• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.58-66
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• 2020

Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop formaldehyde samples for quality control (QC) and to test the applicability of proficiency analytical testing in Korea. Methods: We made formaldehyde samples with certified standard solutions (formaldehyde in water or acetonitrile) and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH)-coated silicagel tubes. Four levels of formaldehyde concentration were tested for storage stability at room temperature and at 4℃ over three months. Analytical proficiency testing was performed with four or 36 institutes. Results: Formaldehyde sample tubes were easily made through the injection of standard solutions and the average efficiencies of recovery were 95-101%. The coefficients of variation (CV) of the formaldehyde samples were 1.39-2.55%. The recovery efficiencies fell between 90% and 110% at the concentration range of 1-10 ㎍/sample over three months storage at refrigerated and room temperature. The CVs were less than 5% in the proficiency analytical testing. By adjusted proficient ranges, 64% of the results of the second proficiency analytical testing were acceptable. Conclusions: The formaldehyde samples made by injection on 2,4-DNPH-coated silicagel tubes were stable and applicable for quality control.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.221-231
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• 2005

In this study, occupational exposures to man-made mineral fibers (MMMFs) including glass wool, rock wool, and continuous glass filament fibers were determined and evaluated on the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV). A total of 171 personal samples collected from 4 glass wool fiber, 2 rock wool fibers, 4 continuous filament glass fiber products manufacturing and a glass fiber and rock wool insulations using industries, and determined respirable fibers concentrations using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 7400, "B counting rule. The fiber concentrations of samples from workers installing thermal insulations in a MMMF using industry showed the highest value: geometric mean (GM) = 0.73 f/cc and maximum = 2.9 f/cc, 70% of them were above the TLV, 1 f/cc. Workers' exposure level (GM= 0.032 f/cc) in the rock wool manufacturing industries was significantly higher than those of glass wool (GM=0.012 f/cc) and continuous filament glass fibers (GM=0.010 f/cc) manufacturing industries (p<0.01). No samples were more than the TLV in the MMMF manufacturing industries. There was a significant difference among companies in airborne fiber levels.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.518-526
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• 2019

Background: Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly expanding new technology involving challenges to occupational health. Here, metal exposure in an AM facility with large-scale metallic component production was investigated during two consecutive years with preventive actions in between. Methods: Gravimetric analyzes measured airborne particle concentrations, and filters were analyzed for metal content. In addition, concentrations of airborne particles <300 nm were investigated. Particles from recycled powder were characterized. Biomonitoring of urine and dermal contamination among AM operators, office personnel, and welders was performed. Results: Total and inhalable dust levels were almost all below occupational exposure limits, but inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed that AM operators had a significant increase in cobalt exposure compared with welders. Airborne particle concentrations (<300 nm) showed transient peaks in the AM facility but were lower than those of the welding facility. Particle characterization of recycled powder showed fragmentation and condensates enriched in volatile metals. Biomonitoring showed a nonsignificant increase in the level of metals in urine in AM operators. Dermal cobalt and a trend for increasing urine metals during Workweek Year 1, but not in Year 2, indicated reduced exposure after preventive actions. Conclusion: Gravimetric analyses showed low total and inhalable dust exposure in AM operators. However, transient emission of smaller particles constitutes exposure risks. Preventive actions implemented by the company reduced the workers' metal exposure despite unchanged emissions of particles, indicating a need for careful design and regulation of the AM environments. It also emphasizes the need for relevant exposure markers and biomonitoring of health risks.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.203-209
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• 2014

Background: Coal mining is of significant economic importance to the Australian economy. Despite this fact, the related workforce is subjected to a number of psychosocial risks and musculoskeletal injury, and various psychological disorders are common among this population group. Because only limited research has been conducted in this population group, we sought to examine the relationship between physical (pain) and psychological (distress) factors, as well as the effects of various demographic, lifestyle, and fatigue indicators on this relationship. Methods: Coal miners (N = 231) participated in a survey of musculoskeletal pain and distress on-site during their work shifts. Participants also provided demographic information (job type, age, experience in the industry, and body mass index) and responded to questions about exercise and sleep quality (on-and off-shift) as well as physical and mental tiredness after work. Results: A total of 177 workers (80.5%) reported experiencing pain in at least one region of their body. The majority of the sample population (61.9%) was classified as having low-level distress, 28.4% had scores indicating mild to moderate distress, and 9.6% had scores indicating high levels of distress. Both number of pain regions and job type (being an operator) significantly predicted distress. Higher distress score was also associated with greater absenteeism in workers who reported lower back pain. In addition, perceived sleep quality during work periods partially mediated the relationship between pain and distress. Conclusion: The study findings support the existence of widespread musculoskeletal pain among the coal-mining workforce, and this pain is associated with increased psychological distress. Operators (truck drivers) and workers reporting poor sleep quality during work periods are most likely to report increased distress, which highlights the importance of supporting the mining workforce for sustained productivity.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.108-113
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• 2021

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in employment status and new-onset depressive symptoms through a one-year follow-up of permanent waged workers. Methods: We analyzed the open-source data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study. Using the 2017 data, we selected 2,314 permanent waged workers aged 19 to 59 years without depressive symptoms as a base group. The final analysis targeted 2,073 workers who were followed up in 2018. In 2018, there were five categories of employment status for workers who were followed up: permanent, precarious, unemployed, self-employed, and economically inactive. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the association between employment status change and new-onset depressive symptoms. Results: Adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis showed that among male workers, workers who went from permanent status to being unemployed (odds ratio: 4.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.19 to 17.06) and from permanent status to being precarious workers (odds ratio: 3.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.30 to 7.65) had significantly high levels of new-onset depressive symptoms compared with those who retained their permanent employment status. There were no significant increases in new-onset depressive symptoms of male workers who went from permanent status to being self-employed or economically inactive. On the other hand, no significant differences were found among female workers. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the change of employment status to precarious workers or unemployment can cause new-onset depressive symptoms in male permanent waged workers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.139-147
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• 2020

Purpose: The study aimed to identify factors affecting unintentional injuries at school focusing on violent experiences in adolescents. Methods: The study used the raw data of the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (2019). A total of 60,040 students were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics, χ2 test, and multiple logistic regression were performed, using SPSS version 25.0. General characteristics, gender, school, academic achievement, living with family, socioeconomic status, vigorous physical activity, perceived stress, sleep satisfaction, high caffeine drinking, risky alcohol drinking, smoking, sexual experience, drug use, and safety education, were adjusted for and the relationship between unintentional injuries and violence was analyzed. Results: The results showed 2.4% of the adolescents had experienced violence and 24.7% had suffered unintentional injuries. Violent experiences had a significant effect on unintentional injuries among adolescents. Injuries were 1.93 times higher among adolescents who had experienced violence. Gender, school levels, high-intensity physical activity, stress, sleep satisfaction, high caffeine drinks, dangerous drinking, drug use, and safety education were associated with unintentional injuries among adolescents. Conclusion: Adolescents at high risk of suffering violence and injuries should be identified and assessed preemptively. In addition, it is necessary to implement systematic school health-centered safety education programs in order to prevent violence and injuries.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.342-346
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• 2021

Cold brew coffee extracted from cold water for a long time has drawn public concern over hygiene. This study was carried out to investigate the microbiological contamination levels and caffeine contents in cold brew coffee. A total of 75 cold brew coffees were purchased from offline and online sources. As a result, the average number of bacteria in samples purchased online was 1.14 log CFU/mL (0-6.57 log CFU/mL), while bacteria were not detected in samples purchased offline. Therefore, stricter surveys are required to avoid the food contamination. However, Esherichia coli and nine types of foodborne pathogens were not detected in all samples. The average caffeine content of the samples was 1.6 mg/mL (384 mg/240 mL), so the caffeine almost reached to acceptable daily intake levels (400 mg for adults). However, ten products did not provide any precautions for consumer safety, so improvement of the system is needed. This monitoring data can contribute to the protection of consumer rights and improvement in the safety of cold brew coffee.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.9-14
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• 2020

This study was to compare the sampling efficiencies for monitoring of diesel particulate matter (DPM) using two different sampling methods; In-House PVC cyclone sampling heads and commercial airborne DPM (EC) sampling heads mounted on Dorr-Oliver cyclone heads. Personal exposure levels of DPM, analysed for elemental carbon (EC) were 0.004 - 0.2 mg/m³ for the loader drivers and 0.005 - 0.34 mg/m³ for the specialised mining vehicle (SMV) drivers were similar to previous study results. The highest result (0.34 mg/m³) might be from an irregular production schedule and multiple job tasks requested. The results using the two sampling heads were not significantly different and it is thought that the In-House PVC cyclone with 37 mm quartz filter could be used in place of the commercial sampler as a preliminary screen in place of using the commercial sampler.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.280-287
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• 2009

High-tech microelectronics industry is known as one of the most chemical-intensive industries. In Korea, Microelectronics industry occupied 38% of export and 16% of working employees work in microelectronics industry. But, chemical information and health hazards of high-tech microelectronics manufacturing are poorly understood because of rapid development and its penchant for secrecy. We need to investigate on chemical use and exposure control. We Site-visits to 6 high-tech microelectronics manufacturing company which have cleanroom work using over 1,000kg organic solvents (5 semi-conductor chips and its related parts company, 1 liquid crystal display (LCD)). We reviewed their data on chemical use and ventilation system, and measured TVOCs (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) and carbon dioxide concentration. All cleanroom air passed through hepa filters to acheive low particle levels and only 1 cleanroom uses carbon filters to minimize the organic solvents exposures In TVOC screening test, Cleanroom for semi-conductor chips and its related parts company with laminar down flow system (e.g. class 1~100) showed nondetectable level of TVOCs concentration, but Cleanroom for liquid crystal display (LCD) with conventional flow system (e.g. class 1,000~10,000) showed 327 ppm as TVOCs. Acetone concentration in cleanroom for Jig cleaning, LC Injection, Sealing processes were 18.488ppm (n=14), 49.762 ppm (n=15), 8.656 ppm (n=14) as arithmetric mean. Acetone concentration in cleanroom for LCD inspection process was 40ppm (n=55) as geometric mean, where the range was 7.8~128.7ppm and weakly correlated with ventilation rate efficiency(r=0.44, p<0.05). To control organic solvents in cleanrooms, chemical and carbon filters should be installed with hepa filters. Even though their volatile organic compounds concentration was not exceed to occupational exposure limits, considering of entrance limited cleanroom environment, long-term period exposure effects and adverse health effects of cleanroom worker need further reseach.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.69-74
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• 2010

It is the law that injured workers must be paid compensation through occupational health and safety insurance. But sometimes, construction companies cover the compensation for an accident by themselves in order to conceal the fact of an accident. The reason for this concealment is that they wish to get a high mark in PQ. From the point of view of a subcontractor, another reason is to avoid any negative consequences in bids. According to interviewees, some workers, knowing the vulnerability of their employers in this area, demand unreasonable levels of compensation. This study examined the circumstances, influences and participants' perception of accidents on construction sites.