• 과학기술학연구
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.129-175
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• 2018

이 논문은 한국석면운동의 지식 정치적 측면을 검토한다. 2008년 본격적으로 시작된 석면운동은 석면오염을 한국 사회의 중요한 안전보건의제로 만드는 데 앞장서 왔다. 석면오염 측정은 특히 석면오염이 광범위하고 심각한 환경보건문제라는 주요 주장을 펼치는 데 매우 중요했다. 이 활동의 특징은 공정시험방법이 아닌 '먼지 분석법'을 활용했다는 것이다. 이 논문에서는 석면운동가들의 오염 조사 보고서와 삼성 본관 주변 석면오염 논란을 통해 먼지 분석법이 대항 지식으로서 권력을 획득하는 과정을 분석한다. 석면운동가들은 먼지 분석으로 얻은 측정 데이터를 활용해 그들의 주장에 언론의 이목을 집중시키고, 정책적 변화에 필요한 자원을 동원할 수 있었다. 그러나 규제기관을 중심으로 한 전문가 집단은 먼지 분석법이 신뢰할 수 있는 석면오염 측정방법이라는 석면운동가들의 주장에 동의하지 않았다. 이와 같은 결론을 내리는 데 측정 과정에서 표준적 방법의 사용 여부와 측정 데이터의 해석적 맥락이 중요한 기준으로 작용하였다. 먼지 분석법의 권위는 부분적으로 획득되었다. 그러나 먼지 분석법은 규제과학이 내포하는 가정들을 드러내고 사회적 토론의 대상으로 전환시켰다는 점에서, 사회 운동과 과학을 결합하여 규제기관과 전문가 집단의 측정에 도전한 석면운동의 특성을 잘 보여준다.

• 월간산업보건
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• 통권267호
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• pp.37-39
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• 2010

• 월간산업보건
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• 통권257호
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• pp.59-60
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• 2009

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.245-256
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• 2017

Objectives: The present study is aimed at performing real-time measurement of fibrous materials using an F-1 fiber monitor, investigating the correlations between the measurements and environmental conditions, and assessing the feasibility of the use of the monitor in actual exposure assessments based on the accuracy and reliability of the device. Methods: Asbestos specimens with a fixed asbestos content were dispersed in a chamber and collected with a particle measuring test device. Measurements obtained by the existing PCM method, and with the F-1 fiber monitor were compared. In addition, concentrations of asbestos fibers obtained by the PCM method, the TEM method, and the F-1 fiber monitor were compared with that of specific ABS scenarios in NOA regions. Correlations of asbestos contents in soil and weather conditions with each method of measurement were analyzed. Results: Laboratory results showed that levels of asbestos fibers measured with each method increased as fiber contents in soil increased. In the accuracy and reproducibility assessment, no significant differences were found between the different methods of measurement. On-site assessment results showed positive correlations among the methods, and these correlations were less significant compared with what was shown by the laboratory results. Levels of asbestos fibers increased as asbestos contents in soil increased, and as temperature increased. Levels of asbestos fibers decreased as humidity increased, and wind speed did not significantly affect the extent to which asbestos fibers were scattered. Conclusions: While it would be premature to replace existing methods with the use of F-1 fiber monitors in real sites based on the results of this study, the monitor may be useful in the screening of the sites, which assesses hazard levels in different regions. Replacement of existing methods with the use of F-1 fiber monitors may be possible after the limitations identified in this study are overcome, and additional assessment data are obtained and reviewed under different conditions to confirm the reliability of the monitor in future research. Obtained assessment results may be used as basic data for the assessment of asbestos hazard in NOA regions.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.17-21
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• 2012

Objectives: Asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) have increased globally over the decades, causing an economic burden and increased health care costs. It is difficult to predict the risk of development of ARDs and of respiratory disability among workers with a history of asbestos exposure. Blood based biomarkers have been reported as promising tools for the early detection of malignant mesothelioma. This study investigated whether serum soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP) would reflect severity of disablement in compensable ARDs. Methods: SMRP levels were measured in a cohort of 514 asbestos-exposed subjects. Severity of ARDs was assessed by a Medical Authority comprising four specially qualified respiratory physicians. Severity of ARDs and SMRP levels were compared. Results: Mean (standard deviation) serum SMRP level in the population with compensable ARDs (n = 150) was 0.95 (0.65) nmol/L, and was positively associated with disability assessment (p = 0.01). Mean SMRP level in healthy asbestos-exposed subjects was significantly lower than those with pleural plaques (p < 0.0001) and in subjects with ARDs who received compensation (p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study indicates that serum SMRP levels correlate with severity of compensable ARDs. Serum SMRP could potentially be applied to monitor progress of ARDs. Further prospective work is needed to confirm the relationship between SMRP and disability assessment in this population.

• 한국환경과학회지
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• 제22권12호
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• pp.1579-1587
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• 2013

This study was performed to evaluate the asbestos exposure levels and to calculate excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) for the risk assessment of the asbestos fibers released from asbestos-cement slate roofing (ASR) building. Total number of ASR buildings was into 21,267 in Busan, and 82.03 percent of the buildings was residential houses, and 43.61 percent of the buildings was constructed in 1970s. For this study, ten buildings were selected randomly among the ASR buildings. The range of airborne asbestos concentration in the selected ten ASR buildings was from 0.0016 to 0.0067 f/mL, and the concentration around no-admitted ASR buildings was higher than that around admitted buildings. The ELCR based on US EPA IRIS (integrated risk information system) model is within 3.5E-05 ~ 1.5E-04 levels, and the ELCR of no-admitted ASR buildings was higher than 1.0E-04 (one person per million) level that is considered a more aggressive approach to mitigate risk. These results indicate that the cancer risk from ASR buildings is higher than other buildings, and systematic public management is required for control of no-admitted ASR buildings within near future.

• 환경위생공학
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.95-110
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• 1992

Much progress has been made in understanding the subcellular events of the human lung injuries after acute exposure to environmental air pollutants. Host of those events represent oxidative damages mediated by reactive oxygen species such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and the hydroxy, free radical. Recently, nitric oxide (NO) was found to be endogenously produced by endothelial cells and cells of the reticulo-endothelial system as endothelialderived relaxation factor (EDRF) which is a vasoactive and neurotransmitter substance. Together with superoxide, NO can form another strong oxidant, peroxonitrite. The relative importance of exogenous sources of $N0/N0_2$ and endogenous production of NO by the EDRF producing enzymes in the oxidative stresses to the heman lung has to be elucidated. The exact events leading to chronic irreversible damage are still yet to be known. From chronic exposure to oxidant gases, progressive epithelial and interstitial damages develop. Type I epithelial cells become thicker and cover a smaller average alveolar surface area while thee II cells proliferate instead. Under acute damages, the extent of loss of the alveolar epithelial cell lining, especially type II cells appears to be a good predictor of the ensuing irreversible damage to alveolar compartment. Interstitial matrix undergo remodeling during chronic exposure with increased collagen fibers and interstitial fibroblasts. However, Inany of these changes can be reversed after cessation of exposure. Among chronic lung injuries, genetic damages and repair responses received particular attention in view of the known increased lung cancer risks from exposure to several air pollutants. Heavy metals from foundry emission, automobile traffics, and total suspended particulate, especially polycystic aromatic hydrocarbons have been positively linked with the development of lung cancer. Asbestos in another air pollutant with known risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma, but asbestos fibers are nonauthentic in most bioassays. Studies using the electron spin resonance spin trapping method show that the presence of iron in asbestos accelerates the production of the hydroxy, radical in vitro. Interactions of these reactive oxygen species with particular cellular components and disruption of cell defense mechanisms still await further studies to elucidate the carcinogenic potential of asbestos fibers of different size and chemical composition. The distribution of inhaled pollutants and the magnitude of their eventual effects on the respiratory tract are determined by pollutant-independent physical factors such as anatomy of the respiratory tract and level and pattern of breathing, as well as by pollutant-specific phyco-chemical factors such as the reactivity, solubility, and diffusivity of the foreign gas in mucus, blood and tissue. Many of these individual factors determining dose can be quantified in vitro. However, mathematical models based on these factors should be validated for its integrity by using data from intact human lungs.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제5권2호
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• pp.137-146
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• 1995

Twenty(20) large commercial buildings located in Seoul with friable sprayed-on surface insulation material on ceilings were investigated for asbestos content in bulk material by polarized light microscopy and for airborne fiber concentrations in buildings by phase contrast microscopy. In addition, such building-related variables as building age, numbers of traffic, airflow, surface conditions of the ceiling, temperature, and humidity were studied for any correlation with airborne fiber concentrations. The results were as follows: 1. Chrysotile asbestos was found in two bulk samples with 3-5% content and with <1%in one sample out of total 20 bulk samples collected. Glass fiber and mineral wool were the two major constituents of the bulk samples. 2. The ceiling surfaces were very friable in 16 buildings and were relatively hard in 4 buildings. The friability of the surface material was dependent upon the type and the amount of binder that had been mixed with the sprayed-on surface material. 3. Airborne fiber concentrations were log-normally distributed and the geometric mean(geometric standard deviation) fiber concentrations in the underground parking lots, inside buildings, and outdoor ambient air were 0.0063(1.97)f/cc, 0.0068(2.29)f/cc, and 0.0033(2.36)f/cc, respectively. 4. No significant relationship of airborne fiber concentrations and all building-related variables studied except humidity was found. The results of this study suggest that the sprayed-on surface insulation material found in some commercial buildings may possibly be contaminated with asbestos. Since most of the ceiling surfaces surveyed were very friable and poorly maintained and the airborne fiber concentrations were relatively high, there is a possibility of asbestos fiber contamination in these buildings, particularly at those buildings with asbestos-contaminated surface material. Since poorly maintained surface conditions were thought to be a source of high airborne fiber concentrations, there is a urgent need of a systematic operation and maintenance program. Further study of non-occupational asbestos exposure in general population utilizing advanced analytical technique such as transmission electron microscopy is highly recommended.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제5권4호
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• pp.234-237
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• 2014

Background: Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to adverse health effects on the lungs. This study describes lung function profiles among individuals with nonmalignant asbestos-related disorders (ARDs). Methods: The study population was from the Workers' Compensation (Dust Diseases) Board of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Lung function measurements were conducted in males with asbestosis (n = 26), diffuse pleural thickening (DPT; n = 129), asbestosis and DPT (n = 14), pleural plaques only (n = 160) and also apparently healthy individuals with a history of asbestos exposure (n = 248). Standardized spirometric and single-breath diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide ($DL_{CO}$) measurements were used. Results: Mean age [standard deviation (SD)] was 66.7 (10.3) years for all participants. Current and ex-smokers among all participants comprised about 9.0% and 54.8%, respectively. Median pack-years (SD) of smoking for ex- and current-smokers were 22.7 (19.9). Overall 222 participants (38.6%) and 139 participants (24.2%) had forced expiratory volume in 1 second ($FEV_1$) and forced vital capacity (FVC) measurements < 80% predicted, and 217 participants (37.7%) had $FEV_1/FVC$ results < 70%. A total of 249 individuals (43.8%) had DLCO values < 80% predicted and only 75 (13.2%) had DLCO/VA results < 80% predicted. A total of 147 participants (25.6%) had peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements < 80% predicted. The presence of ARDs lowered the lung function measurements compared to those of healthy individuals exposed to asbestos. Conclusion: Lung function measurement differs in individuals with different ARDs. Monitoring of lung function among asbestos-exposed populations is a simple means of facilitating earlier interventions.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.786-791
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• 1984

Mesothelioma is relatively uncommon tumor compared to other thoracic tumors. It is interesting that there is a strong relationship between occurrence of malignant mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, which was established during the last two decades. Malignant mesothelioma is discouraging in viewing its treatments and survival rates. Surgery with ancillary treatment, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, were still palliative, although encouraging results were reported. Between 1958 to 1983 at NMC, we have been experienced 6 cases of mesothelioma, confirmed by pathohistologic findings. The patients were distributed between 19 to 52 y-o age & were 5 males and 1 female. There was evidence of exposure to asbestos in 1 case. The method of operation were decortication [1], decortication with removal of tumor [1], pleuropneumonectomy with chemotherapy [1], chemotherapy [1], exploratory thoracotomy [1], and no treatment in 1 case due to private affairs. Histologic findings were 2 cases of benign mesothelioma type.