• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.543-553
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• 2010

Almost five million citizens a day are using subways as a means of traffic communication in the Seoul metropolitan. As the subway system is typically a closed environment, indoor air pollution problems frequently occurs and passengers complain of mal-health impact. Especially $PM_{10}$ is well known as one of the major pollutants in subway indoor environments. The purpose of this study was to compare the indoor air quality in terms of $PM_{10}$ and to quantitatively compare its source contributions in a Seoul subway platform before and after installing platform screen doors (PSD). $PM_{10}$ samples were collected on the J station platform of Subway Line 7 in Seoul metropolitan area from Jun. 12, 2008 to Jan. 12, 2009. The samples collected on membrane filters using $PM_{10}$ mini-volume portable samplers were then analyzed for trace metals and soluble ions. A total of 18 chemical species (Ba, Mn, Cr, Cd, Si, Fe, Ni, Al, Cu, Pb, Ti, $Na^+$, $NH_4^+$, $K^+$, $Mg^{2+}$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Cl^-$, and ${SO_4}^{2-}$) were analyzed by using an ICP-AES and an IC after performing proper pre-treatments of each sample filter. Based on the chemical information, positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was applied to identify the source of particulate matters. $PM_{10}$ for the station was characterized by three sources such as ferrous related source, soil and road dust related source, and fine secondary aerosol source. After installing PSD, the average $PM_{10}$ concentration was decreased by 20.5% during the study periods. Especially the contribution of the ferrous related source emitted during train service in a tunnel route was decreased from 59.1% to 43.8% since both platform and tunnel areas were completely blocked by screen doors. However, the contribution of the fine secondary aerosol source emitted from various outside combustion activities was increased from 14.8% to 29.9% presumably due to ill-managed ventilation system and confined platform space.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.32 no.5 s.92
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• pp.387-397
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• 2006

This study was performed to investigate the characteristics of indoor air quality(IAQ) in 91 public facilities from September 2004 to March 2005 in the Honam province(Chonnam, Gwangju). The measured air pollutants are $PM_{10}$, formaldehyde(HCHO), CO, $CO_{2}$ and total suspended bacteria(TSB), the maintenance standard materials of IAQ management law established by ministry of environment in Korea(MOE). We also surveyed establishment and operation of ventilation equipment. It was measured $1.2m{\sim}1.5m$ on the floor between 8 o'clock AM and 7 o'clock PM. As the result, $PM_{10}$ and CO was showed the highest concentration, $188.89{\mu}g/m^{3}$, 8.67 ppm, at the indoor parking. The concentration of HCHO was the highest in large store and steamer room. The concentration was respectively $118.70{\mu}g/m^{3}\;and\;113.21{\mu}g/m^{3}$. The concentration of $CO_{2}$ was the highest at the reading room of the library on the condition of natural ventilation. The concentration of $CO_{2}$ was 1,816 ppm and higher than the IAQ standards established by MOE. The TSB was just measured in the hospital and silver town. It was the highest at the admission room of hospital. The concentration of TSB was $766CFU/m^{3}$. The public facilities of this study were not exceed each maintenance standards except $CO_{2}$ but it was surveyed that the management will be needed about some air pollutant according to target facilities.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.30 no.3 s.58
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• pp.609-622
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• 1997

Nitrogen dioxide $(NO_2)$ has been regarded as one of the main elements among air pollutants, and we measured $NO_2$ levels of near gas range, kitchen, living room and outdoor on 489 apartments in Pusan area. $NO_2$ were sampled by using Palmes tubes (diffusion tube sampler) during August 16-25, 1995 (summer) and January 15-29, 1996 (winter), respectively. Authors wanted to know comparison of $NO_2$ levels in summer and winter, $NO_2$ levels categorized by variables, and variables affected to $NO_2$ levels. According to this study, we conducted to establish the degree of indoor-outdoor air pollution of urban apartments in Korea and methods to reduce indoor air pollution. The results of this study were summarized as follows: 1) Mean $NO_2$ levels of near gas range, kitchen, living room, and outdoor were $25.9{\pm}10.0ppb,\;23.3{\pm}8.0ppb,\;19.9{\pm}6.1ppb,\;and\;19.0{\pm}6.0ppb$ in summer, and $34.5{\pm}16.8ppb,\;28.2{\pm}13.4ppb,\;25.3{\pm}12.5ppb,\;21.8{\pm}9.8ppb$ in winter, respectively. 2) Mean $NO_2$ levels according to the floor levels were not significantly different in summer, and in winter, $NO_2$ levels were decreased as the floor levels were increasing, but those were increased above 16th floor. 3) Variables showing significant correlation(p<0.05) with $NO_2$ levels were as follows; Summer: floor level, family size, number of family during a meal, number using gas range during rice cooking per day, and natural ventilation. Winter: floor level, family size, number of person who have been respiratory disease in a house, number of family during a meal, total number of meals, and number using gas range during rice or side-dish cooking per day. 4) We suggest that the methods of reducing indoor $NO_2$ levels are ventilation during cooking, complete combustion, decreasing number and time of cooking, and substitution of fuels.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.71-76
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the indoor air quality of medical institutions and to present the detailed management plan by analyzing the actual situation of management and analyzing the difference according to the place in a convergent. ($PM_{10}$), carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), formaldehyde (HCHO), total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and carbon monoxide (CO) were investigated in 153 hospitals in Busan. As a result, The overall output average did not exceed the maintenance criteria, but the maximum values for each item were 91% for $PM_{10}$, 97% for $CO_2$, 96% for HCHO, and 99% for bioaesol. And It is confirmed that this is very close to the standard. In addition, the results of each place showed different values according to each feature, but there was no significant difference in the results of five measurements. In conclusion, Indoor air in medical institution considering the characteristics should be performed systematic and detailed management of ventilation facilities and energy problems.

• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.109-127
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• 2022

Recently, low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors have been widely used in monitoring mass concentration. Maintaining the accuracy of the sensors is important and requires rigorous performance evaluation and calibration. In this study, two commercial low-cost PM sensors(LCS), Plantower PMS3003 and Plantower PMS7003, were evaluated in the laboratory and field with a reference-grade PM monitor (GRIMM 11-D). Laboratory evaluation was conducted with single/mixed particles of PSL (Poly Styrene Latex) in an acrylic chamber at 20℃ and relative humidity of 20%. Field evaluation was conducted inside a building of Yonsei University (Shinchon) from February 12 to March 31, 2022. In both evaluations, LCS measured values became different from reference measured values when the relative humidity was high or the outdoor air PM10/PM2.5 ratio was high. Based on the field evaluation, the LCS measured values were corrected through four different regression analysis models. As a result, the multivariate polynomial regression analysis model showed highest matching with the reference PM monitor (PM2.5 >0.9, PM10 >0.85). In this model, the PM10/PM2.5 ratio and relative humidity were chosen as independent variables.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.51-60
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• 1997

The high radon (Rn222) potentials of soil, groundwater, hotspring and indoor environments in the Taejon city area were delineated by use of an EDA RDA-200 radon detector. The U and Th contents were also analysed using a Multi Channel Analyzer to illustrate the sources of the radon potentials. The average U concentrations in Taejon vary according to the type of granites such as $4.14{\pm}2.36ppm$ in schistose granite (SG), $3.13{\pm}1.70ppm$ in biotite granite (BG) and $3.01{\pm}1.95ppm$ in two mica granite (TG). The U contents in the granites are closely related with the amounts of uraniferous minerals. However, the U contents in the soil are found to be $5.05{\pm}4.75ppm$ in TG, $4.07{\pm}1.69ppm$ in BG and $3.87{\pm}1.91ppm$ in SG which are mainly explained by the different cation exchange capacities (CEC) of the soils from various granites. The levels of soil radon are $552{\pm}656pCi/l$ in SG, in which levels at two locations exceed the level of 1,350 pCi/l established as guideline for follow-up action by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), $443{\pm}284pCi/l$ in TG and $224{\pm}115pCi/l$ in the BG. The soil radon concentrations are found to be proportional to the U content and hardness of the soils. The groundwater radon concentrations in the domestic wells of - 30~-100 m depth show that $6,907{\pm}4,665pCi/l$ in TG, $5,503{\pm}6,551pCi/l$ in SG and $2,104{\pm}1,157pCi/l$ in BG which are positively related with U contents in soils. The radon levels of six groundwater wells in TG and two in SG are greater than guideline for drinking water level, 10,000 pCi/l by EPA (1986). Average radon contents of hotsprings and public bathes in the TG area are $7,071{\pm}1,942pCi/l$ and $1,638{\pm}709pCi/l$, respectively, which are below the EPA standard for remedial action value of the 10,000 pCi/l. The mean indoor radon concentrations of the TG and SG areas are $1.60{\pm}1.20pCi/l$ and $1.60{\pm}0.70pCi/l$, respectively. The elevated indoor radon levels of 5.6 pCi/l and 6.7 pCi/l are found to be particularly in TG area, which exceeds 4 pCi/i guideline, correlating positively with the U contents in the soil and radon concentration in the groundwater.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.751-762
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• 2015

This study was performed to investigate the stability of soil moisture in controlling air ventilation rate within a horizontal biofilter, and to compare removal efficiency (RE) of indoor air pollutants including fine dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and formaldehyde (HCHO), depending on whether dieffenbachias (Diffenbachia amoena) were planted in the biofilter. The relative humidity, air temperature, and soil moisture contents showed stable values, regardless of the presence of D. amoena, and the plants grew normally in the biofilter. REs for number of fine dust particles (PM10 and PM2.5) within the biofilter filled with only soil were at least 30% and 2%, respectively. REs for number of fine dust particles (PM10 and PM2.5) within the biofilter including the plants were above 40% and 4%, respectively. RE for fine dust (PM10) weight was above 4% and 20%, respectively, in the biofilter containing only soil or soil together with plants. In the case of the biofilter filled with only soil, REs for xylene, ethylbenzene, toluene or total VOC (T-VOC) were each more than 63%; however, REs for benzene and formaldehyde (HCHO) were above 22% and 38%, respectively. In the biofilter with the plants, REs for xylene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and T-VOC were each above 72%, and REs for benzene and HCHO were above 39%. Thus, RE of the biofilter integrated with plants was found to be higher for volatile organic compounds than for fine dust. Hence, the biofilter was very effective for indoor air quality improvement and the effect was higher when integrated with plants.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.143-152
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for air pollutant exposure modelling and understanding the contribution of respective microenvironments by assessing the time-activity patterns of Korean students according to variables such as grade, sex, weekday, and weekend. Methods: In this study, we compared the residential time of 521 (both weekday and weekend) lower elementary students, 1,735 (1,054 on weekdays, 681 on weekends) upper elementary students, 2,210 (1,294 on weekdays, 916 on weekends) middle school students, and 2,366 (1,387 on weekdays, 979 on weekends) high school students in different microenvironments according to grade, sex, weekday, and weekend. We used data from the 2014 Time-Use Survey by the Korean National Statistical Office for upper elementary students through high school students, and surveyed time-activity patterns of 521 lower elementary students aged 7-9 years. Each microenvironment was divided into indoor, outdoor, and transport. Indoor environments were divided into home, school, and other places. In addition, the results of previous studies were compared to this study. Results: Weekday time-activity patterns of Korean students indicated that lower elementary students spent $16.02{\pm}2.53hr$ in the home and $5.37{\pm}2.32hr$ in school. Upper elementary students spent $14.11{\pm}1.79hr$ in the home and $6.27{\pm}1.37hr$ in school. Middle school students spent $12.83{\pm}2.22hr$ in the home and $7.48{\pm}1.88hr$ in school. High school students spent $10.65{\pm}2.86hr$ in the home and $10.23{\pm}2.86hr$ in school on weekdays. High school students spent the least amount of time in the home and the most time in school compared to other grades Conclusions: Students spent most of their time indoors, including in the home, school, and other indoors. On weekdays, as the grade increases, home residential times were decreased and school residential times were increased. Differences in time-activity patterns according to sex were not found for either weekdays or weekends. It is estimated that Korean students could be affected by school indoor air quality. High school students could be most affected by school indoor air quality since they spent the most time at school.

• Proceeding of Spring/Autumn Annual Conference of KHA
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• 2006.11a
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• pp.291-296
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• 2006

The purpose of this study were to make clear the present condition of indoor thermal and air environment by air-conditioning in school classrooms and to analyze the relation of the living conditions with indoor environment. The measurements on physical elements and observations on living conditions were carried out in 6 classrooms of 3 middle or high schools. Measuring elements were indoor temperature, relative humidity, $PM_{10}$ and $CO_2$ concentration. As results, the averages of indoor temperature each classrooms were 24.9${\sim}$26.6 . Most of classrooms were lower than the Maintenance standard(26${\sim}$28 ) of School Health Law. The means of relative humidity were 51.3${\sim}$72%, all classrooms were ranged within the standard(30${\sim}$80%). The means of $PM_{10}$ concentration were 3.5${\sim}$23.1 ${\mu}g/m^3$, all classrooms were kept within the standard(100 ${\mu}g/m^3$). The means of $CO_2$ concentration were 1218.7${\sim}$4705.4 ppm, all classrooms were exceed the standard(1,000ppm). The results of analysis on relations of living conditions with the physical elements are as follow; the air conditioner set of temperature, windows and doors opening elapsed time, the number of students in classrooms and activities of students had certain effect on indoor environment.

• Journal of the Korean housing association
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.49-58
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• 2007

The purpose of this study were to make clear the present condition of indoor thermal and air environment by cooling in school classrooms and to analyze the relation of the living conditions with indoor environment. The measurements on physical elements and observations on living conditions were carried out in 6 classrooms of 3 middle or high schools. Measuring elements were indoor temperature, relative humidity, PM10 and $CO_2$ concentration. As results, the averages of indoor temperature each classrooms were $24.9{\sim}26.6^{\circ}C$. Most of classrooms were lower than the Maintenance standard $(26{\sim}28^{\circ}C)$ of School Health Law. The means of relative humidity were $51.3{\sim}72%$, all classrooms were ranged within the standard $(30{\sim}80%)$. The means of PM10 concentration were $3.5{\sim}23.1{\mu}g/m^3$, all classrooms were kept within the standard $(100{\mu}g/m^3)$. The means of $CO_2$ concentration were $1218.7{\sim}4705.4ppm$, all classrooms were exceed the standard (1,000ppm). The results of analysis on relations of living conditions with the physical elements are as follow; the air conditioner set of temperature, windows and doors opening elapsed time, the number of students in classrooms and activities of students had certain effect on indoor environment.