• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.70-77
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• 2001

This study was conducted to identify the current status of occupational safety and health by checklist and to evaluate the airborne exposure to chemicals and to provide the appropriate recommendation for safety and health of laundries. A total of 20 laundries located in tile Gyungi district area were surveyed from July 20 to September 15, 2000. The prevalence of laundries having a stove and gas range were found to be 25 % and 55 %, respectively. Smoking is not allowed in 60 % of the laundries. Only 10 % of dry-cleaners were isolated. Ventilation systems in laundries had not been annually inspected. Most of the workers didn't put on respirators, MSDS were not available, and storage bottles did not contain warning labels. The bulk samples of dry cleaning agent include many chemicals that are not controlled by the MOL in Korea. The detected airborne organic solvents in the laundries were benzene, toluene, p-xylene, m-xylene, o-xylene, perchloroethylene, and 2-butoxy ethanol. The airborne concentrations of organic solvents were much less than the occupational exposure limits proposed by the Ministry of Labor(MOL) in Korea. But the concentrations of benzene exceeded the TLV of ACGIH. This study showed that the current status of occupational safety and health was not appropriate for workers in laundries. It is recommended that laundry workers should be educated for the treatment and storage of hazardous organic solvents to improve the occupational safety and health of the working environment as well as MSDS usage. Also, extended research and survey for the organic solvents that are not controlled by the MOL has to be conducted.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Toocicology Conference
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• 2003.05a
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• pp.194-194
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• 2003

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, 1989) has classified whole diesel exhaust as probably carcinogenic to humans. Diesel exhaust particulate matter (DPM) adsorbs different chemical substances including PAHs and nitroarenes. DPM is emphasized because it is a major component of diesel exhaust, it is suspected of contributing to a health hazard. Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of carbon particles and associated organics and inorganics, and it is not known what fraction or combination of fractions cause the health effects [cancer effects, noncancer effects (respiratory tract irritation/inflammation and changes in lung function)] that have been observed with exposure to diesel exhaust. In order to identify which chemical classes are responsible for the majority of the observed biological activities, we performed a particular biological/chemical analysis. Respirable particulate matter (PM2.5: <2.5mm) was collected from diesel engine exhaust using a high-volume sampler equipped with a cascade impactor. Particulate oganic matter was extracted by the dichloromethane/sonication method and the crude extract was fractionated according to EPA recommended procedure into seven fractions by acid-base partitioning and silica gel column chromatography. We examined genotoxic potentials of diesel exhaust particulate matter using novel genotoxicity tests, which are rapid, simple and sensitive methods for assessing DNA-damage at the DNA and chromosomal level (comet assay, in vitro MN test and Ames test). Higher genotoxic potency was observed in non polar fractions and several PAHs were detected by GC-MS, such as 1,2,5,6 dibenzanthracene, chrysene, 1,2-benzanthracene, phenanthrene and fluoranthene.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.431-438
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• 2006

The object of this study was to obtain acute toxicity information (single oral dose toxicity) of lyophilized water extract of Puerariae Radix (PR) in both male and female mice. In order to investigate the 50% lethal dose $(LD_{50})$, approximate lethal dosage (ALD), test substances were once orally administered to female and male ICR mice at dose levels of 2000 and 0 (control) mg/kg (body wt.) according to the recommendation of KFDA Guidelines [2005-60, 2005]. The mortality and body weight changes, clinical signs and gross observation were monitored during 14 days after dosing. Organ weight and histopathology of 12 principal organs were measured. As the results, we could not find any mortality, clinical signs, body weight changes and gross findings except for PR extracts unrelated sporadic findings. In addition, no abnormal changes related PR extracts treatment on the organ weight and histopathology of principal organs were detected except for some sporadic findings including hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles in the popliteal lymph nodes and spleen as pharmacological effects of PR extracts. The results obtained in this study suggest that the PR extracts does not cause any toxicological signs except for pharmacological effects of enhancement of Immune system. The $LD_{50}$ and ALD of PR extracts in both female and male mice were considered as over 2000 mg/kg because no mortalities were detected up to 2000mg/kg that was the highest dose recommended by KFDA and Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.156-165
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• 2015

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of a gasoline vapor recovery system on personal exposure levels of gasoline vapor constituents including benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylene(BTEX), and methyl tert-butyl ether(MTBE) among gas station workers in a metropolitan area. Methods: Thirty-one gas station workers at ten gas stations in a metropolitan area were selected as subjects for this study. Test method PV2028 as recommended in the OSHA process was used for sampling and analysis. Results: The personal exposure levels of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylene, MTBE and gasoline vapor in the gas station workers were $0.0018{\pm}0.0069ppm$, $0.0077{\pm}0.0137ppm$, $0.0002{\pm}0.0008ppm$, $0.0016{\pm}0.0084ppm$, $0.2619{\pm}0.3340ppm$, and $1.4940{\pm}1.7984ppm$, respectively. After adjustment for refueling frequency and volume, personal exposure levelswere higher in the gas stations where gasoline vapor recovery systems(Stage II) were not installed, but the results were not statistically significant. Gasoline vapor concentrations showed a positive correlation to the level of MTBE, a gasoline additive. Conclusions: Vapor recovery systems(Stage II) were effective not only in reducing emissions of air pollutants, but also in reducing exposure to hazardous substances among gas station workers. In addition, acorrelation between gasoline vapors and MTBE concentration was confirmed.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.83-96
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• 2005

Brominated flame retardants have the market share of 40%, comparing others because of their low cost and highly effective retardation against the flame. However, their toxic effects in human and properties of the accumulation in the environments have been issued among the international organization such as EU, OECD and etc. It, therefore, was surveyed the classification, toxic effects, and the usage of Brominated flame retardants, the trends for their managements in the world and Korea, and their contaminated levels in Korean Peninsula. In addition, the management directions for them were proposed. Penta, octa, and deca-BDE among brominated retardants will seem to be prohibited by the regulation as a flame retardants for plastics in Europe because of their toxic effects. Although Penta and Octa BDEs was used marginally in Korea, deca-BDE was 27% of brominated flame retardants (49,050 ton) which had been used in 2002. However, risk assessment for brominated retardants might not launched in Korea, yet. These reports demonstrate that toxic brominated retardants such as PBDEs will be assessed for their usage and the level of contamination in the environment in the area of the point sources like the industrial areas, incinerators and etc. However, the law to regulate the hazardous chemicals seems not to be dictated the monitoring of their contamination in the environment. We, therefore, suggest how to evaluate and to monitor the toxic contaminants with EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) system. Further, to establish the management system of BFRs (such as the monitering of contamination levels in environments, life cycle assessment, and risk assessment for the toxic chemicals), It can be recommended the law to deal with the method analyzing chemicals will be established, which contains QA/QC (Quality Assurance and Quality Control) to evaluate the analytic capability of the companies to prepare EIS (Environment Impact Statement) or other institutes for analyzing chemicals.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2013

Gastric lavage is one of gastrointestinal decontamination methods which have been controversial in the clinical toxicology field for a long time. Expert groups of American and European clinical toxicologists have published the position papers regarding gastric lavage three times since 1997. They recommended that gastric lavage should not be used as a routine procedure in the management of acute intoxication, because they thought that there is no certain evidence of improving clinical outcome by its use. However, the studies they reviewed were not well-controlled randomized trials, which cannot be conducted in the clinical toxicology field due to variability of patients and ethical problems. Therefore, the results from these studies should be interpreted with caution. They also insisted that gastric lavage can be undertaken within 60 minutes of ingestion. The limitation of one hour after ingestion is too arbitrary and may cause a lot of misunderstanding. Formation of pharmacobezoar or gastric hypomotility after ingestion may significantly delay the gastric emptying time so that gastric lavage can be useful even after several hours or more in case of highly toxic substances or severe intoxication. Furthermore, as there are a number of serious intoxication by toxic pesticides with large amount in suicidal attempts in Korea, it seems that gastric lavage may be used more frequently in Korea than in Western countries. When deciding whether or not to use gastric lavage, all the indications, contraindications, and possible adverse effects should be taken into account on the basis of risk-benefit analysis. If the procedure is decided to be done, it should only be performed by well-trained experts.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.131-145
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness and availability of salt pharmacopuncture of Korean sun-dried salt and processing salt on the basis of bibliographical review. Methods : This study was done through a narrative review of related bibliography including medical books, journals, general bibliography, and web sites. Results : 1. Korean sun-dried salt is produced in the ground with soil, tiles, and pottery. Sun-dried, traditional, granulated, bamboo, and grilled salts are all appropriate for medical use. They are composed of a lower level of NaCl and unnecessary substances, and have a higher water and mineral content. 2. The 9~30 g of NaCl included in the physiological saline matches the ratio of a normal human body. However, if the saline is used for water supply, it should be improved because the recommended amount is much lower. 3. Medicine that includes NaCl is applied for lessening the congestion of the nasal cavity, alleviating cornea swelling, or for a lack of water. NaCl can also be used for washing contact lenses as well as cleaning the mucous membrane of the eyes and nose. 4. Salt relieves anger, detoxifies, induces vomiting, builds strong muscles and bones, gives energy, slows aging, and ultimately improves health. 5. Salt treats many diseases including: cardiovascular, hematosis, respirometer, obstetric, musculoskeletal, mineral supplement, eye, teeth and skin issues, etc.. However, salt is not used for treating asthma, cough, or other ailments mainly affecting the vascular system. 6. While NaCl in salt absorbs water and the vascular constriction results in higher blood pressure, the pressure induced from salt is actually a physiologically temporary rise. Rather, salt helps remove oil from the body and its potassium lowers blood pressure. Conclusions : It was suggested that salt pharmacopuncture of Korean sun-dried salt and processing salt should be made available for adjusting the physiological salt concentration and control of the Na side effects, therefore it would be useful in the treatment of diseases.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.59-67
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• 2016

Concrete is a very useful construction material for the sealing disposal of hazardous substances. In general, mass concrete is applied to these structures. And, the mineral admixtures are recommended for the long term performance. Calcium leaching could be happened due to the contact with pure water in underground structures. Thus, it is needed to evaluate the resistance of calcium leaching for concrete mixed with mineral admixtures. From the test results, the mineral admixtures are effective to the improvement of long term compressive strength and chloride diffusion coefficient in concrete members. When calcium leaching is happened, however, the reduction of compressive strength and chloride penetration resistance is severe than OPC case, the micro pore distribution is adversely affected. Consequently, when the mineral admixtures are applied to underground structures which is exposed to calcium leaching environment, it is desirable to reduce water-to-binder ratio, to expose after the sufficient pozolanic reaction, and to use BFS than FA.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.17 no.10
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• pp.1-12
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• 2019

In this study, TI(Toxic Index) of Daphnia toximeter corresponded to ecological toxicity standard 1 TU(Toxic Unit) was set up using Daphnia toximeter and when operating NOEC(water quality standards for drinking water) and $EC_{50}$ Daphnia toximeter alarm was issued appropriately, which enables real time ecological toxicity evaluation. I studied to get a good shot and the research was conducted by investigating domestic and international related data and conducting a preliminary study. 6 of 59 hazardous substances (As, Hg, Cr, Diazinon, Dioxane, and Phenol) recommended by the water quality monitoring items for artificial river water were selected and static, dynamic and quality management test, TI was shown to be good in other materials except Diazinon, and as a result of $EC_{50}$ spiking test, TI was matched to TU by distinguishing between 1 TU and 1 TU. in suggesting the complementary point of ecological toxicity management system and the future of research on water Daphnia toximeter.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.336-342
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• 2019

Introduction: An unexpected death was reported in a beginner immediately after starting the work at a plating factory. After the incident, air sampling was performed using a simulation of the situation as it had been at the time. Methods: To evaluate the airborne concentration of hydrogen cyanide, a total of six samples were collected: one personal sample, three area samples, and two background samples (office and outdoors). Hydrogen cyanide measurement was performed according to the standard sampling protocol recommended by the U.S. NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health). Results: The highest concentration of hydrogen cyanide was 0.938 ppm measured in a sample collected from the plating bath area with local exhaust ventilation. This value was approximately 20% of the ceiling occupational exposure limit. The personal sample showed a concentration of 0.135 ppm. Samples collected near the bath in which the incident occurred and a dehydrator showed hydrogen cyanide concentrations of 0.236 ppm and 0.101 ppm, respectively. Hydrogen cyanide was not detected in the background samples (office and outdoors). Conclusions: It is necessary to use proper ventilation systems and respirators in plating factories to prevent acute poisoning. Furthermore, it is important to educate and train new workers dealing with toxic substances.