• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제39권5호
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• pp.447-455
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• 2013

Objectives: This study aims to understand the concentration, diversity, and antibiotic characteristics of staphylococci present in the indoor air of child-care facilities. Methods: Air sampling was performed from October 2012 to January 2013 in 120 child-care facilities in Seoul, Korea. Methicillin-resistant bacteria were selected from the total obtained airborne bacteria and subjected to 16S rRNA analysis for methicillin-resistant staphylococcal species determination. Identified staphylococcal strains were tested for resistance to a range of antibiotics. Results: Average total airborne bacterial concentration was $508.9{\pm}246.3CFU/m^3$. Indoor concentration of total airborne bacteria had a significant positive correlation with the $CO_2$ concentration in the child-care facilities. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci were present in 13.3% of the child-care facilities studied. A total of four species (S. epidermidis, S. cohnii, S. saprophyticus, S. sp.) and 55 strains were identified from the indoor air of the child-care facilities. Staphylococcus cohnii was the most common species (54.5%), followed by S. epidermidis (38.2%). All of the isolated staphylococcal strains exhibited high resistance to oxacillin, erythromycin, mupirocin, and ceftizoxime. Especially, S. saprophyticus strains showed more multidrug resistance to oxacillin, vancomycin, clindamycin, erythromycin, lincomycin, ceftizoxime, mupirocin, and tetracycline than did other species. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that a monitoring system for multidrug-resistant bacteria is needed in facilities for children, as the community-associated infections of these bacteria are increasing.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.8-20
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• 2011

Atmospheric visibility is one of the indicators used to evaluate the status of air quality. Based on a conceptual definition of visibility as the maximum distance at which the outline of the selected target can be recognized, an image analysis technique is introduced here and an algorithm is developed for visibility monitoring. Although there are various measurement techniques, ranging from bulk and precise instruments to naked eye observation techniques, each has their own limitations. In this study, a series of image analysis techniques were introduced and examined for in-situ application. An imaging system was built up using a digital camera and was installed on the study sites in Incheon and Seoul separately. Visual range was also monitored by using a dual technology visibility sensor in Incheon and transmissometer in Seoul simultaneously. The Sobel mask filter was applied to detect the edge lines of objects by extracting the high frequency from the digital image. The root mean square (RMS) index of variation among the pixels in the image was substantially correlated with the visual ranges in Incheon and Seoul with correlations of $R^2$=0.88 and $R^2$=0.71, respectively. The regression line equations between the visual range and the RMS index in Incheon and Seoul were VR=$2.36e^{0.46{\times}(RMS)}$ and VR=$3.18e^{0.15{\times}(RMS)}$, respectively. It was also confirmed that the fine particles ($PM_{2.5}$) have more impacts to the impairment of visibility than coarse particles.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제35권6호
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• pp.468-477
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• 2009

To evaluate the current indoor air quality condition of private academic facilities in Korea and investigate its association with subjective symptoms of student residing at the same academic facilities, air quality monitoring was carried out in total of 20 academic facilities located in Seoul, Daejon and Chungnam from the beginning of January to the end of April, 2009. To assess the air quality condition of academic facilities, 6 air pollutants with temperature and humidity were measured simultaneously inside and outside of academic facilities. The rate of exceeding the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) guideline concentrations in 6 air pollutants were 5%, 85%, 15%, 5%, 10% and 30% for CO, $CO_2$, PM10, HCHO, TVOCs and TBC, respectively. A questionnaire on 16 subjective symptoms related to indoor air quality was given to 342 students who studied at the 20 academic facilities. The most frequent symptom of students was 'I feel easily tired or sleepy', and this was followed by 'I feel muscular pain or stiffness on shoulder, back and neck'. The association of net difference (subjective symptoms at the academic facility - subjective symptoms of the usual situation) with air pollutants was analyzed using spearman rank correlation. In logistic analysis using proportional odds method, the students whose indoor air concentration of HCHO was ${\geq}60{\mu}g/m^3$ hadsignificant odds of having more subjective symptoms of 'My eyes are dry or feel irritated or itching' (OR=5.026: CI=1.587-15.911), 'I feel easily tired or sleepy' (OR=2.956: CI=1.072-8.152), 'I lose my concentration and I feel my memory is falling' (OR=7.745: CI=1.938-30.955) and 'I feel dizzy' (OR=4.424: CI=1.292-15.149) than those of <$60{\mu}g/m^3$.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.6-15
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• 2024

Background: People's activities have been restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes in activity patterns may lead to a decrease in fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) concentrations. Additionally, the level of population exposure to PM_2.5 may be changed. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the impact of population movement and meteorological factors on the distribution of PM_2.5 concentrations before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. Methods: The study area was Guro-gu in Seoul. The research period was selected as January to March 2020, a period of significant population movement changes caused by COVID-19. The evaluation of the dynamic population was conducted by calculating the absolute difference in population numbers between consecutive hours and comparing them to determine the daily average. Ambient PM_2.5 concentrations were estimated for each grid using ordinary kriging in Python. For the population exposure assessment, the population-weighted average concentration was calculated by determining the indoor to outdoor population for each grid and applying the indoor to outdoor ratio to the ambient PM_2.5 concentration. To assess the factors influencing changes in the ambient PM_2.5 concentration, a statistical analysis was conducted, incorporating population mobility and meteorological factors. Results: Through statistical analysis, the correlation between ambient PM_2.5 concentration and population movement was positive on both weekends and weekdays (r=0.71, r=0.266). The results confirmed that most of the relationships were positive, suggesting that a decrease in human activity can lead to a decrease in PM_2.5 concentrations. In addition, when population-weighted concentration averages were calculated and the exposure level of the population group was compared before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, the proportion of people exceeding the air quality standard decreased by approximately 15.5%. Conclusions: Human activities can impact ambient concentrations of PM_2.5, potentially altering the levels of PM_2.5 exposure in the population.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.113-121
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• 2014

Objectives: This study is intended to seek credible and efficient measurements on airborne asbestos concentrations that allow immediate action by establishing complementary data through comparative analysis with existing PCM and KF-100 method real-time monitoring equipment in working areas in Seoul where asbestos-containing buildings are being demolished, including living environment surroundings. Materials: We measured airborne asbestos concentrations using PCM and KF-100 at research institutes, monitoring networks, subway stations and demolition sites of asbestos-containing buildings. Through this measurement data and KF-100 performance testing, we drew a conversion factor and applied it via KF-100. Finally we verified the relationship between PCM and KF-100 with statistical methods. Results: The airborne asbestos concentrations by PCM for the objects of study were less than the detection limit(7 fiber/$mm^2$) in three (20%) out of 15 samples. The highest concentration was 0.009 f/cc. The airborne asbestos concentrations by PCM in laboratories, monitoring networks, subway stations and demolition sites of asbestos-containing buildings were respectively $0.002{\pm}0.000$ f/cc, $0.004{\pm}0.001$ f/cc, $0.009{\pm}0.001$ f/cc, and $0.002{\pm}0.000$ f/cc. As a result of KF-100 performance testson rooftops, the conversion factor was 0.1958. Applying the conversion factor to KF-100 for laboratories, the airborne asbestos concentrations ratio of the two ways was nearly 1:1.5($R^2$=0.8852). Also,the airborne asbestos concentration ratio of the two ways was nearly 1:1($R^2$=0.9071) for monitoring networks, subway stations, and demolition sites of asbestos-containing buildings. As a result of independent sample t-tests, there was no distinction between airborne asbestos concentrations monitored in the two ways. Conclusions: In working areas where asbestos-containing buildings are being demolished, including living environment surroundings, quickly and accurately monitoring airborne asbestos scattered in the air around the working area is highly important. For this, we believea mutual interface of existing PCM and a real-time monitoring equipment method is possible.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.61-72
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• 2001

Objectives : To evaluate the hypothesis that increasing ambient levels of ozone or particulate matter are associated with increased emergency room visits for asthma and to quantify the strength of association, if any, between these. Methods : Daily counts of emergency room visits for asthma, air quality, and weather data were collected from hospitals with over 200 beds and from monitoring Stations in Seoul, Korea from 1994 through 1997. Daily counts of emergency mom visits for asthma attack were analyzed using a general additive Poisson model, with adjustment for the effects of secular trend, seasonal variation, Sunday and holiday, temperature, and humidly, according to levels of ozone and particulate matter. Results : The association between daily counts of emergency room visits for asthma attack and ozone levels was statistically significant in summer(from June to August), and the RR by unit inclement of 100 ppb ozone was 1.30(95% CI = $1.11\sim1.52$) without lag time. With restriction of the period from April to September in 1996, the RR was 1.37(95% CI = $1.06\sim1.76$), and from June to August in 1995, the RR was 1.62(95% CI = $1.12\sim2.35$). In the data for children$(5\sim14yr)$, the RR was 2.57(95% CI = $1.31\sim5.05$) with restriction of the period from April to September in 1997. There was no Significant association between TSP levels and asthma attacks, but a slight association was seen between PM10 levels and asthma attacks in a very restricted period. Conclusion : There was a statistically significant association between ambient levels of ozone and daily counts of emergency room visits for asthma attack. Therefore, we must make efforts to effectively minimize air pollution, in order to protect public health.

• 환경분석과 독성보건
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.281-291
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• 2018

Recently, long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) from China is regarded as a major reason for elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) in Korea. However, local emissions also play an important role in PM pollution, especially in large-scale industrial cities. In this study, PM samples were collected at suburban, residential, and industrial sites in Ulsan, Korea. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals were analyzed, and a potential human health risk assessment was conducted. The concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in total suspended particles (TSP) increased during high $PM_{10}$ episodes, and backward trajectory analysis verified the influence of LRAT from China during the high episodes. Furthermore, the concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ at the industrial site were higher than those at the residential site. The risk assessment of PAHs and heavy metals in $PM_{2.5}$ suggested no significant health effects. The highest levels of PAHs were measured in the particle size of $0.32{\sim}0.56{\mu}m$ at the residential site, and those of heavy metals were detected in the particle size of 1.8~5.6 and $>18{\mu}m$, reflecting different major emissions sources for both groups. On the basis of this preliminary study, we are planning long-term monitoring and modeling studies to quantitatively evaluate the influence of industrial activities on the PM pollution in Ulsan.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.34-43
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• 2010

목 적 : 기계적 환기요법을 시행 받은 미숙아에서 생후 첫 7일 동안 고탄산혈증과 중증 뇌실내 출혈의 발생과의 연관성을 알아보고자 본 연구를 시행하였다. 방 법:출생 후 7일 이상 기계적 환기 요법을 받은 재태주령 37주 미만의 미숙아를 대상으로 하여, 3단계 이상의 뇌실내 출혈로 진단받은 경우 IVH 군(n=19)으로, 정상 또는 1단계 뇌실내 출혈을 보인 경우, 출생 체중과 주수를 대응하여 대조군(n=38)으로 선정하였다. 두 군간의 생후 첫 7일 동안 혈중 이산화탄소 분압($PaCO_2$)의 최대값, 최소값, 평균값과 변화 정도(fluctuation)를 측정하기 위한 지표로 혈중 이산화탄소 분압의 최대값과 최소값의 차이(maximum-minimum)와 평균값의 표준편차를 비교 분석하였다. 결 과:재태주령과 출생체중은 IVH 군은 26.9$\pm$1.7주, 975.3$\pm$262.5g이었고, 대조군은 26.8$\pm$1.5주, 915.6$\pm$198.2 g이었다. IVH 군에서 생후 7일 동안 혈중 이산화탄소 분압의 최대값(IVH 군 vs. 대조군, 86.1$\pm$ 18.4 mmHg vs. 60.1$\pm$11.6mmHg, P <0.001), 평균값 (47.5$\pm$5.6 mmHg vs. 41.2$\pm$6.3mmHg, P=0.004), 최대값과 최소값의 차이(60.3$\pm$20.9 mmHg vs. 35.5$\pm$ 11.8 mmHg, P < 0.001), 평균값의 표준편차(14.0$\pm$4.4mmHg vs. 9.0$\pm$2.4 mmHg, P <0.001)는 유의하게 높았으나 최소값은 두 군 간의 차이가 없었다. 또한 IVH군에서 파종성혈관내응고[11 (57.9%):9 (23.7%), P=0.011], 폐출혈[12 (63.2%):10 (26.3%), P=0.007], 공기누출 증후군[4 (21.1%):1 (2.6%), P=0.021]의 빈도가 많았고, 생후 7일 동안 인공 호흡기 지수의 최대값이 통계적으로 유의하게 높았다. 출혈성 경향, 공기누출증후군, 인공 호흡기 지수의 영향력을 통제한 후에는 혈중 이산화탄소 분압의 최대값이 odds ratio 1.324 (95%CI: 1.011-1.733, P=0.041)로 중증 뇌실내 출혈과 통계적으로 유의한 연관성을 보였다. 결 론 : 기계적 환기 요법을 시행 받은 미숙아에서 출생 후 첫 7일 동안 극심한 고탄산혈증은 뇌출혈의 다른 위험 인자의 영향을 배제한 후에도 중증 뇌실내 출혈의 발생과 연관성을 보였다. 따라서 생후 초기에 호흡기 유발 폐손상을 막기 위해 고탄산혈증을 허용하는 시도는 중요하지만, 과도한 고탄산혈증과 심한 이산화탄소 분압의 변화를 피하고 적절한 이산화탄소 분압을 유지하는 노력이 필요할 것으로 생각된다.

• 환경영향평가
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• 제27권6호
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• pp.635-646
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• 2018

본 연구는 도시의 미세먼지 배출과 저감에 관련된 토지피복 유형인 산림과 시가화지역의 영향에 의한 계절별 미세먼지 농도 특성을 파악하고자 하였다. 서울시 23개 도시대기 측정소의 2016년 PM10, PM2.5 농도자료를 수집하였고, 측정소 주변 반경 3km 내 시가화지역과 산림 비율을 기준으로 3개 그룹으로 측정소를 구분하여 그룹간의 미세먼지 농도 차이를 계절별로 분석하였다. 그룹별 시가화지역과 산림의 중심값은 Group A에서 각각 53.4%, 34.6%, Group B는 61.8%, 16.5%, Group C는 76.3%, 6.7%이었다. 계절별 PM10과 PM2.5의 그룹별 농도는 산림 비율이 높은 Group A의 농도가 모든 계절에서 가장 낮았고, 시가화지역 비율이 높은 Group C의 농도는 봄부터 가을까지 가장 높았다. 이상의 그룹간 차이는 통계적으로 유의하였다. Group C 농도는 겨울철에만 Group B보다 낮아졌는데, 겨울철 Group B-C간의 차이는 통계적으로 유의하지 않았다. 계절별 고농도 그룹의 농도 대비 Group A의 농도는 PM10에서 봄, 여름, 가을, 겨울 각각 8.5%, 11.2%, 8.0%, 6.8%, PM2.5에서 3.5%, 10.0%, 4.1%, 3.3% 낮은 수치이었다. PM10과 PM2.5 모두 그룹간 농도 격차가 여름에 가장 크고, 겨울로 가면서 작아졌는데, 이는 산림의 미세먼지 저감기능이 여름에 크고, 겨울에 작기 때문인 것으로 판단되었다. 산림과 비교해 시가화지역이 미세먼지 농도에 끼치는 영향은 작았다. 본 연구를 통해 산림 비율이 높은 지역에서 미세먼지 농도가 낮은 효과가 입증되었으며, 도시의 미세먼지 관리를 위해 녹지의 기능을 규명하는 지속적인 연구가 필요하였다.

• 한국입자에어로졸학회지
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.191-202
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• 2019

In this study, performance (particle removal efficiency and breathing resistance) of several commercially available face masks (electrostatic filter masks (KF80 certified), a nanofiber filter mask (KF80 certified), and an uncertified mask) with their filter structure and composition were evaluated. Also, effects of relative humidity (RH) of incoming air, water and alcohol exposure, and reusability on performance of face masks were examined. Monodisperse and polydisperse sodium chloride particles were used as test aerosols. Except the uncertified mask filter, PM_2.5 removal efficiency was found to be higher than 90%, and the nanofiber filter mask had the highest quality factor due to the low pressure drop and high removal efficiency (nanofibers were arranged in a densely packed pore structure and contained a significant amount of fluorine in addition to carbon and oxygen). In the case of the KF80 certified mask, the removal efficiency was little affected when the RH of incoming air increased. When the mask filters were soaked in water, the removal efficiency of mask filters was degraded. In particular, the uncertified mask filter showed the highest removal efficiency degradation (26%). When the mask was soaked in alcohol, the removal efficiency also decreased with the greater degree than the water soaking case. The nanofiber mask filter showed the strongest resistance to alcohol exposure among tested mask filters. During evaluation of reusability of masks in real life, the removal efficiency of certified mask filter was less than 4% for 5 consecutive days (2 hours per day), while the removal efficiency of uncertified mask filter significantly decreased by 30% after 5 days.