• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• 제30권
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• pp.4.1-4.11
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• 2015

Objectives: This survey was designed to conduct the first nationwide dietary exposure assessment on hazardous substances including the intakes of functional food and herbal medicine. In this paper, we introduced the survey design and the results of the dietary exposure status and internal exposure levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). Methods: We selected 4867 subjects of all ages throughout Korea. We conducted a food survey, dietary survey, biomonitoring, and health survey. Results: Pb and Cd were the highest (median value) in the seaweed ($94.2{\mu}g/kg$ for Pb; $594{\mu}g/kg$ for Cd), and Hg was the highest in the fish ($46.4{\mu}g/kg$). The dietary exposure level (median value) of Pb was $0.14{\mu}g/kg$ body weight (bw)/d, $0.18{\mu}g/kg$ bw/d for Cd, and $0.07{\mu}g/kg$ bw/d for Hg. Those with a blood Pb level of less than $5.00{\mu}g/dL$ (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reference value for those 1 to 5 years of age) were 99.0% of all the subjects. Those with a blood Cd level with less than $0.30{\mu}g/L$ (German Federal Environmental Agency, reference value for non-smoking children) were 24.5%. For those with a blood Hg level with less than $5.00{\mu}g/L$ (human biomonitoring I, references value for children and adults, German Federal Environmental Agency) was 81.0 % of all the subjects. Conclusions: The main dietary exposure of heavy metals occurs through food consumed in a large quantity and high frequency. The blood Hg level and dietary exposure level of Hg were both higher than those in the European Union.

• 한국표면공학회지
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• 제56권6호
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• pp.371-379
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• 2023

Ammonia, which is closely related to our lives, has a significant impact on our lives as a representative substance for crop cultivation. Recently, it has gained attention as an efficient and productive hydrogen/storing substance that can replace fossil fuels. Efforts are being made to utilize it as a renewable energy source through thermochemical and electrochemical reactions. However, the use of ammonia, which encompasses the era, carries inherent toxicity, so a comprehensive understanding of ammonia safety is necessary. To ensure safety in the transportation and storage of ammonia and chemical substances domestically and internationally, national and organizational standards are being developed and provided through documents and simple symbols to help people understand. This review explores the chemical characteristics of ammonia, its impact on human health, and the global trends in safety standards related to ammonia. Through this examination, the paper aims to contribute to the discourse on the safety and risk management of ammonia transport and storage, crucial for achieving carbon neutrality and expanding the hydrogen economy.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.66-75
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• 2024

Heavy metals are naturally found in the ecosystem, and their presence in the freshwater river is increasing through anthropogenic activities which pose a threat to living beings. In this study, heavy metal concentrations (Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Ni) in different organs (muscle, skin, and gill) of fish from the Padma River were evaluated to quantify, and compare the contamination levels and related human health risks. The results revealed that the heavy metal concentrations in the water, surface sediments, and fish taken from the Padma River were far below the WHO/USEPA's permitted limits. The estimated daily intake (EDI) value in muscle was less than the tolerable daily intake (TDI). The target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard indexes (HI) were less than 1, showing that consumers face no non-carcinogenic risk (CR). CR values of Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni ranged from 4.00 × 10^-8 to 6.35 × 10^-6, less than 10^-4, and total carcinogenic risk (CRt) values ranged from 9.85 × 10^-6 to 1.10 × 10^-5, indicating some pose a CR from consumption of those fish from the Padma River. To establish a more accurate risk assessment, numerous exposure routes, including inhalation and cutaneous exposure, should be explored.

• 한국토양비료학회지
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.235-250
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• 2017

In this study, we monitored 4 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as chloroform, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, and tetrachloromethane in groundwater samples to determine the detection frequency and their concentrations and evaluated the health risk level considering ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. 75 groundwater wells were selected. 24 wells were from monitoring background groundwater quality level and 51 wells were from monitoring groundwater quality level in industrial or contamination source area. In the results, the detection frequency for chloroform, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, and tetrachloromethane was 42.3%, 8.1%, 6.0%, and 3.4%, respectively. The average concentrations of VOCs were high in the order of chloroform ($1.7{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$), dichloromethane ($0.08{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$), tetrachloromethane ($0.05{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$), and 1,2-dichloroethane ($0.05{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$). Chloroform had the highest detection frequency and average detection concentration. In the contaminated groundwater, the detection frequency of VOCs was high in the order of chloroform, dichloromethane, 1,2-dchloroethane, and tetrachloromethane. The average concentrations for chloroform, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, and tetrachloromethane were $2.23{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$, $0.08{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$, $0.07{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$, and $0.06{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$, respectively. All the 4 compounds were detected at industrial complex and storage tank area. The maximum concentration of chloroform, dichloromethane, and 1,2-dichloroethane was detected at industrial complex area. Especially, the maximum concentration of chloroform and dichloromethane was detected at a chemical factory area. In the uncontaminated groundwater, the detection frequency of VOCs was high in the order of chloroform, dichloromethane, and 1,2-dchloroethane and tetrachloromethane was not detected. The average concentrations for chloroform, dichloromethane, and 1,2-dichloroethane were $0.57{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$, $0.07{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$, and $0.03{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$, respectively. Although chloroform in the uncontaminated groundwater was detected the most, the concentration of chloroform was not exceeding water quality standards. By land use, the maximum detection frequency of 1,2-dichloroethane was found near a traffic area. For human risk assessment, the cancer risk for the 4 VOCs was $10^{-6}{\sim}10^{-9}$, while the non-cancer risk (HQ value) for the 4 VOCs is $10^{-2}{\sim}10^{-3}$.

• 환경분석과 독성보건
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.281-291
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• 2018

Recently, long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) from China is regarded as a major reason for elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) in Korea. However, local emissions also play an important role in PM pollution, especially in large-scale industrial cities. In this study, PM samples were collected at suburban, residential, and industrial sites in Ulsan, Korea. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals were analyzed, and a potential human health risk assessment was conducted. The concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in total suspended particles (TSP) increased during high $PM_{10}$ episodes, and backward trajectory analysis verified the influence of LRAT from China during the high episodes. Furthermore, the concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ at the industrial site were higher than those at the residential site. The risk assessment of PAHs and heavy metals in $PM_{2.5}$ suggested no significant health effects. The highest levels of PAHs were measured in the particle size of $0.32{\sim}0.56{\mu}m$ at the residential site, and those of heavy metals were detected in the particle size of 1.8~5.6 and $>18{\mu}m$, reflecting different major emissions sources for both groups. On the basis of this preliminary study, we are planning long-term monitoring and modeling studies to quantitatively evaluate the influence of industrial activities on the PM pollution in Ulsan.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.347-354
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• 2007

유전자변형 작물의 상업화를 위해서는 유전자변형 작물이 식품으로서의 안전성과 환경에 미치는 영향에 관한 평가가 이루어져야한다. 이를 위해 개발자는 유전자변형 작물의 방출이전에 유전자변형 작물 개발에 관한 정보를 제출해야만 한다. 본 연구는 유전자변형 작물의 환경 위해성 평가를 위한 분자생물학적 자료를 제공하고자 수행하였다. 아그로 박테리움 형질전환법을 통하여 해충저항성 CryIAc 유전자가 도입된 배추 형질전환체를 획득한 후, 분자생물학적인 분석을 통하여 유전자의 copy수, 안정성, 식물체내에서의 발현을 확인하였고, T-DNA의 배추게놈내의 인접서열을 분석하였다. T-DNA의 게놈내 삽입 인접서열을 바탕으로 유전자변형 배추를 동정할 수 있는 프라이머를 제작하였고, 이를 이용한 검정방법을 수립하였다. 계통 특이 프라이머를 이용한 해충저항성 배추 후대의 PCR 분석결과와 제초체 처리결과가 서로 일치하였다. 본 연구 결과로 환경위해성 평가를 위한 해충저항성 배추의 분자생물학적인 자료를 획득하였으며, 개발된 프라이머는 해충저항성 배추의 검출을 위하여 유용하게 사용할 수 있음을 확인하였다.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제42권2호
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• pp.128-134
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• 2009

For children, voluntary addition of micronutrients to foods must be done without health risk to any of them. This study examined safe maximum levels of vitamin A and C, and calcium for children based on nutrient intake data from the 2001-2002 and 2005 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in Korea, while using the safe strategy for addition of micronutrients to foods suggested by EU. For the respective 2001-2002 and 2005 NHANES data proportions of potentially fortifiable energy intake ranged 0.36-0.40 and 0.31-0.34 and the $95^{th}$ percentile intake of energy were 2,325-3,296 kcal and 2,286-3,814 kcal depending upon age groups. Ninety-fifth percentile intake levels of vitamin A were over or close to UL, even without considering supplement intake for some age groups, which suggest that vitamin A fortification to foods required further consideration. For calcium, 12-14 year old children were the most sensitive group for excessive intake and nutrient fortification to foods. In these children, maximum levels for fortification were 242-290 mg and 484-580 mg with 0.135 and 0.068 proportions of fortified food (PFF) assumed, respectively, without considering calcium intake from supplements. With consideration of calcium intake from both diet and supplement, the maximum levels for fortification were 20-36% of those without supplement intake. The maximum fortification levels of vitamin C were the lowest in 3-5 year old children, showing 77-187 mg and 68-164 mg with and without supplement intake, respectively. These results suggest that the model used for risk assessment in this study can be used to help risk managers to set maximum levels for safe addition of micronutrients to foods.

• 농업과학연구
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.33-43
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• 2021

Along with the widespread use of pesticides in the world, concerns over human health impacts are rapidly growing. There is a large body of evidence on the relationship between the exposure to pesticides and the elevated rate of chronic diseases such as different types of cancers, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson, Alzheimer, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), birth defects, and reproductive disorders. This research assessed the health risk of pesticide residues by the dietary intake of vegetables collected from the agro-based markets of Dhaka, Bangladesh. As some of the banned pesticides were also found in vegetable samples, they may pose a higher risk because of cheaper availability and hence the government of Bangladesh should take strong measures to control these banned pesticides. Five organo phosphorus (chlorpyrifos, parathion, ethion, acephate, fenthion) and two carbamate (carbaryl and carbofuran) pesticide residues were identified in twenty four samples of two common vegetables (tomato and brinjal). The pesticide residues ranged from below a detectable limit (< 0.01) to 0.36 mg·kg^-1. Acephate, chlorpyrifos, ethion, and carbaryl were detected in only one sample, while co-occurrence occurred twice for parathion. Continuous monitoring and strict regulation should be enforced regarding the control of pesticide residues in fresh vegetables and other food commodities in Bangladesh.

• 한국환경보건학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국환경보건학회 2001년도 Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Meeting of Yellow Sea Environment
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• pp.30-41
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• 2001

Rapid economic development and industrialization has been accompanied by an increase of energy demand and environmental pollution. The consumption of gasoline has increased totally, but decreased in use of leaded gasoline after 1988 in Korea. On the other hand, risk assessment of environmental pollutants requires reliable dose estimates. Source oriented monitoring is not providing adequate information to estimate human exposure. The Health Surveillance Project has been launched in Korea from 1980, which questioned their symptoms based on questionnaires and medical examinations for inhabitants in the vicinity of 13 industrial areas and 2 non-industrial areas. 10, 598 inhabitants living in these 15 areas had medical checkups and donated their blood f3r heavy metal analysis from 1980 to 2000 through this project. Especially lead levels in inhabitants' blood of these areas were determined and monitored. Totally 4, 967 samples in target areas were used to review the trend of blood lead level in this paper. Average lead concentrations by areas were from 15.2 to 21.0 ug/dl in 1981 and 22.3 to 34.3 ug/dl in 1988, but were 8.8 to 11.1 ug/dl in 1992 and 4.4 to 4.8 ug/dl in 1995. On the other hand, the consumption of leaded gasoline was at a peak in 1958. Blood lead level showed a very close relationship with the consumption of leaded gasoline in the change pattern(p<0.01) and showed a rapid declining trend since the use of unleaded gasoline, especially from 1988 when Seoul held the olympic games. For example, the blood lead levels were 15.2 ug/dl in 1981, 20.2 ug/dl in 1955. 24.3 ug/dl in 1988 and 3.9 ug/dl in 1993 in Yochon area. China also had monitored blood lead levels of general population. 7, 015 inhabitants living in 28 areas donated their blood far heavy metal analysis from 1981 to 1988. Average lead concentrations by areas were from 5.1 to 5.6 ug/dl before. 1984 but were form 2.8 to 11.2 ug/dl after 1984. Average lead concentration in blood showed increasing trends clearly in most of the areas. The recent policy of unleaded gasoline use for automobile will be a very beneficial policy for the management of atmospheric lead pollution & health risk assessment for the general population in China. It is recommended that it should be propelled more widely and rapidly to the entire country.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.109-121
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• 2005

A chemical ranking and scoring (CRS-Korea) system was developed and proposed to use as the first step to prioritize the toxic chemicals for the purpose of monitoring and detailed risk assessment that might follow as necessary. The CRS-Korea system takes a basic concept of risk assessment (both human health risk and ecological risk) in that risk score is determined by the product of toxicity score and exposure score. Included in the toxicity category are acute toxicity, chronic/sub -chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, and other toxicity. The exposure category consists of quantity released to the environment, bioconcentration, and persistence. A consistent scheme and a comprehensive chemical data base are offered in the CRS-Korea system to calculate a score for the each component in the two categories by using specific physicochemical, fate, and toxic properties and the quantity of the chemical used. The toxicity score is obtained by adding up all the individual scores for the components in the toxicity category. The exposure score is determined by multiplication of the score of the quantity released with the sum of persistent score and bioconcentration score. Equal weight is given to the toxicity score and the exposure score. As the CRS-Korea system was applied to identify 50 national priority chemicals, it was found that significant data gap exists on toxicity and fate properties and that the uncertainty associated with estimating the quantify released to the environment is notably high. The proposed CRS system is only a screening tool in the first step toward the priority setting and should be used with expert judgement and other considerations necessary.