• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.144-152
• /
• 2007

Diesel vehicles are a significant source of fine carbon particle emissions including polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) is firmly established as a useful biomarker of PAHs uptake in human. To investigate the exposure effect of PAHs in miners according to using diesel truck which was for transportation of ore, we measured urinary 1-OHP as the PAHs exposure biomarker, and analyzed the relationship between urinary 1-OHP concentration and using diesel truck. The study was performed on 118 workers (56 miners in factories using diesel truck, 62 miners in factories non-using diesel truck) and 21 controls. Urine samples were obtained at the end of shift on the survey day. There was no significance in comparison with the mean concentrations on urinary 1-OHP by age, BMI, work duration, smoking, drinking and ventilation type. But significant difference were found among urinary 1-OHP concentrations on factories according to using diesel truck (p=0.000). The urinary 1-OHP mean concentration on underground miners using diesel truck ($0.54{\mu}mol/mol$ creatinine) was higher than those of surface miners using diesel truck ($0.33{\mu}mol/mol$ creatinine, p=0.028), underground miners non-using diesel truck ($0.32{\mu}mol/mol$ creatinine, p=0.001) and controls ($0.22{\mu}mol/mol$ creatinine, p=0.000). In comparison with using status diesel truck, the urinary 1-OHP mean concentration of underground miners using diesel trucks was higher than those of other mine status. The study results would be beneficial to future environmental and biological studies of PAHs exposure to diesel exhaust in mines.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.156-172
• /
• 1999

Potential chemical hazards encountered in painting operation of four shipyards and a ship-repair shop were investigated through the material safety data sheets (MSDS). Material safety data sheets (MSDS) for 307 paints, 50 thinners and 34 binders were collected and reviewed. It was shown that various organic solvents such as aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, ketones, alcohols, glycols, glycol ether acetates and esters were contained in painting materials. Of these solvents, xylene was found in the largest number of painting materials. sixty percent of the thinners contained xylene in the contents of 20-100%. Other most frequently found solvents were 1-methoxypropanol, 1-methoxypropyl acetate, n-butanol, methyl isobutyl ketone, toluene, isopropanol, and n-butyl acetate, etc. Glycol ethers such as 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME), 2-methoxyethyl acetate (2-MEA), 2-ethoxyethanol (2-EE), 2-ethoxyethyl acetate (2-EEA) and 2-butoxyethanol (2-BA) were regarded as having the potential to cause adverse reproductive effects, embryotoxic effect and hematotoxic effects, and were found in some epoxy panting materials. Coal tar pitch was included in some paints(13%) where polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) could be contaminated. Inorganic pigments such as lead chromate and zinc potassium chromate were found in some paints (8%). The epoxy resin based paints, which may contain isocyanates such as toluene diisocyanates and hexamethylene diisocyanates causing potential sensitization and asthma to upper respiratory organ, were mostly used in the shipyards. The constituents in the MSDS were significantly different from the results analyzed using gas chromatography/mass detector: minor constituents or impurities were omitted in many MSDS. In conclusion, xylene was the most frequent organic solvent in painting materials, and glycol ethers, including 2-ME, 2-MEA, 2-EE, 2-EEA and 2-BA, were found some products. Also, painting workers may be exposed to PAHs, lead, chromate, isocyanates, organic tin and other various chemicals. The compositions of chemicals in painting materials were variable significantly, and the hazards were changed. These facts should be considered in environmental monitoring and control of the hazards.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.50-62
• /
• 2003

Exposure to metalworking fluids (MWFs) has significantly been associated with cancer developed in multi-organs, respiratory diseases and skin diseases. Several carcinogens to humans or animals are contained in MWFs. They have been reported to be mineral oils, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), formaldehyde and N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA). The great hazards of MWF have forced the advanced country including United States to regulate carcinogens contained in MWF. In 2001, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIHs) regarded MWF mist as suspected carcinogen to human (A2) and added it to “Notice of Intended Change (NIC)” list of 2001. In spite of the fact that much MWF has widely been used in many industries using machines, Korea has no legal actions for management of MWF. What is worse, even toxicity such as Carcinogenicity has not been reported. KS (Korean Standards) lists 7 advices of MWF but it does net state the hazards to health. It is very hard to control or minimize worker's exposure to MWF containing many carcinogens. Prier to the introduction of MWF to workplace, it is the most effective measure to regulate carcinogens below a certain level. Regulation on the content of PAH seems to be necessary because less amount of PAH in mineral oils improves the quality of MWF. Also, addition of nitrosating groups to MWF should be prohibited to minimize worker's exposure to NDELA. Employers and manufacturers should indicate the Carcinogenicity of all carcinogens in MWFs in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in order fer workers to recognize Carcinogenicity. Legal actions have to be taken to protect workers from health hazards due to exposure to MWF by further investigation on MWF.

• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.45-50
• /
• 2003

Biological activities of PAHs are not known although PAHs are considered as carcinogens. Recent industrial society has human widely exposed to PAHs (polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons) that are comming from the incomplete combustion of organic material as wider spread environmental contaminants. Our laboratory have been studied the effect of PAHs in the human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. In this study, we examined the human breast cancer MCF-7 cells as a new system to evaluate bioactivity of PAHs. We have selected 13 PAHs to examine bioassay using CYP1A1-luciferase reporter gene expression system where CYP1A1 1.6 Kb 5flanking region DNA was cloned in front of luciferase reporter gene and this plasmid was transfected into MCF-7 cells transiently. This cells then used for the study to observe the effect of PAHs. We demonstrated that PAHs induced the CYP1A1 promoter, CYP1A1 mRNA and 7-ethoxyresolufin O-deethylase (EROD) activities in a concentration-dependant manner. None of PAHs that we have tested showed stronger stimulatory effect on CYP1 gene expression than TCDD. Benz(a)anthracene and benzo(b)fluoranthene were weak responders to CYP1A1 promoter activity stimulation, CYP1A1 mRNA and EROD induction in MCF-7 cells and these chemicals seemed to respond less either CYP1A1 mRNA or EROD than CYP1A1 promoter activity. Benzo(k)fluoranthene, chrysene, and dibenzo(a, h)anthracene showed strong response to CYP1A1 promoter activity stimulation, CYP1A1 mRNA increase and also EROD induction in MCF-7 cells. Results of dose response study suggested that two strong responding PAHs, such as benzo(k)fluoranthene and dibenzo(a, h)anthracene might be mediated through Aryl hydrocarbon receptors system in MCF-7 cells.

• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.30-34
• /
• 2003

Recent industrial society has human widely exposed to PAHs (polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons) that are comming from the incomplete combustion of organic material as wider spread environmental contaminants. Biological activities of PAHs are not known although PAHs are considered as carcinogens. Our laboratory have been studied the effect of PAHs in the mouse liver hepa 1 cells. In this study, we examined the mouse liver hepa-l cells as a new bioassay system to evaluate bioactivity of PAHs. We have selected 13 PAHs to examine bioassay using cyp1a1-luciferase reporter gene expression system where cyp1a1 1.6 Kb 5flanking region DNA was cloned in front of luciferase reporter gene and this plasmid was transfected into hepa 1 cells transiently. This cells then used for the study to observe the effect of PAHs. We demonstrated that PAHs induced the CYP1A1 promoter and 7-ethoxyresolufin O-deethylase (EROD) activities in a concentration-dependant manner. Some of PAHs showed stronger stimulatory effect on CYP1 gene expression than TCDD. Acenaphthene, anthracene, fluorine, naphthalene, pyrene, phenanthrene, carbazole were weak responders to cyp1a1 promoter activity stimulation and EROD induction in hepa 1 cells and these chemicals seemed to respond less to EROD than cyp1a1 promoter activity. Benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, chrysene, and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene showed strong response to cyp1a1 promoter activity stimulation and also EROD induction in hepa 1cells. Results of dose response study suggested that four strong responding PAHs, such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(k)fluoranthene, chrysene, and dibenzo(a, h)anthracene might be mediated through arylhydrocarbon receptor system in hepa1 cells.

• Proceedings of the Korean Aquaculture Society Conference
• /
• 2003.10a
• /
• pp.145-145
• /
• 2003

To evaluate the effect of PAHs on fertilization and larval development of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas via in vivo exposure for 30 days. Conditioned C. gigas adult brood stock was taken from oyster farm in May 2003 and raised in flow through tank at 20-22$^{\circ}C$ with feeding equivalently mixed marine microalgae: Chaetoceros simplex, C. gracilis, Isochrysis galbana and Tetrasemis tetrathele. The oysters were exposed to PAHs cocktail at 200ppb (10 species) until they are fully riped with an untreated group. Motility of sperm, Fertilization and The percent of D-shaped larvae was measured under microscope (Olympus BX-50). Fertilization capability using dry sperm and eggs from both non- and PAHs treated brood stocks was significantly reduced at the treated group (P<0.01). In addition to the origin effect, it was obvious that fertilization of eggs from both group were adversely suppressed in consistent with PAHs level (P<0.01). The percent of D-shaped larvae in treated group was significantly reduced comparing to non-treated. The percent was adversely correlated with PAHs level, which was more significantly reduced in treated group. Therefore, it was obvious that PAHs exposure on the Pacific oyster has adverse affects on the sperm as well as larvae in both maternal and acute source.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
• /
• 2004.04a
• /
• pp.289-292
• /
• 2004

In order to identify the origin and nature of the spilled oil in the potential source, we analyzed the pattern of alkyi PAM(Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons) in fuel standard and environmental samples. Alkyl PAM patterns are used for fuel-type identification in weathered environmental samples. Detection of alkyl PAH was achieved by operation CC/MS in the SIM mode. We chose ions of naphthalene(m/z 128), C1-naphthalene(m/z 142), C2-naphthalene(m/z 156), C3-naphthalene(m/z 170), C4-naphthalene(m/z 184) for the comparison of this pattern according to the type of fuel. We analyzed tile pattern of alkyl PAH in neat gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and JP-8, and in groundwater samples which were collected in monitoring wells. The distribution map of alkyl-naphthalene shows different patterns among four different fuel types (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and JP-8). Particularly, tile distribution map of kerosene and JP-8 is found to be of value in identifying fuel type in that the difference is clear. Therefore distribution patterns of alkyl-PAH compounds provide another useful tool for fuel-type identification of petroleum fuels.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.86-91
• /
• 2000

The purpose of this was to investigate the degradation efficiency of phenol compounds(catechol, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid) by Streptomyces halstedii scabies SAI-36, Streptomyces avendulas SA2-14, and Strptomyces badius(ATCC 39117, control group). The results were as follows: Catechol showed the degradation efficiency that is lower than 50% in three strains. Ferulic acid and vanillic acid showed high degradation efficiency of 98.8% and 94.5% respectively by Streptomyces lavendulas SA2-14. protocatechuic acid and syringicacid showed high degradation efficiency of 89.6% and 77.9%. The degradation efficiency of catechol by Streptomyces halstedii scabies SAI-36, Streptomyces lavendulas SA2-14 and Streptomyces badius(ATCC 39117) was low as 49.2%, 40.2% and 20.2% respectively. But the degradation of other phenolic compoumds except catechol by Streptomyces laven-dulas SA2-36 and Streptomyces badius(ATCC 39117). The results demonstrated that two experimental strains are superior ability to control group in degradation of phenol compounds and Streptomyces lavendulas SA2-14 was superior of two experimental strain. This results were consistent with previous research results that Streptomyces lavendulas SA2-14 was the best strain in degradation ability for lignin, decoloration abilities for variousdyes, and various enzyme production abilities. Therefore, it is suggested that lignin can be used as a indicator when selecting Actinomycetes for degradation of non-degradable materials such as phenol compounds.

• Analytical Science and Technology
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.357-367
• /
• 2000

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content in sewage sludge and in farm soils were determined by gas chromatography linked to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with use 2-ethylantracene as internal standards. Twelve PAH were identified in both sludges with naphthalene ($0.78{\mu}g/g$) being the most predominant in industrial sludge and pyrene ($0.26{\mu}g/g$) in municipal sludge. The total PAR content in industrial sludge and in municipal sludge were $1.74{\mu}g/g$ and $1.19{\mu}g/g$ respectively. PAH were contained in paddy soils and the concentration were very low in the range of $0.01-0.04{\mu}g/g$. The total PAH content in industrial and in municipal sludge were about 9.2 times and 6.3 times greater than in paddy soils ($0.19{\mu}g/g$).

• 한국생물공학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 2000.04a
• /
• pp.89-91
• /
• 2000

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds are highly carcinogenic chemicals and common groundwater contaminants that are observed to persist in soils. The adherence and slow release of PAHs in soil is an obstacle to remediation and complicates the assessment of cleanup standards and risks. Biological degradation of PAHs in soil has been an area of active research because biological treatment may be less costly than conventional pumping technologies or excavation and thermal treatment. Biological degradation also offers the advantage to transform PAHs into non-toxic products such as biomass and carbon dioxide. Ample evidence exists for aerobic biodegradation of PAHs and many bacteria capable of degrading PAHs have been isolated and characterized. However, the microbial degradation of PAHs in sediments is impaired due to the anaerobic conditions that result from the typically high oxygen demand of the organic material present in the soil, the low solubility of oxygen in water, and the slow mass transfer of oxygen from overlying water to the soil environment. For these reasons, anaerobic microbial degradation technologies could help alleviate sediment PAH contamination and offer significant advantages for cost-efficient in-situ treatment. But very little is known about the potential for anaerobic degradation of PAHs in field soils. The objectives of this research were to assess: (1) the potential for biodegradation of PAH in field aged soils under denitrification conditions, (2) to assess the potential for biodegradation of naphthalene in soil microcosms under denitrifying conditions, and (3) to assess for the existence of microorganisms in field sediments capable of degrading naphthalene via denitrification. Two kinds of soils were used in this research: Harbor Point sediment (HPS-2) and Milwaukee Harbor sediment (MHS). Results presented in this seminar indicate possible degradation of PAHs in soil under denitrifying conditions. During the two months of anaerobic degradation, total PAH removal was modest probably due to both the low availability of the PAHs and competition with other more easily degradable sources of carbon in the sediments. For both Harbor Point sediment (HPS-2) and Milwaukee Harbor sediment (MHS), PAH reduction was confined to 3- and 4-ring PAHs. Comparing PAH reductions during two months of aerobic and anaerobic biotreatment of MHS, it was found that extent of PAHreduction for anaerobic treatment was compatible with that for aerobic treatment. Interestingly, removal of PAHs from sediment particle classes (by size and density) followed similar trends for aerobic and anaerobic treatment of MHS. The majority of the PAHs removed during biotreatment came from the clay/silt fraction. In an earlier study it was shown that PAHs associated with the clay/silt fraction in MHS were more available than PAHs associated with coal-derived fraction. Therefore, although total PAH reductions were small, the removal of PAHs from the more easily available sediment fraction (clay/silt) may result in a significant environmental benefit owing to a reduction in total PAH bioavailability. By using naphthalene as a model PAH compound, biodegradation of naphthalene under denitrifying condition was assessed in microcosms containing MHS. Naphthalene spiked into MHS was degraded below detection limit within 20 days with the accompanying reduction of nitrate. With repeated addition of naphthalene and nitrate, naphthalene degradation under nitrate reducing conditions was stable over one month. Nitrite, one of the intermediates of denitrification was detected during the incubation. Also the denitrification activity of the enrichment culture from MHS slurries was verified by monitoring the production of nitrogen gas in solid fluorescence denitrification medium. Microorganisms capable of degrading naphthalene via denitrification were isolated from this enrichment culture.