• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.197-205
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• 2002

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are an important public health problem throughout the world. Many important questions remain to be addressed in assessing exposure to these compounds. Because they are ubiquitous and highly volatile, special techniques must be applied in the analytical determination of VOCs. Personal exposure measurements are needed to evaluate the relationship between microenvironmental concentrations and actual exposures. It is also important to investigate exposure frequency, duration, and intensity, as well as personal exposure characteristics. In addition to air monitoring, biological monitoring may contribute significantly to risk assessment by allowing estimation of absorbed doses, rather than just the external exposure concentrations, which are evaluated by environmental and personal monitoring. This study was conducted to establish the analytic procedure of VOCs in air, blood, urine and exhaled breath and to evaluate the relationships among these environmental media. The subjects of this study were selected because they are occupationally exposed to high levels of VOCs. Environmental, personal, blood, urine and exhalation samples were collected. Purge ＆ trap, thermal desorber, gas chromatography and mass selective detector were used to analyze the collected samples. Analytical procedures were validated with the“break through test”, 'quot;recovery test for storage and transportation”,“method detection limit test”and“inter-laboratory QA/QC study”. Assessment of halogenated compounds indicted that they were significantly correlated to each other (p value < 0.01). In a similar manner, aromatic compounds were also correlated, except in urine sample. Linear regression was used to evaluate the relationships between personal exposures and environmental concentrations. These relationships for aromatic and halogenated are as follows: Halogen $s_{personal}$ = 3.875+0.068Halogen $s_{environmet}$, ($R^2$= .930) Aromatic $s_{personal}$ = 34217.757-31.266Aromatic $s_{environmet}$, ($R^2$= .821) Multiple regression was used to evaluate the relationship between exposures and various exposure deter-minants including, gender, duration of employment, and smoking history. The results of the regression model-ins for halogens in blood and aromatics in urine are as follows: Halogen $s_{blood}$ = 8.181+0.246Halogen $s_{personal}$+3.975Gender ($R^2$= .925), Aromatic $s_{urine}$ = 249.565+0.135Aromatic $s_{personal}$ -5.651 D.S ($R^2$ = .735), In conclusion, we have established analytic procedures for VOC measurement in biological and environmental samples and have presented data demonstrating relationships between VOCs levels in biological media and environmental samples. Abbreviation GC/MS, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer; VOCs, Volatile Organic Compounds; OVM, Organic Vapor Monitor; TO, Toxic Organicsapor Monitor; TO, Toxic Organics.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.11-24
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• 2011

Working in a research laboratory means exposure to a wide range of hazardous substances. Several studies indicated that laboratory workers, especially working with chemicals, might have an increased risk of certain cancers. However, exposure assessment data in laboratory settings are scarce. This study was performed to examine several approaches for quantitatively assessing the exposure levels to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among workers in chemistry laboratories. The list of 10 target VOCs, including ethanol, acetone, 2-propanol, dichlormethane, tetrahydrofuran, benzene, toluene, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, was determined through self-administered questionnaire for six chemistry research laboratories in a university, a government-funded research institute, or private labs. From September to December 2008, 84 air samples were collected (15 area samples, 27 personal time weighted samples, 42 personal task-basis short-term samples). Real time monitors with photo ionization detector were placed during the sampling periods. In this study, benzene was observed exceeding the action levels, although all the results were below the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV). From the air sampling results, we concluded that (1) chemicals emitted during experiments could directly affect to neighbor office areas (2) chemical exposures in research laboratories showed a wide range of concentrations depending on research activities (3) area samples tended to underestimate the exposures relative to personal samples. Still, further investigation, is necessary for developing exposure assessment strategies specific to laboratories with unique exposure profiles.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.229-236
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• 2019

Background: Emerging reports suggest the potential for adverse health effects from exposure to emissions from some additive manufacturing (AM) processes. There is a paucity of real-world data on emissions from AM machines in industrial workplaces and personal exposures among AM operators. Methods: Airborne particle and organic chemical emissions and personal exposures were characterized using real-time and time-integrated sampling techniques in four manufacturing facilities using industrial-scale material extrusion and material jetting AM processes. Results: Using a condensation nuclei counter, number-based particle emission rates (ERs) (number/min) from material extrusion AM machines ranged from $4.1{\times}10^{10}$ (Ultem filament) to $2.2{\times}10^{11}$ [acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate filaments). For these same machines, total volatile organic compound ERs (${\mu}g/min$) ranged from $1.9{\times}10^4$ (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate) to $9.4{\times}10^4$ (Ultem). For the material jetting machines, the number-based particle ER was higher when the lid was open ($2.3{\times}10^{10}number/min$) than when the lid was closed ($1.5-5.5{\times}10^9number/min$); total volatile organic compound ERs were similar regardless of the lid position. Low levels of acetone, benzene, toluene, and m,p-xylene were common to both AM processes. Carbonyl compounds were detected; however, none were specifically attributed to the AM processes. Personal exposures to metals (aluminum and iron) and eight volatile organic compounds were all below National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-recommended exposure levels. Conclusion: Industrial-scale AM machines using thermoplastics and resins released particles and organic vapors into workplace air. More research is needed to understand factors influencing real-world industrial-scale AM process emissions and exposures.

• 한국대기환경학회지
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.323-329
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• 1995

The number of motor vehicles in Korea has increased to about 4 million, and the exhaust gases of these vehicles have become a more threatening factor to public health. Traffic policemen are one of the highest health risk groups since they work on roadsides where they are exposed to high levels of air pollutants. The health effects on them due to air pollution were determined by measuring personal carbon monoxide(CO) exposure and carboxyhemoglobin(COHb) level in blood. Thirty-one traffic policemen in Seoul volunteered to be subjects of the study. In October 1992, personal CO exposure was measured by a CO passive sampler. The subjects wore the CO passive sampler for 8 hours while on duty. The exposed samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. Blood samples from each subject were collected just after the exposure sampling, and were analyzed within 3 hours of blood collection by a CO-oximeter. The activities of the subjects were recorded by the subject in 30 minute intervals using an activity log sheet containing location and time spent. Personal CO exposure were ranged between 0.1 and 14.5ppm, eith an average of 5.9ppm. Carboxyhemoglobin levels ranged from 1.1% to 6.9%, with an average of 3.6%. policemen on duty outdoors had significantly higher CO exposures and COHb levels than policemen on duty indoors(p<0.01). Personal CO exposure and COHb were positively correlated, although the coefficient was not significant. The relationship between CO level and COHb level was confounded by smoking status. Among smokers, COHb level was significantly higher as CO exposure and hours worked outdoors increased.

• 한국콘텐츠학회논문지
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• 제21권8호
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• pp.559-570
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• 2021

음주를 유발하는 사회환경요인 중 하나인 주류광고와 마케팅 규모는 매년 확대되고 있으며, 음주폐해 또한 그 심각성이 증가하고 있다. 본 연구는 성인 2000명을 대상으로, 주류광고, 주류 판촉마케팅 노출 경험이 음주동기, 음주수준을 매개로 음주폐해에 끼치는 영향에 대해 살펴보았다. 연구 결과 주류광고와 주류 판촉마케팅 노출 경험은 여성보다 남성이 더 높았으며, 음주동기, 음주수준, 음주폐해 또한 남성이 더 높게 나타났다. 주류광고와 주류 판촉마케팅 노출 경험은 음주폐해에 직접적으로 영향을 끼치며, 경험이 많을수록 음주폐해도 큰 것으로 나타났다. 또한 음주동기와 음주수준은 주류광고와 주류 판촉마케팅의 노출 경험이 음주폐해에 끼치는 영향을 부분적으로 매개하는 것으로 나타났다. 따라서, 음주폐해예방을 위해 음주 폐해를 발생시키는 사회 환경인 주류광고와 주류 판촉마케팅에 대한 규제를 강화하고 음주폐해예방을 위해 개인의 인식 개선 접근과 함께 환경적·제도적 차원에서의 개입이 유기적으로 이루어져야함을 제언하였다.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.201-206
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• 1990

The exposures to carbamate pesticides (BPMC specifically) of agricultural workers were estimated by collecting pesticide in air by personal sampler and by analyzing with gas chromatography. Data revealed that the highest BPMC concentration in the aspirated air was $7.7mg/m^3$. Concentrations were generally higher in the group whose spray conditions were controlled than the group uncontrolled. Actual concentations were relatively lower than the values predicted theoretically. These findings suggest that personal sampler be useful in the estimation of pesticide exposure.

• 대한전기학회논문지:전기물성ㆍ응용부문C
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• 제53권2호
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• pp.97-102
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• 2004

The objective of this survey is to characterize personal magnetic field exposure of the general population in Korea. Participants for the survey on magnetic field exposure were selected randomly in some occupations. Those wore the magnetic field meter for about 25∼28 hours and the measured data were stored in the meter. In this first step survey, the number of participant is 244 and for the second step, about 400 participants will be surveyed in the near future. The statistics of the 24-hour exposure data are the major concern of this survey. However the survey provided the opportunity to analyze exposures corresponding to different types of activities. It was analyzed by separating periods of time corresponding to the following activities: entire 24-hour period, in bed, at work and by occupation. Therefore the database will be able to be established to analyze the status of personal magnetic field exposure and safety.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제8권3호
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• pp.246-249
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• 2017

Health-care workers are at risk of exposure to occupational infections with subsequent risk of contracting diseases, disability, and even death. A systematic collection of occupational disease data is useful for monitoring current trends in work situations and disease exposures; however, these data are usually limited due to under-reporting. The objective of this study was to review literature related to knowledge, risk perceptions, and practices regarding occupational exposures to infectious diseases in Malaysian health-care settings, in particular regarding blood-borne infections, universal precautions, use of personal protective equipment, and clinical waste management. The data are useful for determining improvements in knowledge and risk perceptions among health-care workers with developments of health policies and essential interventions for prevention and control of occupational diseases.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.169-176
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• 2014

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate occupational symptoms and chemical exposures of nail salon technicians. Methods: Work-related symptoms of nail salon technicians in Daegu City were surveyed using a researcher-administered questionnaire, and responses were compared to those of non-exposed office workers as controls. Personal exposure level of airborne volatile organic compounds was also monitored using passive samplers. Results: A total of 159 subjects in 120 salons were interviewed. Average work-shift concentrations of 13 chemicals were measured for 50 workers from 30 salons using personal passive samplers. The most frequently reported respiratory or neurologic symptoms by nail shop technicians compared to controls were nose irritation (odds ratio [OR], 54.0; confidence interval [CI], 21.6 to 134.8), followed by headache (OR, 9.3; CI, 4.7 to 18), and throat irritation (OR, 4.3; CI, 2.2 to 8.5). For eyes and skin, 92% of respondents complained eye irritation (OR, 13.1; CI, 5.7 to 30.1). In musculoskeletal symptoms, workers reported pain or discomfort in shoulders (OR, 20.3; CI, 7.7 to 54) and neck (OR, 19.7; CI, 8.9 to 43.6). From personal measurements, the proportion of exceeding the Korean Occupational Exposure Limit was the highest for acetone with 64%, followed by toluene (50%), butyl acetate (46%), and methyl methacrylate (12%). However, the service was being provided without a proper ventilation system in most surveyed shops. Conclusions: Based on these findings, it is warranted to have appropriate local exhaust ventilation place to ensure adequate health protection of nail shop technicians as well as customers. At the same time, greater policy interests are warranted in nail care business to protect health of both workers and customers.

• 한국주거학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국주거학회 2006년도 추계학술발표대회 논문집
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• pp.322-327
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• 2006

In our previous research, office workers are relatively frequent in self-reported symptoms suggestive of MCS/IEI compare to construction worker who highly exposed to VOCs compounds. However in that research, the subjects were too small to say it clearly. Based on that research results, self reported symptom surveys to 110 office workers and personal exposure concentration measurement were conducted to 13 of people. VOCs exposure levels were measured within office, house and other places during a week by Passive Sampling Method. In this study, it was found that the number of office workers who met the operational criteria of MCS/IEI was 23.6% similar to 24.5% of previous result, and average of TVOC concentration was appeared high state by order of office, house, and personal exposure.