• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.151-157
• /
• 2018

Objectives: This study was conducted in order to evaluate $PM_{10}$ concentrations at eight highway tollgate booths from July to September 2017. Methods: A total of 16 samples were collected from eight toll booths. Each $PM_{10}$ sample was collected using a 37 mm PTFE filter attached to a Personal Environment Monitor. Results: The geometric mean concentrations of $PM_{10}$ in the toll booths was $83.51{\mu}g/m^3$. The mean $PM_{10}$ concentrations measured on freight roadways were much higher than those of measured on general roadways($102.46{\mu}g/m^3$ and $68.05{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively). $PM_{10}$ was revealed to be higher in the morning($105.59{\mu}g/m^3$) than at dawn or in the afternoon($71.26{\mu}g/m^3$ and $61.22{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively). The mean $PM_{10}$ concentration in toll booths ventilated through an air conditioner was higher than that for those using a window or no ventilation. The rate of exceeding the Ministry of Environment Maintenance Limit($200{\mu}g/m^3$) was 6.25%, and the rate of exceeding the Ministry of Labor Recommended Limit($150{\mu}g/m^3$) was 12.5%. Conclusions: In order to protect the health of toll booth workers exposed to airborne dust, it is necessary to check the exposure level from indoor air quality on a regular basis and to manage it appropriately according to the results.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.324-332
• /
• 2017

Objectives: Much scientific evidence indicate a positive association between moldy environments and respiratory illnesses and/or symptoms. However, few comprehensive assessments of mold have been performed for such settings. Spore counts or microscopic enumeration only may not be sufficient for evaluating fungal exposure. Recently, Mold Specific QPCR technology developed by the US EPA (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, ERMI) has been widely used worldwide and great performance for assessing fungal exposure has been shown. Methods: We aimed to develop a Korean version of ERMI suitable for the distribution of fungal flora in Korea. Thirty dwellings in the Seoul and Incheon area were selected for sampling, and each was classified as 'Flooded, 'Water-damaged' or 'Non-water-damaged'. Results: Dust on the floor and airborne sampling were collected using an MAS100 and a 'Dustream' collector. Samples were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(QPCR) for the 36 molds belonging to ERMI. Student t-test and ANOVA tests were carried out using SAS software. The median ERMI values of flooded, water damaged, and non-water damaged dwellings were 8.24(range: -5.6 to 27.9), 5.47(-25. 4 to 32.7), and -15.30(-24.6 to 14.8), respectively. Significant differences were observed between flooded and non-water damaged dwellings (P=0.001) and between water-damaged and non-water damaged dwellings (P=0.032). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that ERMI values attributed to dust samples in Korea could be applicable for the identification of flooded or water damaged buildings. However, much data is needed for continuously developing the Korean version of ERMI values.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.199-206
• /
• 2008

This study was conducted to estimate nitrogen dioxide levels and health risk in various locations/situations for two groups. The nitrogen dioxide levels were measured for residents of a study group (industrial area within 5 km) and a control group (15 km farther), respectively using the nitrogen dioxide filter badge as a passive sampler from August, 2006 to September, 2006. The means of indoor, outdoor, work and personal levels of nitrogen dioxide were $34.65{\pm}1.95\;{\mu}g/m^3$, $34.83{\pm}11.78\;{\mu}g/m^3$, $34.98{\pm}19.11$ and $35.38{\pm}10.74$ respectively in the study area. Mean ratio of indoor to outdoor $NO_2$ concentration was 0.99. The means of indoor, outdoor and personal level of nitrogen dioxide were $23.66{\pm}7.19\;{\mu}g/m^3$, $18.22{\pm}4.06\;{\mu}g/m^3$ and $27.27{\pm}18.93\;{\mu}g/m^3$ respectively in the control area. Mean ratio of indoor to outdoor $NO_2$ concentration was 1.39. People spent 80.9% of their time in indoor at the study area and 76.9% at the control area. The percentages of time spent in outdoor were 14.9% and 20.9% at the study area and the control area respectively. The percentages of time spent in a car were 4.2% and 2.2% in the study and control areas respectively. The levels of indoor, outdoor, workplace nitrogen dioxide in the study area and the control area were found below the permissible level of health-hazardous effects.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.45 no.4
• /
• pp.331-339
• /
• 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate maternal organ and fetal doses by week of pregnancy for pregnant women nuclear medicine practitioners in the nuclear medicine field. In addition, we intend to present basic data for the management of exposure doses of female nuclear medicine practitioners. In this study, phantoms of childbearing women, 3, 6, 9 months pregnant women were simulated using MCNPX(Monte Carlo N-Particle Extended) among the Monte Carlo methods. First, volume source was constructed based on 10 cm of the anterior part of the lower abdomen of the phantom, and the organ and fetal doses were evaluated for each week of the pregnant woman according to the type of radioactive isotope. Second, the organ and fetal dose of pregnant women were evaluated by increasing the distance between the source and the abdominal surface by 50 and 100 cm. As a result, ¹⁸F sources showed high organ and fetal doses in pregnant women 0 to 3 months, and the dose distribution gradually decreased in 6 to 9 months pregnant women. The distribution of organ and fetal doses for ⁹⁹mTc and ¹²³I sources showed the same tendency as that of ¹⁸F, and the overall absorbed dose distribution was relatively lower than that of ¹⁸F. Through this study, it is considered that workers in the early stages of pregnancy within 3 months will need appropriate management to minimize occupational exposure dose.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.381-389
• /
• 2009

Confined spaces are inherently dangerous workplace and many fatal and nonfatal accidents have been reported. Even though these accidents occur in various kinds of confined spaces, there has rarely been reported on the health hazard agent, i.e., the types of gases and their concentration ranges. Therefore in this study, we evaluated several toxic and asphyxiating gas concentrations in various confined spaces. We surveyed 57 manholes, 3 sewage treatment plants, 2 yellow radish manufacturing companies and 7 barges to measure the concentrations of oxygen($O_2$), hydrogen sulfide($H_2S$), carbon monoxide(CO), ammonia($NH_3$). Lower Explosion Limits(LEL) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Those four types of confined spaces occupies 56% of accidents during last 9 years in Korea. In 57 manholes, the concentration varied according to the types of manholes; rainfall and sewage, and by location; residential and industrial areas. Sewage manhole in industrial area was evaluated as the most hazardous than other types of manhole like rainfall manholes, residential sewage manholes. The highest $H_2S$ concentration and the lowest $O_2$ concentration at sewage manhole in industrial area were 300 ppm, 8.7% respectively. In 3 sewage treatment plants, $H_2S$ and $NH_3$ concentrations were reached up to the 500 ppm and 200 ppm respectively. Two yellow radish manufacturing companies showed the concentrations of 316 ppm, 505.2 ppm, 90 ppm and 15.7% for $H_2S$, CO, VOCs and $O_2$, respectively. Seven barges showed 15.9%~20.9% oxygen concentration. Gas species and concentration ranges varied by the types and location of confined spaces; CO, $H_2S$, $O_2$ could be hazardous in manhole, especially manhole connected to sewage plants. CO, $H_2S$, LEL, $O_2$, $NH_3$ should be controlled in sludge silo and sluge pumping confined spaces in sewage treatment plant. The activity of lifting out radish from the storage tank was evaluated more hazardous rather than the other activities in yellow radish manufacturing industry. The employers must conduct the survey to identify all possible confined spaces in their local workplace prior to performing the tasks. At the national level to reduce the accidents in the confined spaces, we suggest that systemic approach and active education program including possible hazards, standard operation procedures, ventilation plan, and personal protective equipment in confined spaces should be implemented.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.267-276
• /
• 2016

Objectives: This study, aims to examine the distribution characteristics of asbestos-containing building materials; risk assessment and area of distribution of asbestos-containing building materials depending on year of construction; building materials; types of building materials; and usage in public buildings in order to create fundamental data for safe management of public buildings. Methods: The asbestos investigation was conducted by an asbestos research institution from March to May 2014, targeting 41 public buildings which were subject to asbestos investigation in South Chungcheong-do Province. With respect to 381 presumed asbestos-containing materials, an investigation was conducted into whether they contained asbestos, asbestos type, content, year of construction, and use in the building were examined, and a risk assessment was performed. Results: Asbestos-containing building materials were used in 35 buildings(85.4%). Among them, 31(88.6%) were public buildings. Asbestos was detected in 73% of 381 suspected asbestos-containing materials, which were mostly ceiling materials (85.2%). The older the buildings, the more they showed a tendency to have a significantly higher risk assessment score. The ratio of average area with asbestos-containing building materials to total floor area was 57.6%, 44.1%, and 17.8% for buildings built in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, respectively. This showed a tendency to be significantly higher with the age of the building. Conclusions: From the results above, it can be concluded that with the age of the buildings, the risk assessment score and the ratio of average area with asbestos-containing building materials to total floor area became significantly higher. Given the concern about the exposure to asbestos of residents and civil petitioners, safety management of older public buildings and measures for dismantling and removal of asbestos-containing building materials should therefore be urgently established.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.162-166
• /
• 2023

Background: Assessment of the radiation doses to which workers are exposed can differ depending on the placement of dosimeters on the body. In addition, it is affected by whether the placement is under or over a shielding apron. This study aimed to evaluate the actual positioning of personal dosimeters on the body, with or without shielding aprons, among radiation workers in Korea. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the survey data, which included demographic characteristics, such as sex, age, occupation, work history, and placement of the personal dosimeter being worn, from a cohort study of Korean radiation workers. We assessed the use of personal dosimeters among workers, stratified by sex, age, working period, starting year of work, and occupation. Results and Discussion: Overall, high compliance (89.1% to 99.0%) with the wearing of dosimeters on the chest was observed regardless of workers' characteristics, such as age, sex, occupation, and work history. However, the placement of dosimeters, either under or over the shielding aprons, was inconsistent. Overall, 40.1% of workers wore dosimeters under their aprons, while the others wore dosimeters over their aprons. This inconsistency indicates that radiation doses are possibly measured differently under the same exposure conditions solely owing to variations in the placement of worn dosimeters. Conclusion: Although a lack of uniformity in dosimeter placement when wearing a shielding apron may not cause serious harm in radiation dose management for workers, the development of detailed guidelines for dosimeter placement may improve the accuracy of dose assessment.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.423-430
• /
• 2021

In order to evaluate the fire risk and fire risk rating of wood for construction materials, this study focused on fire performance index-III (FPI-III), fire growth index-III (FGI-III), and fire risk index-IV (FRI-IV) according to Chung's equations-III and -IV. Western red cedar, needle fir, ash, and maple were used as the specimens. The fire characteristics were investigated using a cone calorimeter (ISO 5660-1) equipment on the specimen. The FPI-III measured after the combustion reaction was 0.86 to 12.77 based on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The FGI-III was found to be 0.63 to 5.26 based on PMMA. The fire rating according to the FRI-IV, which is the fire rating index, was 0.05 to 6.12, and the western red cedar was 122.4 times higher than that of the maple. The fire risk rating according to the FRI-IV increased in the order of maple, ash, needle fir, PMMA and western red cedar. The CO peak concentration of all specimens was measured as 103 to 162 ppm, and it was 2.1 to 3.2 times higher than 50 ppm, the permissible exposure limits of the US occupational safety and health administration. Materials such as western red cedar, which have a low bulk density and contain a large amount of volatile organic substances, have a low FPI-III and a high FGI-III, so they have a high fire risk rating.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.382-392
• /
• 2018

Objective: Allergic diseases such as asthma due to fungal exposure in houses have increased, and proper management is urgent. Mold can grow in the air, floor, walls, and other areas according to environmental conditions, and there are many limitations to the conventional methodology for examining fungal exposure. For this reason, the degree of fungal contamination is being evaluated by ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index), a quantitative analysis method proposed by the EPA. In this study, we compared ERMI values between water-damaged dwellings and non-damaged ones to evaluate the effectiveness of Korean ERMI values. We also explored the association of ERMI values with the level of airborne mold and characteristics of dwellings. Methods: Floor dust was collected after installing a Dustream collector on the suction port of a vacuum cleaner. The collected samples were filtered to remove only 5 mg of dust, and DNA was extracted using the FastDNA SPIN KIT protocol. Results: The ERMI values were found to be 19.6 (-6.9-58.8) for flooded houses, 7.5 (-29.2-48.3) for leaks/condensation, and 0.8 (-29.2-37.9) for non-damaged dwellings. The airborne concentration of mold for flooded, leakage or condensed, and non-damaged houses were $684CFU/m^3$, $566CFU/m^3$, and $378CFU/m^3$, respectively. The correlation between ERMI values and the levels of airborne mold was low (R = 0.038), but a weakly significant association of the ERMI values with the concentration of particulate matter ($PM_{10}$) was observed as well(R=0.231,P<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings show that the reference value using ERMI can be used to distinguish water-damaged and non-damaged dwellings. It is believed that ERMI values could be a promising tool for assessing long-term fungal exposure in dwellings.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.18-26
• /
• 2000

Since the regulation of MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) had started from July 1996, employers were required to furnish MSDS for the chemicals in use in their workplace. However, many MSDS did not contain upright information for the chemicals, and they were not updated regularly, and were not written in the standard format required by the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA). The purposes of this study were 1) to examine the reliability of MSDS for mixed solvents, 2) to provide reliable MSDS to employers or employees, 3) to find out any difficulties in implementing MSDS after the initiation, and 4) to promote regular MSDS updating and to ensure the reliability of MSDS for chemical manufacturers. To check the reliability of MSDS of mixed chemicals, 21 samples of mostly degreasing solvents were collected along with their MSDS from the work place. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass selective detector(GC-MSD). Their components were classified as saturated hydrocarbon, cyclic hydrocarbon, aromatics, and halogen containing hydrocarbon, and the amount of each class were measured. Manufacture's MSDS were compared with the actual composition of the collected samples, and further examined the reliability by checking whether the chemicals analyzed were included in the MSDS correctly. Finally, each item of MSDS was evaluated whether the MSDS correspond to the regulation required by ISHA. The results were following: 1) most of the degreasing solvents in MSDS were incorrect in their composition and contents, 2) the information in the MSDS including hazard classification, exposure level, toxicity, regulatory information were incorrectly provided, and 3) some MSDS did not disclose carcinogens in their MSDS. Continuous monitoring of MSDS was required to ensure reliability of MSDS. The Chemicals containing hydrocarbons from C10-C15 need to be tested to provide toxicity data. In addition, governmental support for providing correct MSDS was recommended to ensure reliability of MSDS. The MSDS regulation relating to the confidential business information may need to be revised to ensure reliability of MSDS.