestos exposure risk and produced thematic maps based on a field survey. In addition, we constructed a knowledge base for asbestos through analysis, representation and processes about asbestos data and prepare for the development of an evaluation model for asbestos exposure risk. The spatial analysis of asbestos exposure risk is based on a weighted-overlay analysis using expert opinion and the literature, and a fuzzy-overlay analysis using the uncertainty in the data. The map of asbestos exposure risk, compiled according to the weighted and fuzzy operations, is expected to be used to ensure safety and to reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.84-94
• /
• 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.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.41-46
• /
• 1997

Diet is generally accepted as one of the important factors in human cancer development. Ethyl carbamate has been associated with cancer for several decades and mainly found in the fermented beverages and foodstuff. The relationship between ethyl carbamate and the human health cannot be ignored especially in the areas where fermented foods consists of regular food consumption. To investigate the ethyl carbamate exposure level in Korean population, commercial fermented food samples were collected form local markets I Seoul area and home-made varieties were collected throughout the country. Following partial purification the concentration of ethyl carbamete was determined by GC/ MS. The concentration of ethyl carbamate ranged to 70 ppb in soysauce, to 10 ppb in soybean paste, and to 5 ppb in vinegars. Korean traditional alcoholic beverages showed small amount of ethyl carbamate. The estimated daily exposure of Korean population was 0~1900ng/day. It would be prudent to put efforts to minimize the formation of ethyl carbamate since the risk from the higher range exposure cannot be ignored.

• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.67-73
• /
• 2009

The goal of this study was to assess the level of vibration in an walking-type cultivator, and to provide a basic information to manage the vibration exposure for farmers. The latent periods of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) were assessed through analyzing the vibration levels and frequency characteristics. Also, vibration acceleration levels based on the daily vibration exposure duration was suggested. The latent periods of vibration-induced white finger were assessed by ISO 5349 method. The latent periods were 4.5 and 10.1 years at 10% and 50% of farmer group, respectively. Also, under ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) standard, daily vibration exposure duration at 6.7 m/s2 of vibration acceleration has to be less than 4 hours. Therefore, education that maximum working hours should be less than 4 continuous hours is necessary for the operators of walking-type cultivators.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.43-49
• /
• 2020

Along side with the rapid growth of local governments' advertising bills, there are few studies focused on the effectiveness of these ads. Especially one of the media being used by the local governments is the Korea Express Train (KTX), where they advertise in the train coaches' KTX video monitor. Unfortunately the ads in KTX are exposed without audio mostly. The current study, therefore, probed on the effectiveness of these ads. This study utilized transportation theory and content analysis methodology to give insight to its discourse. We established two analysis units (camera and subtitles), and then analyzed 107 local government ads. From the camera analysis, it is observed that local governments' festival and tour promotion ads more often employ dynamic angles such as drone shot and long shot. Also, from subtitles usage analysis, it is observed that many of the ads make use of large size titles and subtitles which could prevent viewers seeing visual shots. In the special case audio-less KTX ads, this study recommends emphasis on subtitles which will enhance the ad effectiveness of the ad messages.