• Clean Technology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.95-104
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• 2013

Onsan Industrial Complex located in a nearby the Ulsan Petrochemical Complex and in the east of the coast. For this reason, air pollution substances emitted by Onsan Industrial Complex especially tend to have an effect on meteorological factors such as sea breeze. In this study, we assessed the frequency of sea breeze and mist using the meteorological data, and analyzed potential temperature and upper wind condition for assessment of atmospheric pollution concentration influenced by meteorological phenomena in a nearby the Onsan industrial complex. From an analysis results, when mist and sea breeze happened, each higher concentration phenomenon of $PM_{10}$ and $SO_2$ appeared each 57.2%, 71.8% and 46.6%, 57.7% respectively. Hence, we confirmed that meteorological phenomena such as mist and sea breeze had an effect on high concentration of air pollution substances in the research area. Analytical result of meteorological data in upper layer using potential temperature and wind condition, we confirmed that advection of air pollution substances emitted in Ulsan Petrochemical Complex by sea breeze have an effect on high concentration in Onsan Industrial Complex and nearby the residential area. In particular;concentration in Onsan Industrial Complex were higher than the average concentration by a factor of more than over 1.5 times when sea breeze by stable condition in atmospheric layer appeared.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.329-341
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• 2016

Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate the short-term effect of ambient air pollution on emergency department (ED) visits in Seoul for asthma according to patients' prior history of allergic diseases. Methods: Data on ED visits from 2005 to 2009 were obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. To evaluate the risk of ED visits for asthma related to ambient air pollutants (carbon monoxide [CO], nitrogen dioxide [$NO_2$], ozone [$O_3$], sulfur dioxide [$SO_2$], and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <$10{\mu}m$ [$PM_{10}$]), a generalized additive model with a Poisson distribution was used; a single-lag model and a cumulative-effect model (average concentration over the previous 1-7 days) were also explored. The percent increase and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each interquartile range (IQR) increment in the concentration of each air pollutant. Subgroup analyses were done by age, gender, the presence of allergic disease, and season. Results: A total of 33 751 asthma attack cases were observed during the study period. The strongest association was a 9.6% increase (95% CI, 6.9% to 12.3%) in the risk of ED visits for asthma per IQR increase in $O_3$ concentration. IQR changes in $NO_2$ and $PM_{10}$ concentrations were also significantly associated with ED visits in the cumulative lag 7 model. Among patients with a prior history of allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis, the risk of ED visits for asthma per IQR increase in $PM_{10}$ concentration was higher (3.9%; 95% CI, 1.2% to 6.7%) than in patients with no such history. Conclusions: Ambient air pollutants were positively associated with ED visits for asthma, especially among subjects with a prior history of allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.223-236
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• 2001

The concentration of gaseous mercury (Hg) was measured at hourly intervals along with relevant environmental parameters from two monitoring stations (Hannam and Kwachun) in Seoul metropolitan city during September 1999 to July 2000. Irrespective of the environmental and areal differences in the two locations, the concentrations of observed Hg levels were remarkably compatible each other. The results showed that the mean Hg level in Hannam was measured to be 5.34${\pm}$3.92 ngm$^{-3}$ (N = 2576), while that of Kwachun was 5.25${\pm}$2.53 ngm$^{-3}$ (N = 1992). Using these measurement data, we inspected Hg distribution and behavior at various time scale. When the data were analyzed at 24 hr scale, the distribution patterns for the two areas were distinguished by enrichment in either night(Hannam) or day (Kwachun). The patterns for seasonal distributions were also opposing each other such as the occurrences of peak during winter (Hannam) or summer (Kwachun). In order to analyze the factors affecting Hg distributions between two sites over different time scale, we conducted both correlation and factor analysis on both all data sets and on seasonally divided data groups. Whereas Hg exhibits strong correlations with such parameters as PM (particulate matter), SO$_2$, and NO$_2$, its relationship with meteorological parameters was not significant enough in many cases. The results of factor analysis also indicated that the Hg levels are tightly associated with most pollutants, explaining the largest portions of statistical variance. According to our study, we conclude that patterns of Hg distributions can exhibit variable patterns depending on local source processes which we expect to be diverse among different areas.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.197-202
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• 2005

Objectives: During the spring of 2002, an unprecedented 2 Asian dust events were experienced in Seoul. On those days, the $PM_{10}$ was surprisingly increased, with daily $PM_{10}$ averages exceeding $600\;and\;700{\mu}g/m^3$ on March 21 and April 8, respectively. Accordingly, public concern relating to the possible adverse health effects of these dust events has increased, as the dust arrives in Korea after having flown over heavily industrialized eastern China. We investigated the effects of these Asian dust events on the mortality during the spring of 2002, in Seoul, Korea. Methods: The total number of deaths per day during the spring of 2002 in Seoul was extracted form the mortality records of the National Statistical Office. We constructed 14 Asian dust days (March 17-March 23, April 7-April 13) and 42 control days during the 56 day study period (March 3-April 27) with respect to the days of the week. The daily average numbers of deaths between the Asian dust and control days were analyzed, with adjustment for meteorological variables and pollutants. Results: The daily PM10 average during the Asian dust weeks was $295.2{\mu}g/m^3$, which was significantly higher than during the control days (p<0.001). The daily average number of deaths from all causes during the Asian dust days was 109.9; 65.6 for those aged 65 years and older, 6.7 from respiratory causes (J00-J99) and 25.6 from cardiovascular causes (I00-I99). The estimated percentage increases in the rate of deaths were 2.5% (95% CI=-5.0-10.6) from all causes; 2.2% (95% CI=-7.4-12.8) for those aged 65 years and older, and 36.5% (95% CI=0.7-85.0) from respiratory causes, but with a 6.1% (95% CI=-19.7-9.7) decrease in deaths from cardiovascular causes. Conclusion: The Asian dust events were found to be weakly associated with the risk of death from all causes. However, the association between dust events and deaths from respiratory causes was stronger. This suggests that persons with advanced respiratory diseases may be susceptible to Asian dust events.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.177-190
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• 2013

Air pollution trends in Japan between 1970 and 2012 were analyzed, and the impact of air pollution countermeasures was evaluated. Concentrations of CO decreased from 1970 to 2012, and in 2012, the Japanese environmental quality standard (EQS) for CO was satisfied. Concentrations of $SO_2$ dropped markedly in the 1970s, owing to use of desulfurization technologies and low-sulfur heavy oil. Major reductions in the sulfur content of diesel fuel in the 1990s resulted in further decreases of $SO_2$ levels. In 2012, the EQS for $SO_2$ was satisfied at most air quality monitoring stations. Concentrations of $NO_2$ decreased from 1970 to 1985, but increased from 1985 to 1995. After 1995, $NO_2$ concentrations decreased, especially after 2006. In 2012, the EQS for $NO_2$ was satisfied at most air quality monitoring stations, except those alongside roads. The annual mean for the daily maximum concentrations of photochemical oxidants (OX) increased from 1980 to 2010, but after 2006, the $98^{th}$ percentile values of the OX concentrations decreased. In 2012, the EQS for OX was not satisfied at most air quality monitoring stations. Non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) concentrations generally decreased from 1976 to 2012. In 2011, NMHC concentrations near roads and in the general environment were nearly the same. The concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM) generally decreased. In 2011, the EQS for SPM was satisfied at 69.2% of ambient air monitoring stations, and 72.9% of roadside air-monitoring stations. Impacts from mineral dust from continental Asia were especially pronounced in the western part of Japan in spring, and year-round variation was large. The concentration of $PM_{2.5}$ generally decreased, but the EQS for $PM_{2.5}$ is still not satisfied. The air pollution trends were closely synchronized with promulgation of regulations designed to limit pollutant emissions. Trans-boundary OX and $PM_{2.5}$ has become a big issue which contains global warming chemical species such as ozone and black carbon (so called SLCP: Short Lived Climate Pollutants). Cobeneficial reduction approach for these pollutants will be important to improve both in regional and global atmospheric environmental conditions.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.245-252
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• 2016

Background: Ingestion of $^{210}Po$ laden seafood accounts for a substantial amount of the effective dose of $^{210}Po$. Among seafood items, mollusks, especially domestically produced oysters and mussels, are highly enriched in $^{210}Po$ and are consumed in large quantities in Korea. Materials and Methods: Oysters and mussels around the Korean coasts were collected from major farm areas in November 2013. Samples were spiked with an aliquot of $^{209}Po$ as a yield tracer, and they were digested with $6mol{\cdot}L^{-1}$ $HNO_3$ and $H_2O_2$. The $^{210}Po$ and $^{209}Po$ were spontaneously deposited onto a silver disc in an acidic solution of $0.5mol{\cdot}L^{-1}$ HCl and measured using an alpha spectrometer. The activity concentrations of $^{210}Pb$ and $^{210}Po$ were decay corrected to the sampling date, accounting for the possible in-growth and decay of $^{210}Po$. Results and Discussion: $^{210}Po$ activity concentrations in oysters were in a range from 41.3 to $206Bq{\cdot}(kg-ww)^{-1}$ and mussels in a range from 42.9 to $46.7Bq{\cdot}(kg-ww)^{-1}$. The $^{210}Po$ activity concentration of oysters in the turbid Western coast was higher than the Southern coast. The $^{210}Po$ activity concentration of the oysters was positively correlated ($R^2=0.89$) with those of the suspended particulate matter in the surface water. The calculated annual effective dose of $^{210}Po$ from oysters and mussels consumed by the Korean population was 21-104 and $5.01-5.46{\mu}Sv{\cdot}y^{-1}$. The combined effective dose due to the consumption of oysters and mussels appears to account for about $35{\pm}19%$ of that arising from seafood consumption in the Korean population. Conclusion: The annual effective dose of $^{210}Po$ for oysters in the Korean population was found to be higher than other countries. The total annual effective dose of $^{210}Po$ due to consumption of oysters and mussels consumed in Korea was found to be $76{\pm}42{\mu}Sv{\cdot}y^{-1}$, accounting for $28{\pm}16%$ of the total effective dose of $^{210}Po$ from food in Korea.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.155-162
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• 2004

Different adhesives(CF-clear, arabic gum, cethylmethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hydroxy propyl cellulose, methyl cellulose) and particulate matters(bentonite, kaolin, calcium carbonate, peatmoss, talcum, vermiculite, zeolite, calcium hydroxide, plaster, calcium phosphate, vermiculite + calcium carbonate, vermiculite + kaolin, vermiculite + talcum) were evaluated by coating index method. According to the weight of single coated seeds, CF-clear and polyvinyl alcohol appeared to be the best coating adhesives for red clover and tall fescue seeds. Both vermiculite and vermiculite + talc(l : 1) for red clover, and vermiculite + talc(l : 1) for tall fescue appeared to be the best particulate matter(P < 0.01). Percent friability showed excellent results for the arabic gum, CF-clear, and polyvinyl alcohol when compared to others(p < 0.01). The coating index showed high with vermiculite and vermiculite + talc(l : 1) in coating red clover seed, and talc, vermiculite, and vermiculite + talc showed good coating index in coating tall fescue seed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.560-569
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• 2003

Background : A large number of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and ozone influence on the body. These pollutants put a burden on the lung and the sequelae resulting from the oxidative stress are thought to contribute to the development of fibrotic lung disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer. Also, carbon monoxide generated from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds is an important component of air pollution caused by traffic exhaust fumes and has the toxic effect of tissue hypoxia and produce various systemic and neurologic complications. The objective of this study is to compare the difference of pulmonary function and serum carboxyhemoglobin(CO-Hb) level between the traffic policemen and clerk policemen. Method : Three hundred and twenty-nine of traffic policemen, and one hundred and thirty clerk policemen were included between 2001 May and 2002 August. The policemen who took part in this study were asked to fill out a questionnaire which included questions on age, smoking, drinking, years of working, work-related symptoms and past medical history. The serum CO-Hb level was measured by using carboxyoximeter. Pulmonary function test was done by using automated spirometer. Additional tests, such as elecrocardiogram, urinalysis, chest radiography, blood chemistry, and CBC, were also done. Results : $FEV_1(%)$ was $97.1{\pm}0.85%$, and $105.7{\pm}1.21%$(p<0.05). FVC(%) was $94.6{\pm}0.67%$, and $102.1{\pm}1.09%$, respectively(p<0.05). Serum CO-Hb level was $2.4{\pm}0.06%$, and $1.8{\pm}0.08%$(p<0.05). After correction of confounding factors (age, smoking), significant variables were FVC(%), $FEV_1(%)$ and serum CO-Hb level(%)(p<0.05). Conclusion : Long exposure to air pollution may influence the pulmonary function and serum CO-Hb level. But, further prospective cohort study will be needed to elucidate detailed influences of specific pollutants on pulmonary function and serum carboxyhemoglobin level.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 2003

Indoor air quality(IAQ) in workplace and residential environments has been concern of people. Recently, Ministry of Environment in Korea has recognized the potential risk on the healthy effect related to indoor air pollution at home. Therefore, the purpose of this study was performed to measure the indoor air pollutants of IAQ at different homes and investigate to compare the perception of IAQ recognition at home from questionnaire survey in Seoul. We estimated the IAQ of selected 6 homes based on site region and housing type. The indoor air pollutants and parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, respirable suspended particulate matter($PM_{10}$), formaldehyde(HCHO), total bacteria counts, carbon monooxide(CO) and carbon dioxide($CO_2$) were monitored for summer and winter. In monitoring results, the respirable suspended particulate matter(($PM_{10}$) and indoor airborne bacteria level of home 5 and 6 were higher than the standard of the public $150{\;}{\mu}g/m^3$ and $500{\;}{\mu}g/m^3$, the level formaldehyde(HCHO) was exceed 0.1 ppm of the standard of Korea at all monitored homes. In statistics analysis, we could find a correlation between the building age and the concentration of CO, TBC were significant at 0.01 level and Relative Humidity was significant at 0.05 level for summer. Finally, the important air pollutants of IAQ in home were HCHO and total bacteria counts(TBC). And we performed a questionnaire survey of 500 people about their awareness for the importance of IAQ in our home during same period. In results, all most response of occupant has recognized the importance of IAQ at home. Therefore, it can be concluded that the IAQ of selected 6 home studied was perceived as acceptable, it is recommended that the government related IAQ was suggested the guideline and control of IAQ problems, and the occupants need to be effort to reduce the exposure of sources to undesirable pollutants.

• Journal of Service Research and Studies
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.63-75
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• 2023

Due to the development of industry, interest in air pollutants has increased. Air pollutants have affected various fields such as environmental pollution and global warming. Among them, environmental diseases are one of the fields affected by air pollutants. Air pollutants can affect the human body's skin or respiratory tract due to their small molecular size. As a result, various studies on air pollutants and environmental diseases have been conducted. Asthma, part of an environmental disease, can be life-threatening if symptoms worsen and cause asthma attacks, and in the case of adult asthma, it is difficult to cure once it occurs. Factors that worsen asthma include particulate matter and air pollution. Asthma is an increasing prevalence worldwide. In this paper, we study how air pollutants correlate with the number of emergency room admissions in asthma patients and predict the number of future asthma emergency patients using highly correlated air pollutants. Air pollutants used concentrations of five pollutants: sulfur dioxide(SO₂), carbon monoxide(CO), ozone(O₃), nitrogen dioxide(NO₂), and fine dust(PM₁₀), and environmental diseases used data on the number of hospitalizations of asthma patients in the emergency room. Data on the number of emergency patients of air pollutants and asthma were used for a total of 5 years from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017. The model made predictions using two models, Informer and LTSF-Linear, and performance indicators of MAE, MAPE, and RMSE were used to measure the performance of the model. The results were compared by making predictions for both cases including and not including the number of emergency patients. This paper presents air pollutants that improve the model's performance in predicting the number of asthma emergency patients using Informer and LTSF-Linear models.