• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.16-24
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• 1995

활성탄 캐니스터법과 알파분광분석 법을 이용하여 실내 공기중의 $^{222}Rn$ 및 그 딸핵종의 농도와 $^{222}Rn$과 그 딸핵종 사이의 평형인자를 동시에 측정하였다. 실내 체재율을 0.8, 일반인과 작업종사자의 호흡율을 각각 $0.75m^3\;h^{-1}$와 $1.2m^3\;h^{-1}$로 가정하고, 실내 공기중의 $^{222}Rn$과 그 딸핵종의 흡입에 의한 부위별 폐선량을 세가지 모형 즉, Jacobi-Eisfeld, James-Birchall 및 ICRP 모형으로 평가하고 연간총유효선량을 평가하였다.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.183-193
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• 1997

원전 작업자 피폭관리와 안전성 평가 및 최종적으로 처분허가를 위하여 폐기물 내의 핵종 및 농도를 파악하여야만 한다. 이온교환 수지 및 필터는 그 부피는 작으나 원전 운전중 발생하는 폐기물 내 방사능의 대부분을 차지하고 있다. 본 연구의 목적은 냉각수 정화 계통내의 수지 및 필터 내에 누적되어 있는 방사성 핵종의 양을 예측할 수 있는 방법을 개발하는 것이다. 핵종누적량을 계산하기 위하여 평균제염계수 대신 순간제염계수를 사용하였으며 포트란언어를 사용하여 프로그램을 작성하여 누적량을 계산하였다. 본 예측기법의 검증을 위하여 미국 Rancho-Seco 발전소의 측정자료를 이용하였으며 실험을 통한 계측자료를 검증에 이용하였다. 순간제염계수를 이용한 본 방법의 계산이 평균제염계수를 이용한 것보다 오차가 작았다. 이 방법을 실제 적용하기 위해서는 운전지침에 의하여 주기적으로 계측한 제염제수와 핵종농도 자료만으로도 핵종누적량 계산이 가능하다. 그러나, 특히 발전소 운전상황이 급격하게 변할 때에는, 정확한 누적량 평가를 위하여 제염계수 및 방사성 핵종농도의 측정주기가 짧아져야 한다.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.356-366
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• 2013

Objectives: This study was conducted in order to evaluate $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations at 20 offices connected to the manufacturing industry from the beginning of September to the end of November 2012. Methods: A total of 20 samples were collected from 20 office buildings. Each $PM_{2.5}$ sample was collected by a 37 mm PTFE filter attached to a Personal Environment Monitor. Results: The geometric mean concentrations of $PM_{2.5}$ in the offices was $23.47{\mu}g/m^3$, and the mean $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations measured in smoking offices were much higher than those of measured in non-smoking offices($24.83{\mu}g/m^3$ and $21.55{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively). $PM_{2.5}$ was revealed to be higher in small offices($39.52{\mu}g/m^3$) than in medium or large offices($22.69{\mu}g/m^3$ and $11.04{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively). The mean $PM_{2.5}$ concentration of offices located on the 1st floor was higher than that of those on the 2nd floor, and those of offices located in the workplace were higher than those out of the workplace. The multiple regression model showed that concentration of $PM_{2.5}$ was positively associated with the method of ventilation. Conclusions: Smoking, ventilation method, location, and inflow of outdoor particulate matter are the most important factors for office $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제32권5호
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• pp.440-445
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• 2006

통증경감을 위하여 광범위하게 사용되는 acetoaminophen은 치통, 두통에 주로 사용되는 의약물질이다. 의약품의 환경오염과 관련하여 수자원에 유입되는 acetaminophen의 경안천 오염정도를 파악하고 생태 위해성을 평가하기 위하여 본 연구를 수행하였다. 한강 수계이며 용인시와 광주시를 거쳐 팔당호로 흘러 들어가는 경안천(해실교, 수포교, 왕산교, 경안교, 지월교, 광동교, 팔당호)내 acetaminophen 잔류 농도와 분포를 조사하였다. 또한 Daphnia magna를 대상으로 48시간 급성독성평가를 실시하여 위해도를 평가하였다. 잔류의약품 검출을 위해 SPE 추출법을 선택 하였으며, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS)를 이용하여 분석하였다. 경안천 내에서 acetaminophen 0.439 mg/l이 검출되었다. 독성평가를 실시한 결과, 48시간 $LC_{50}$은 16.9 mg/l로 나타났다. 경안천의 acetamionophen 농도와 독성평가를 바탕으로 위해성 평가를 실시한 결과 위해성은 1 이하였다 하지만 국내에 의약품 발달과 함께 사용이 계속적으로 늘어나는 추세이고, 잔류의약품에 대한 대책이 마련되어있지 않은 이상 수환경은 의약품에 노출될 것이다. 그러므로 잔류의약품이 생태계에 악영향을 미치지 않도록 구체적인 방안이 강구되어야 할 것으로 사료된다.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.181-189
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• 2015

In recent years, the use of both nano- and micro-sized lanthanum has been increasing in the production of optical glasses, batteries, alloys, etc. However, a hazard assessment has not been performed to determine the degree of toxicity of lanthanum. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the toxicity of both nano- and micro-sized lanthanum oxide in cultured cells and rats. After identifying the size and the morphology of lanthanum oxides, the toxicity of two different sized lanthanum oxides was compared in cultured RAW264.7 cells and A549 cells. The toxicity of the lanthanum oxides was also analyzed using rats. The half maximal inhibitory concentrations of micro-$La_2O_3$ in the RAW264.7 cells, with and without sonication, were 17.3 and 12.7 times higher than those of nano-$La_2O_3$, respectively. Similar to the RAW264.7 cells, the toxicity of nano-$La_2O_3$ was stronger than that of micro-$La_2O_3$ in the A549 cells. We found that nano-$La_2O_3$ was absorbed in the lungs more and was eliminated more slowly than micro-$La_2O_3$. At a dosage that did not affect the body weight, numbers of leukocytes, and concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase and albumin in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids, the weight of the lungs increased. Inflammatory effects on BAL decreased over time, but lung weight increased and the proteinosis of the lung became severe over time. The effects of particle size on the toxicity of lanthanum oxides in rats were less than in the cultured cells. In conclusion, smaller lanthanum oxides were more toxic in the cultured cells, and sonication decreased their size and increased their toxicity. The smaller-sized lanthanum was absorbed more into the lungs and caused more toxicity in the lungs. The histopathological symptoms caused by lanthanum oxide in the lungs did not go away and continued to worsen until 13 weeks after the initial exposure.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.236-248
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of particulate matter generated during coffee roasting and to study various factors affecting the concentrations. Methods: Differences in concentration levels were investigated based on various factors to understand the emission rates of particulate matter over time and to compare the mass and number concentrations according to their size. Sampling was performed in closed laboratories without the operation of air conditioning or ventilation. Optical Particle Sizer(OPS) was used as a measuring device. An OPS measures using a light-scattering method. Sampling was performed for sixty minutes at one-minute intervals. The background concentration was measured for about 30 minutes before starting of coffee roasting. The concentrations of particulate matter generated during coffee roasting were monitored until roasted coffee beans were removed from the roaster and cooled down. Several factors affecting the concentrations of particulate matter were investigated, which includes the origins of green beans, the roasting level, and the input amount of green beans. Results: The results of this study may be summarized as follows: 1) There was no difference in particulate matter concentration levels by the origin of the green beans, but a statistically significant difference in concentration levels by roasting level and the input amount of green beans; The higher the roasting level, the higher was the particulate matter concentration. The more green beans we put in the roaster, the higher were the concentrations; 2) The PM10 mass concentrations increased over time. The average concentration after roasting was higher than the average concentration during roasting; 3) In the distribution of mass and number concentration by particle diameter, the majority of particles was below 2.5 ㎛. Conclusions: Persons who work in roastery cafes can be exposed to high concentrations of particulate matter. Therefore, personal exposure and risk assessment should be conducted for roastery cafe workers.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제53권4호
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• pp.365-373
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• 2023

Purpose: In the context of COVID-19, studies evaluating the adherence of dentists and dental students to infection control are relevant due to their high occupational exposure and risk, as well as their responsibility for disseminating information and good practices. This study evaluated the adherence of dentists and dental students to infection control in the oral radiology field in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic on different continents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study involved individuals who performed intraoral radiographic examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Questionnaire on Infection Control in Oral Radiology was administered virtually using a Google Form. Participants from different continents(the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania) were recruited. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis and simple and multiple binary regression (5%). Results: There were 582 valid answers, and 68.73% of the participants were from the Americas, 18.90% from Europe, and 12.37% from Asia. The median score for infection control protocols was 94 points for dental students and 104 points for dentists, and participants below the median were considered to have low adherence to infection control in oral radiology. Low access to infection control was found for 53.0% of dentists in the Americas, 34.0% from Europe, and 26.9% from Asia. Conclusion: The adherence to infection control protocols in oral radiology was low even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results may help improve the awareness of students and professionals, since oral radiology routines have the potential for transmitting COVID-19.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.303-313
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• 2003

다이옥신은 단일 화학물질이 아니라 비슷한 화학적 구조와 독성작용을 갖는 화학물질들의 그룹이다. 다이옥신 중에 가장 많은 연구가 이루어졌고 독성도 강한 물질이 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD)인데, 다이옥신 혼합체의 독성을 평가할 때는 각 물질 별로 TCDD에 대한 상대독성을 고려하여 독성등가계수(TEQ)라는 지표를 만들어 사용한다. 일반인들의 평균적인 혈중 다이옥신에 대한 기준값은 명확하게 제시되지는 않고 있으나 관련 연구들을 종합할 때 대략 10-20 ppt $I-TEQ_{DF}$ 범위를 일반인의 평균적인 수준으로 볼 수 있다. 오염 가능지역의 주민들의 혈중 다이옥신 값은 지역에 따라 차이가 있으나 대부분 20ppt $I-TEQ_{DF}$ 이상의 값을 나타내고 있으며 특히 오염이 심한 지역의 주민들의 경우에는 직업적인 노출이 없는 일반 주민들임에도 불구하고 혈중 다이옥신 농도가 약 50 ppt $I-TEQ_{DF}$까지 상승할 수 있다. 다이옥신의 건강영향에 관해서는 수많은 역학적 연구들이 수행되었지만 혈액내에서 TCDD를 직접 측정하여 인체 노출을 비교적 정확하게 평가한 사업장 코호트나 세베소 지역 주민 코호트에서 나온 결과들이 보다 많은 신뢰를 받고 있다. 다이옥신 노출에 따른 건강영향은 크게 암발생과 암을 제외한 건강영향으로 구분할 수 있다. 국제암연구기구(IARC)나 미국 환경보호청(EPA) 모두 TCDD를 인체 발암물질로 분류하고 있으나 역학적 증거들이 충분한 상태는 아니다. TCDD를 제외한 나머지 다이옥신에 대해서는 IARC에서 발암성의 증거가 불충분한 물질(Group 3)로 분류하고 있다. 대부분의 장기에서 다이옥신의 건강영향에 대한 조사가 이루어져 왔다. 현재까지 비교적 다이옥신 노출과 관련성이 높은 것으로 평가되고 있는 것은 염소성여드름, 간 효소의 하나인 GGT의 상승, 그리고 생식호르몬의 변화 등이다. 그밖에 지질농도, 당뇨, 면역학적 영향, 심혈관계에 대한 영향, 갑상선기능, 신경계에 대한 영향, 소아 발달에 대한 영향 등에 대해서는 역학 연구들이 일관된 결과를 보여주지 못하고 있기 때문에 계속적인 연구를 필요로 하고 있다. 다이옥신의 독성은 수많은 동물실험을 통해 증명이 되었으나 인간을 대상으로 한 역학적 연구는 아직 기대만큼 명료한 결과들을 제시해주지 못하고 있다. 그러나 IARC나 EPA모두 인체발암물질로 분류하였고 다양한 건강영향에 대한 증거들이 있는 것은 분명한 만큼 다이옥신 노출을 최소화하려는 노력을 게을리 해서는 안 될 것이다.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제42권3호
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• pp.196-204
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• 2016

Objectives: Aluminum is well known as a potent neurotoxicant. There are many reports that aluminum can be toxic to humans and to animals. However, there are only few studies on the assessment of aluminum exposure among humans in Korea. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate current aluminum concentrations among the adult population in regions of Korea. Methods: We selected 439 adults aged 20-89 years from the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region and certain other sites. Blood aluminum concentrations were analyzed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). The geometric means (GM) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of aluminum concentrations were calculated, and we also confirmed the proportion of excess of the aluminum reference value. Results: Total GM (95% CI) of aluminum levels was 14.26 (13.43-15.14) ppb. Levels among males (15.58 [14.09-17.22] ppb) were higher compared to among females (13.51 [12.54-14.55] ppb), and levels increased with subject age from 40 years and over. Three point one nine percent of the subjects exceed the reference value of 50 ppb. Lastly, aluminum concentration has a log-normal distribution with lnN (x; 2.89, 0.642), x>0. Conclusion: In the present study, we evaluated the distribution of blood aluminum concentrations among the normal population in Korea, and we found some adults exceeding the reference levels. However, in order to compare the results with other studies, an extended study including measurement of serum aluminum level is required. In addition, further research on various population groups, including occupational exposure of workers, is required.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.122-129
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• 2014

Objectives: Because of its properties such as resistance to heat, chemicals and corrosion; tensile strength; sound absorption; and affordable price, asbestos has been widely used as a building material, fire resistant and retardant, thermal and heat insulator, soundproofing material, and electrical insulation. Since the prolonged inhalation of asbestos can cause serious illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis after an incubation period of 20 to 40 years, the mineral was classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, an intergovernmental agency forming part of the World Health Organization. Children and infants are more at risk than are adults if they are exposed to carcinogens, due to aweaker immunity that has not yet been fully developed. Most childcare centers are operated all day and children tend to spend a great amount of time in the centers. This is why it is important for them to be systematically isolated from environments that may expose them to asbestos. Materials: In order to understand both indoor and outdoor hazards to which children may have been exposed, the study focused on actual surveys of asbestos used in childcare centers, paying special attention to slate-roofed buildings in the vicinity of the centers. Results: A survey of a total of 211 childcare centers showed that the buildings of 18.1% of the centers contained asbestos, with 60.53% of the material being found in classroom ceilings. "Tex" was the most used material for ceilings, making up 89.47% of all ceilings. An outdoor survey showed that childcare centers in Daegu Metropolitan City had an average of 143 slate-roof buildings within a distance of 1km. Conclusions: Buildings housing mainly toddlers, children, teenagers and others more vulnerable to the toxicity of asbestos are not subject to asbestos investigation by law. A legal and practical basis for asbestos control is required for such buildings. In particular, housing materials which contain asbestos in day care centers require asbestos control. GIS should be used to identify the location of buildings with slate roofing materials in the vicinity of daycare centers in order to gauge toxicity of exposure to asbestos caused by potential asbestos friability possibility in outdoor conditions.