• 대한임상독성학회지
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• 제2권2호
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• pp.101-105
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• 2004

Purpose: Paraquat is the most commonly used herbicide in Korea. Exposure to paraquat through the skin has resulted in local irritation or inflammation of varying degree, sometimes severe. The purpose of this study was to review the patients with paraquat poisoning by skin absorption. Methods: We analysed retrospectively the clinical and laboratory findings of 45 patients with paraquat poisoning after dermal exposure, who were admitted to Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital from January 1999 to December 2003. Results: Among 870 cases of paraquat poisoning, 45 cases were exposed to paraquat through the skin. The peak incidence was the fifth decade($40\%$). The clinical symptoms were pain, pruritus, nausea, and vomiting. The major skin lesions were generalized vesicobullae and necrotic erosion in face, scrotum, trunk, upper and lower extremities and etc. All patients were survived after skin contact or inhalation of paraquat. Conclusion: This study illustrates the extreme toxicity of paraquat and demonstrates that lethal quantities of paraquat may be absorbed if repeated exposure to it. Stricter precautions, including the mandatory use of protective clothing, should be recommended whenever this material is used.

• 한국지하수토양환경학회지:지하수토양환경
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.64-72
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• 2007

토양매체중의 오염물질들은 다양한 경로를 통해 인체나 생태계에 노출되어 위해성 문제를 유발하고 있다. 토양위해성평가(Soil Risk Assessment)는 토양오염물질로 인한 악영향의 개연성을 정량적으로 평가하는 과정으로, 유해성 확인(Hazard Identification), 용량-반응평가(Dose-Response Assessment), 노출평가(Exposure Assessment), 그리고 위해도 결정(Risk Characterization)의 4가지 단계적 과정으로 이루어진다. 이중 노출평가과정에서 매우 중요하게 작용하는 노출인자(Exposure Factor)는 토양오염물질의 인체노출량을 산정하는데 필수적인 요소로, 미국, 유럽국가 등 선진국에서는 나라별 상황에 적절한 노출인자를 사용하고 있으나, 우리나라는 아직 국내에 적용하기 적합한 노출 인자에 대한 연구가 매우 부족한 실정이다. 본 연구에서는 토양오염 위해성평가를 위한 국가별 노출인자를 비교분석하고, 이를 토대로 국내상황에 적용가능한 노출인자를 제시하였다. 국가별 노출인자 연구는 미국 Environmental Protection Agency, 영국 Environmental Agency, 네덜란드 RIVM, 호주, 그리고 독일에서 적용되고 있는 노출인자값에 대해 노출인자별로 총괄적인 비교분석을 수행하였다. 또한 국가별 비교분석연구와 국내에서 제시된 노출인자 자료를 종합하여, 국내자료가 없는 경우 외국에서 보편적으로 적용하고 있는 인자값을 국내 적용 타당성을 고려하여 제시하였다. 본 연구에서 고려된 노출인자 조사항목은 평균수명, 노출기간, 노출빈도, 체중, 체표면적(또는 노출체표면적), 피부흡수계수(Skin Absorption Factor), 토양-피부간 흡착계수(Soil-Skin Adherence Factor), 음용수 섭취량, 호흡률, 토양 섭취량 그리고 농작물 섭취량 등이다. 본 연구는 오염토양의 위해성평가를 수행할 때 국내 상황을 고려한 노출평가에 필요한 기반연구가 될 것이다.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.237-242
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• 2023

Background: This study evaluated occupational exposure levels of doxorubicin in healthcare workers performing rotational intraperitoneal pressurized aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) procedures. Methods: All samples were collected during PIPAC procedures applying doxorubicin to an experimental animal model (pigs). All procedures were applied to seven pigs, each for approximately 44 min. Surface samples (n = 51) were obtained from substances contaminating the PIPAC devices, surrounding objects, and protective equipment. Airborne samples were also collected around the operating table (n = 39). All samples were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Among the surface samples, doxorubicin was detected in only five samples (9.8%) that were directly exposed to antineoplastic drug aerosols in the abdominal cavity originating from PIPAC devices. The telescopes showed concentrations of 0.48-5.44 ng/cm² and the trocar showed 0.98 ng/cm² in the region where the spraying nozzles were inserted. The syringe line connector showed a maximum concentration of 181.07 ng/cm², following a leakage. Contamination was not detected on the surgeons' gloves or shoes. Objects surrounding the operating table, including tables, operating lights, entrance doors, and trocar holders, were found to be uncontaminated. All air samples collected at locations where healthcare workers performed procedures were found to be uncontaminated. Conclusions: Most air and surface samples were uncontaminated or showed very low doxorubicin concentrations during PIPAC procedures. However, there remains a potential for leakage, in which case dermal exposure may occur. Safety protocols related to leakage accidents, selection of appropriate protective equipment, and the use of disposable devices are necessary to prevent occupational exposure.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• 제11권1_2호
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• pp.19-29
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• 1996

Human exposure to volatile compounds in tap water can occur from inhalation and dermal absorption as well as direct ingestion. The relative contribution to total human exposure from these pathways has been considered to be important especially for VOC's (volatile organic compounds). In an attempt to reduce the uncertainty of the risk assessment, it has been suggested that the exposure assessment process could be significantly improved by adopting Monte-Carlo simulation. However, there is no actual data in Korea for each exposure parameter to determine the level of exposure, and the distributional pattern. Therefore, we surveyed water use patterns and behavior related to multi-route exposure to VOC's in household tap water in Korea, and compared these values to the those in western countries. In the first survey, we calculated daily water intake using data from a sample of 1322 persons of several cities in Korea. In the second survey, we obtained questionnaire data on exposure time for showering, bathing and household activities, and tap water intake from 851households in Korea. In the last survey, we measured the exposure parameters (exposure time, water use rate etc.) related to showers, baths, toilets, dish washing, washing and cooking, and tap water intake was surveyed. Also, the subjects were measured their body weight, height and tidal volume, etc. A diary, a flow meter and a measuring cup were used to measure these values as precisely as possible. Average daily water intake was ranged 0.79-1.71 L/day for adults in three surveys. Tap water intake measured by log-sheet during one week in third survey was 1.26 (average), 1.98 L/day (90 percentlie), respectively. These results were comparable with results from EPA (1.4, 2L/day). The average amount of water used by housewives in the third survey was 515.0 $\pm$ 564.6L/day. In usual activity, the amount of water used in the bathroom, the laundry and the kitchen was 140.0 $\pm$ 538.9, 148.0 $\pm$ 174.5, 229.3 $\pm$ 205.4 L/day, respectively. Exposure parameters such as water intake rate, exposure duration, body weight, inhalation rates in surveyed data of Korean people differed from those published from western countries. This could be attributed to variations in lifestyle, dietary habits and physiological characteristics.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제49권5호
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• pp.262-274
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• 2023

Background: Exposure levels for heavy metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) have increased due to human activities. They are known to be a public health concern. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the exposure levels to heavy metals in the blood and urine of South Korean adults and to present the contribution rate of exposure pathways using an exposure algorithm for men aged 19~64, women aged 19~64, and all seniors aged 65 or older. Methods: We analyzed data from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) Cycle 4 (2018~2020). A total of 2,646 participants aged ≥19 years were included. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting heavy metal concentrations. The contribution rate was calculated by applying three exposure algorithms for ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. Results: Factors that commonly affect heavy metal concentrations in blood and urine were gender and age. The main influencing factors for Pb and Cd were education level and smoking status, while frequency of fish consumption and of alcohol consumption were indicated to be the main influencing factors for mercury. The contribution rates of lead and cadmium from food ingestion were 78.03~79.62% and 88.39~92.89%, respectively. Additionally, the highest contribution for mercury was accounted for by food at 81.69~85.77%. As a result of the risk assessment, cadmium was found to pose a potential health risk a with total cancer risk (TCR) of more than 1×10^-6. Conclusions: The KoNEHS could be an important study for determining the level of exposure to heavy metals and their influencing factors. Integrated exposure to heavy metals could assess the main exposure pathways, and this methodology could be applied to exposure management of heavy metals.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제49권6호
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• pp.324-333
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• 2023

Background: Human exposure to phthalates in indoor environments occurs via dermal absorption, oral ingestion of indoor dust, and inhalation of indoor air. However, systematic studies to investigate the exposure rate to phthalates among the three exposure routes in indoor environments are currently limited. Objectives: A theoretical exposure ratio between inhalation and oral exposure was calculated based on the total amount of di(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) emitted into indoor air and deposited into floor dust in a test house. Methods: Flooring and wallpaper containing DEHP were installed in a test house and the concentration of DEHP in both indoor air and floor dust were monitored for five months. Based on the measured DEHP concentrations, the theoretical total amount ratio of DEHP that could be exposed through inhalation and oral ingestion was calculated. Results: Considering the period of operation in the test house, the theoretical total amount of DEHP through inhalation and oral ingestion exposures in the entire test house space was calculated to be 0.014 mg and 5.5 mg, respectively. The exposure ratio of the two routes between inhalation and oral exposure corresponding to the total DEHP amount in flooring and wallpaper was 6.0×10^-7% and 2.3×10^-4%, indicating that theoretical oral exposure to DEHP is approximately 380 times higher than inhalation. Conclusions: Monitoring results from a test house has shown that oral exposure is the main exposure route for DEHP in indoor environments. The experimental design employed in this study and theoretical exposure ratio obtained can be applied to investigate actual exposure to DEHP and to determine the exposure characteristics of various types of semi-volatile organic compounds.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• 제5권4호
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• pp.247-262
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• 2011

This study assessed the health risks of childhood exposure to PBDEs via different possible pathways in children's facilities and indoor playgrounds. When PBDE contamination was measured, it was determined through multiple routes, including inhalation of indoor dust, dermal contact with product surfaces and children's hands, and incidental dust ingestion. Samples were collected from various children's facilities (playrooms, daycare centers, kindergartens, and indoor playgrounds) during summer (Jul-Sep, 2007) and winter (Jan-Feb, 2008). The hazard index (HI) was estimated for non-carcinogens, and PBDEs, such as TeBDE, PeBDE, HxBDE, and DeBDE, were examined. The sensitivity to the compounds did not exceed 1.0 (HI) for any of the subjects in any facility. However, current data about toxicity does not reflect effects that were fully sensitive in children, so there is uncertainty in the dose-response data. The contribution rates of PBDEs were 71.4 to 96.1% and 3.7 to 28.2% for intake and inhalation exposure, respectively, indicating that intake of floor dust and inhalation are the primary routes.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.315-323
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• 2008

In this study, the backs with a hair cut of 6-week-old healthy ICR male mice were once exposed to a dose of $400\;mJ/cm^2$ UVB. An acute dermal inflammation was observed, and the certified 100% pure and natural lavender essential oil were applied to the UVB-exposed mice skin twice a day. It was observed that the mice exposed to UVB resulted in an acute inflammation, and when treated with lavender oil the degree of inflammation was much alleviated, and the inflamed skins of both the control and lavender oil-treatment groups were cured almost completely after 6 days of the UVB exposure. At 24 hours after UVB exposure, the epidermal keratinocytes in the control group showed a cell-membrane damage with the destruction of intercellular junctions, agglutination of tonofilaments within the cytoplasm and nucleus damage, while the lavender oil-treatment group had much less cell damage than the control group. While the control group showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the activity of XO up to 144 hours, the lavender oil-treatment group did not show any significant increase except for 48 hours after the UVB exposure. Both the control and lavender essential oil-treatment groups had a significant decrease in the activities of CAT and SOD up to 96 hours. Particularly, the CAT activity was significantly lower(p<0.05) in the lavender oil-treatment group than the control group up to 48 hours, and higher than the control group at and after 96 hours. The GST activity was significantly decreased in both the control and lavender oil-treatment groups up to 96 hours after the UVB exposure except for the control group at 24 hours, and that of the lavender oil-treatment group was higher than the control group at and after 96 hours. Therefore, it is assumed that the application of the lavender oil to the ultraviolet-damaged mice skin can be effective in treatment for the damaged skin.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.428-436
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• 2019

Background: Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are mixtures with inhalation exposures as mists, dusts, and vapors, and dermal exposure in the dispersed and bulk liquid phase. A quantitative risk assessment was performed for exposure to MWF and respiratory disease. Methods: Risks associated with MWF were derived from published studies and NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluations, and lifetime risks were calculated. The outcomes analyzed included adult onset asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, pulmonary function impairment, and reported symptoms. Incidence rates were compiled or estimated, and annual proportional loss of respiratory capacity was derived from cross-sectional assessments. Results: A strong healthy worker survivor effect was present. New-onset asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, at 0.1 mg/㎥ MWF under continuous outbreak conditions, had a lifetime risk of 45%; if the associated microbiological conditions occur with only 5% prevalence, then the lifetime risk would be about 3%. At 0.1 mg/㎥, the estimate of excess lifetime risk of attributable pulmonary impairment was 0.25%, which may have been underestimated by a factor of 5 or more by a strong healthy worker survivor effect. The symptom prevalence associated with respiratory impairment at 0.1 mg/㎥ MWF was estimated to be 5% (published studies) and 21% (Health Hazard Evaluations). Conclusion: Significant risks of impairment and chronic disease occurred at 0.1 mg/㎥ for MWFs in use mostly before 2000. Evolving MWFs contain new ingredients with uncharacterized long-term hazards.

• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.107-112
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• 2003

Effect of PCBs on the skin and gill development of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus were investigated by histological methodology and morphometric data. The olive flounder were exposed to limit concentration of effulent of PCBs (3.0 ${\mu}g/L$) for 60 days. Skin development can be classified into four stages: SSEL (simple squamous epithelial layer), MCA (mucous cell appearance) & CCA (club cell appearance) DLA (dermal layer appearance), and SEL (startification of epidermal layer) stages. Gill development had five stages: GFA (gill filament appearance), IGFE (identification of early gill filament epithelial cell) MCA (mucous cell appearance), PCA (pillar cell appearance), and FGL (formation of gill lamella) stages. The periods of structural completion of skin and gill were 22-30 days and 23-30 days after hatching in the exposure group respectively. The process of development of skin and gill of the exposure group was very similar to that of the control group. Therefore, PCBs (3 ${\mu}g/L$) have no influence on the development of skin and gill in the larval stage of olive flounder.