• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.123-127
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• 2011

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) used on ships and to consider measures for preventing worker exposure to asbestos fibers. Methods: A total of 17 ships including 16 ships under repair and a ship under construction at shipyards in Korea were investigated. Bulk samples were collected from suspected ACMs on engine exhaust pipes, boiler steam pipes, generator exhaust pipes, and etc. in ships in order to identify the presence of ACMs. Types and contents of asbestos were determined using polarized light microscopy (PLM). Results: ACMs were found from 14 ships out of 17 ships investigated. Only chrysotile asbestos was found from all samples. ACMs were mainly found from samples collected at the exhaust pipes of the engine, generator and incinerator, and boiler steam pipes where exhaust gases or steam of high temperature pass through. In most cases, types of ACMs were asbestos-containing fabrics such as asbestos tape. Friable ACMs were also found in some cases. Use of ACMs on ships was relevant to built time and owner of the ships rather than type and tonnage of the ships. Conclusions: ACMs were found from most ships built prior to 2000s. Therefore, measures for preventing asbestos-related diseases such as preparation of asbestos map on the ship and installation of warning signs, hazard communication with workers (ship-repairing workers, engine room workers and etc.), and follow-up for worker's health management are needed.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제8권2호
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• pp.242-253
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• 1998

우리나라에서 석면생산은 약 60년 전 부터 시작되었으며 총 생산량은 약 145,000톤이었다. 이들의 대부분은 백석면이었으며 일부 토면과 산피(Sepiolite)였다. 충남 광천지방의 석면광산은 백석면이고 홍성지방의 석면은 토면이었다. 석면의 사용은 슬레이트 생산으로부터 시작하였으며, 일제시대부터 약 55년, 석면방직과 석면마찰제 생산이 27년 전부터 시작되었다. 석면의 수입량은 1976년부터 1995년까지 약 122만 톤이 수입되었으나 1976년 이전의 수입량까지 포함한다면 이보다 많을 것으로 판단된다. 석면의 수입은 급격한 증가가 없이 꾸준히 증가하는 추세이며 년간 약 8만9천 톤이 수입된다. 이들의 대부분은 석면건축자재인 슬레이트, 석면판 등의 생산과 석면마찰제의 생산에 사용되고 있다. 석면의 노출농도는 꾸준히 감소하고 있으나 일부 근로자에서는 석면관련 질환의 발생이 염려되는 수준이었다. 석면방직업의 경우 1987년 최고 45.7 fibers/cc까지 달하였으나 1984년 6.7 fibers/cc이었으며, 96년 석면방직업에서 1.87 fibers/cc으로 감소하고 있으나 허용기준을 초과하고 있었다. 브레이크라이닝 제조 사업장에서는 1984년 1.70 fibers/cc, 1966년에는 0.55 fibers/cc로 감소하고 있으나 극히 일부의 근로자에서는 허용기준을 초과하고 있었다. 따라서 석면관련 질환의 발생은 석면방직업과 석면마찰제 사업장에 국한될 것으로 보인다. 석면사업장은 1993년 118개이며 총 취급근로자 수는 6,636명이었을 것으로 추산되었다. 사업장수와 취급근로자수의 증가가 둔화되었다고는 하나 꾸준히 증가하고 있다. 이중 10년 이상 근무한 근로자는 1,860명이며 20년 이상 근무한 근로자도 561명에 달하고 있어 건강장해가 발생하기에 충분하다고 판단된다. 따라서 폐암이나 중피종암 등이 밝혀지지 않은 것이지 없는 것은 아닐 것으로 추측되었다.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제71권5호
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• pp.317-321
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• 2011

Occupational lung disease (OLD) is a group of lung diseases caused and/or aggravated by organic and inorganic inhaled dust, fumes, and mist. OLD can develop under various occupational situations. Therefore, occupational history should be considered when evaluating respiratory symptoms. Once OLD is developed, it may not be treated and may even progress after exposure to the causative agents has stopped. The best ways to treat OLD are prevention and early detection by controlling the working environment and conducting regular surveillance of workers. Common OLDs in Korea are coal worker's pneumoconiosis, asbestos-related diseases, and occupational asthma. Recent aspects of these common OLDs in Korea will be described based on recently published studies.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제42권6호
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• pp.923-933
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• 1995

연구배경: 석면분진의 흡입으로 인한 호흡기 변화중 가장 조기에 그리고 가장 빈번하게 발견되는 것은 늑막 변화이다. 늑막변화에는 늑막상출액, 늑막반, 미만성늑막섬유화로 분류되기도 하나 일반적으로 늑막비후를 단순히 석면폭로의 지표로 여기고 간과하는 경우가 많다. 그러나 석면에 관련된 질환은 대부분이 만성적이고 뒤에 질환이 발현되는 경우가 빈번하여 늑막변화를 나타내는 근로자에 대한 합리적인 관리와 검사가 필요할 것으로 생각된다. 방법: 석면분진을 취급하는 9개 시업장의 작업장 부서별 석면분진농도를 측정하고 석면을 취급하는 업무에 종사하고 있는 222명을 대상으로 하여 설문조사, 흉부 방사선 사진, 폐기능검사를 실시하여 우리나라 석면 취급 근로자들에서 발생되는 늑막변화에 대한 역학조사와 함께 늑막변화에 따른 폐기능의 변화, 그리고 폐기능의 저하에 미치는 인자들에 대한 조사를 실시 하였고 성적은 SAS을 이용하여 분석하였다. 결과: 1) 조사대상 사업장은 총 9개 였으며 대상 사업장중 1개소를 제외하고는 석면분진 농도는 허용농도 이하였다. 조사대상 근로자중 폐기능 검사를 실시한 222명을 대상으로 하였고 남자가 196명(88.3%), 여자 26명(11.7%)였으며 평균 연령은 $41.9{\pm}9.8$세 이었고 평균 석면분진 폭로기간은 $10.6{\pm}7.8$년 이었다. 2) 흉부 방사선 소견상 정상소견을 보인 198명(89.19%), 결핵병변이 관찰된 경우 6명(2.7%), 늑막비후가 보인 경우 17명(7.66%), 망상형 간질성 음영이 의심되는 경우 2명(0.90%)이었다. 3) 늑막비후가 있는 군과 없는 군 사이에 평균신장, 흡연력, 분진농도에는 차이가 없으나, 늑막비후가 없는 군에 비하여 있는군에서 연령, 흡연자의 누적 흡연력, 분진 폭로기간이 유의하게 증가되어 있었다. 4) 늑막비후가 있는 군과 없는 군에서 폐기능의 차이를 보면, 모든 폐기능의 지표에서 늑막비후가 있는 군에서 늑막비후가 없는 군에 비해 유의한 감소를 보였다. 5) 단순회귀분석에서 누적흡연력이 클수록, 폭로기간이 길수록, 그리고 분진농도가 높을 수록 폐기능지표들은 감소하였으며 특히 소기도폐색의 지표인 $FEF_{75}$에서 유의하게 변화하였고 누적흡연력은 $FEF_{50}$의 변화에 유의한 영향을 미쳤다. 6) 다중회귀분석시 폐기능지표등이 누적흡연력이 증가할수록 감소하는 경향을 보였으나 주로 소기도폐색지표에 유의한 감소를 보였으며, 늑막비후가 있는 군에서 없는 군에 비하여 폐기능이 현저히 감소하였다. 결론: 석면 취급 근로자에서 여러가지 폐기능 검사 항목과 석면분진농도등 영향을 미칠수 있는 인자를 조사한 결과 분진폭로농도와 폭로기간에 따라 $FEF_{50}$와 $FEF_{75}$이 특히 민감하게 반응하여 석면에 대한 폐질환의 조기진단을 위하여 도움이 될 것으로 생각되며, 본 연구에서 폐실질병변은 없으나 늑막비후만 관찰되는 경우에도 폐기능이 현저하게 감소한 것으로 미루어 이에 대한 적극적인 관리가 필요하다.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.174-183
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• 2015

Objectives: The objective of this study is the estimation of factors influencing airborne fiber concentrations by means of an observation survey of asbestos-containing materials in buildings. Methods: Forty-five samples were collected from four commercial buildings by NIOSH Method 7400 and classified according to current condition, potential activity, construction year, and operations and maintenance(O&M). Results: Airborne fiber concentrations by current condition(classified as good, fair and poor) were significantly different(p<0.05). Concentrations by potential activity were significantly different among groups(p<0.05), and those from the low activity group were higher than those from the middle activity group. Based on construction year, airborne fiber concentrations from the decade of the 1990's were higher than those from the 1960's. When O&M status was considered, airborne fiber concentrations from 1960's buildings were lower than those buildings not operated and maintained(p<0.01), because dust generation was influenced by O&M status. It was found that airborne fiber concentrations were related to current condition and potential activity via regression analysis, but the coefficient of determination was low. Also, correlation analysis showed that the higher the potential activity, the more current condition is worsened, but the relationship was not significant(r=-0.455, p>0.05). Conclusions: Airborne fiber concentrations in asbestos-containing buildings had weak relationships with current condition and potential activity.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제47권6호
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• pp.505-512
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• 2021

Background: The occurrence of environmental disease is known to be associated with chronic exposure to toxic chemicals, including waterborne contaminants, air/indoor pollutants, asbestos, ingredients in humidifier disinfectants, etc. Objectives: In this study, we reviewed toxicological studies related to environmental disease as defined by the Environmental Health Act in Korea and toxic chemicals. We also suggested a direction for future toxicological research necessary for the prevention and management of environmental disease. Methods: Trends in previous studies related to environmental disease were investigated through PubMed and Web of Science. A detailed review was provided on toxicological studies related to the humidifier disinfectants. We identified adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) that can be linked to the induction of environmental diseases, and proposed a chemical screening system that uses AOP, chemical toxicity big data, and deep learning models to select chemicals that induce environmental disease. Results: Research on chemical toxicity is increasing every year, but there is a limitation to revealing a clear causal relationship between exposure to chemicals and the occurrence of environmental disease. It is necessary to develop various exposure- and effect-biomarkers related to disease occurrence and to conduct toxicokinetic studies. A novel chemical screening system that uses AOP and chemical toxicity big data could be useful for selecting chemicals that cause environmental diseases. Conclusions: From a toxicological point of view, developing AOP related to environmental diseases and a deep learning-based chemical screening system will contribute to the prevention of environmental diseases in advance.

• Journal of the Optical Society of Korea
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.69-73
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• 2015

The mesothelium is an essential lining for maintaining the normal homeostasis of the closed body cavity and a central component of pathophysiologic processes. The mesothelium has been known as the end target for asbestos which induces asbestos-related lung diseases. Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare and fatal neoplasm predominantly due to asbestos exposure. Adaptation of an advanced and reliable technology is necessary for early detection of MM because it is difficult to diagnose this disease in its early stages. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides cross-sectional images of micro-tissue structures with a resolution of $2-10{\mu}m$ that can image the mesothelium with a thickness of ${\sim}100{\mu}m$ and, therefore, enable investigation of early development of MM. The mesothelium is typically located at the pleura and tunica vaginalis of the scrotum. In this study, we developed animal window models in the above two anatomical sites to visualize mesothelial layers within the mesothelium. OCT images at the two locations were also acquired.

• 의료법학
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.133-173
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• 2011

Since mid-1960s the reports from the Surgeon General, the World Health Organization, and other health experts state that there is no risk-free level exposure to smoking and secondhand smoke. Tobacco smoke is made up of more than 7,000 chemicals. Hundreds are toxic, and at least 70 are carcinogens. The chemicals in tobacco smoke reach smoker's lungs quickly every time smoker inhale causing damages immediately. Inhaling even the smallest amount of tobacco smoke can also damage smoker's DNA, which can lead to cancers. Smoking is responsible for more than 87% of lung cancers, but there are a host of other chronic diseases directly related to exposure to tobacco smoke. It's also a major cause of heart disease, stroke, aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and most of the other diseases. In the United States, each year with more than from 440,000 to 520,000 deaths caused by smoking and exposure to involuntary smoke. They conclude that smoking is the single most important source of preventable morbidity and mortality. The United States of America have about 60-year history of tobacco litigation. Tobacco litigation has been an important tool in tobacco control strategies aimed at limiting the activities of tobacco companies and providing redress to people who have become ill as a result of their use of tobacco products. Tobacco litigation is a kind of tort litigation. Quite often, as in the asbestos and other mass tort litigation episodes, tobacco litigation can play an educational role, warning the public about the magnitude of health risks that might otherwise be less clearly perceived. Tobacco litigation allows smokers, their families or other victims of smoking to sue tobacco companies in order to be compensated for the harm they have suffered. Potential benefits of tobacco litigation include compensation for smoking-related damages, strengthening regulatory activity, publicity, documents disclosure and changing tobacco industry behavior. And also tobacco litigation can limit the political activities of tobacco industry, protect human rights of smokers and non-smokers, increase burden to tobacco price-up and enhance the effects of law and politics in public health.

• 환경영향평가
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.323-333
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• 2010

$PM_{10}$ mass were measured in Gwaebeopdong (inland) and Dongsamdong (seashore) of Busan in summer and fall, 2007 and the 24-hour averaged samples were analyzed to investigate temporal and spatial variability of metallic elements and water-soluble ions in $PM_{10}$. Overall average concentrations of $PM_{10}$ mass during the study period were 72.7 ${\mu}g/M^3$ and 64.3 ${\mu}g/M^3$ in Gwaebeopdong and Dongsamdong, respectively. As for metal elements, averaged concentrations of crustal components, Ca, Fe, K, Mn, and Ti, in Gwaebeopdong exhibited enhancement relative to Dongsamdong. Non-crustal elements, Pb and Cu, displayed elevated levels in Gwaebeopdong while Ni and Zn were observed to be high in Dongsamdong. Averaged nitrate concentration in Gwaebeopdong (6.36 ${\mu}g/M^3$) was greater than in Dongsamdong(5.68 ${\mu}g/M^3$) and both areas had higher level of nitrate in summer than in fall. Averaged sulfate concentrations in Dongsamdong (25.4%) exhibited elevated level relative to Gwaebeopdong (19.4%). Overall average contribution of water-soluble ions to $PM_{10}$ in Dongsamdong (47.5%) was higher than in Gwaebeopdong (37.8%). The average mass fractions of secondary ions in $PM_{10}$ were elevated in Dongsamdong (37.1%) as compared to Gwaebeopdong (31.4%). Equivalent ratio of [${SO_4}^{2-}/NO_3{^-}$] was seen to be lower in Gwaebeopdong (1.39) than that in Dongsamdong (1.79) and consistently higher in summer than in fall for both areas.

• 한국지구과학회지
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.39-48
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• 2012

본 연구에서는 부산지방기상청 장기 강수량 자료(1973-2007)를 이용하여 부산지역 확률강수량 및 이에 따른 재현 기간을 산정하였다. 확률강수량 산정에 있어서 확률가중모멘트법을 이용하여 매개변수를 추정하였고, $x^2$ 및 PPCC 검정을 통해 적합성분석을 실시하였다. 분석결과 최적의 확률분포형으로 GLO 모형을 채택하였다. 또한 AWS 자료를 이용하여 부산지역 확률강수량 분포도를 작성하였다. 6시간 지속강수량에 있어서 245.2 mm의 강수량이 100년 마다 발생할 수 있으며, 280.6 mm가 200년에 한번 정도 나타날 수 있다. 확률강수량 분포도 결과 1시간 지속강수일 경우 동래구에서 높은 값을 가지며, 3시간 지속강수는 부산연안 전반에 걸쳐 높게 나타나고 있다. 6시간 지속강수량일 경우는 부산진과 양산일대에서 높은 값을 나타내며 12시간 지속강수의 경우 남동연안지역과 웅상 일대에서 높은 값을 보이는 특징이 나타났다.