• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.156-161
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• 2011

Objectives: Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a colorless, water-miscible organic liquid with low viscosity at standard temperature and pressure. THF has been used as a solvent and a precursor for various syntheses of polymers. However, THF is known to irritate to the eyes, skin and mucus membranes. Overexposure by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may produce nausea, dizziness, headaches, respiratory irritation and possible skin burns. The purpose of this study is to evaluate of the worker exposure and characteristics of workers in the workplaces that use or manufacture THF. Methods: Sixteen factories in Korea, which manufacture or use THF, were selected for this study and a total of 130 air samples including 104 time-weighted average (TWA) samples and 26 short-term exposure limit (STEL) samples, were collected. Air samples were collected with charcoal tube (100mg/50mg) and analyzed by gas chromatograph/flame ionization detector(GC/FID). Results: The TWA concentration of THF was 16.05ppm (GM) at PS script printing, 2.32ppm (GM) at PVC stabilizer, 1.03ppm (GM) at Lithium triethylborohydride, 0.63ppm (GM) at Polytetramethylene ether glycol(PTMEG), 0.42ppm (GM) at Manufacturing THF, 0.13ppm (GM) at Glue and 0.12ppm (GM) at synthetic rubber/resins. Two out of sampes for PS script printing exceeded 50ppm as 8-hour exposure limit of MOEL. The short term exposure to THF was 54.77ppm (GM) at PS script printing, 17.10ppm (GM) at PTMEG, 13.76ppm (GM) at Manufacturing THF, 2.86ppm (GM) at Lithium triethylborohydride, 0.87ppm (GM) at synthetic rubber/resins and 0.13ppm (GM) Glue. We found that the highest exposure process for both the TWA and STEL samples was PS script process. Two samples exceeded 100ppm as short term exposure limit of Ministry of Employment and Labor(MOEL). Conclusions: Characteristic of STEL concentration for THF is considerably different from TWA concentration in workplaces because workers could exposure high concentration of THF in a moment when they work irregularly schedule. So exposure controls for momentary works have to be prepared, and considered the skin absorption and inhale of THF.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.102-108
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• 2008

Many alternative biocidal additives were applied to antifouling paint to replace TBT, and Sea-Nine 211 is one of alternating organic booster compounds used in antifouling paint. In this study, extent of Sea-Nine 211 toxicity on marine benthic bivalve is evaluated. Sea-Nine 211 was injected to surf clam, Pseudocardium sachalinensis, that inhabitate northern part of Gangwon Province, Korea. Survival rate of the clam and xenobiotics metabolizing enzyme activities in digestive gland were measured during 4 day-exposure period. The results were compared with those of TBT exposed clam. There were no mortality of clam in the solvent (DMSO) control group and the three Sea-Nine 211 exposure groups (5, 25, 50 mg kg$^{-1}$ body weight), while the clam exposed to 1, 2 and 5 mg kg$^{-1}$ TBT chloride (TBTC) demonstrated 70, 30 and 0% survival rate, respectively. The Sea-Nine 211 exposure group showed a tendency of cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction according to the exposure duration, on the other hand, CYP content was decreased in the TBT exposure group. NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase activity slightly increase according to the exposure duration in the Sea-Nine 211 exposure group, while TBTC inhibit its activity as CYP content. Moreover, there was no significant change of NADH cytochrome b5 reductate activity in the clam epxosed to Sea-Nine 211. In the TBTC exposure group, its activity increased in early exposure period and then significantly decreased the rest of exposure period. All the results indicate that Sea-Nine 211 demonstrated a tendency to induce CYP level, while TBTC inhibits the CYP level, NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase and NADH cytochrome b5 reductase activities.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 1993

A comparison was made between workers exposed to organic solvents and those not exposed to them regarding stress perception and psychopathology, using GARS scale and SCL-90-R. The exposed group scored significantly higher than the non-exposed group in stress perception relevant to job-wort changes in relationship, sickness or injury, financial, and overall global area. The exposed group was significantly higher in somatization scale than the non-exposed group. However, there was no significant correlation between duration of exposure and psychopathology. In each of the groups. female workers showed more psychopathology than male ones. Age showed significantly nagative correlation with psychopathology. These results suggest that the exposed group shows higher stress perception and more psychopathology than the non-exposed group. Thus. it is emphasized that health policy makers as well as employers should pay more attention to health. espcially mental health for the workers exposed to organic solvents.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.64-74
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• 2016

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chemical exposure among workers has relevance to dyspnea using data from the $3^{rd}$ Korea Working Conditions Survey. Methods: The research subjects were 29,711 wage workers. Chemical exposures consist of four factors, (1) breathing in vapors, fumes, dust and dirt, (2) breathing in organic solvent vapors, (3) handling or touching chemicals, and (4) secondhand smoke. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between chemical exposure and dyspnea in the last 12months using proc surveylogistic in SAS 9.3 statistical software excluding people who had received a diagnosis of hypertension or obesity that can affect the respiratory distress symptoms(n=27,842). Results: Chemical exposure among workers was associated with dyspnea after adjustment for demographics and job characteristics. Prevalence of dyspnea was 4.9 per 1,000 among men and 5.8 per 1,000. Compared to a total score of 0 points of chemical exposure among workers, a total score of 1, 2-3, and 4 points tended to have increased risk of dyspnea in a dose-response manner for both men (OR=1.43, 1.93, and 4.26; P-for trend=0.002) and women(OR=1.10, 2.81, and 7.70; P-for trend=0.002). Stratified analysis by duration of current job showed that the association between chemical exposure and dyspnea tended to get stronger until 15 years and then disappeared afterwards, which reflects healthy worker survivor effect. Conclusions: We observed significant association between chemical exposure and dyspnea using the data of the $3^{rd}$ Korea Working Conditions Survey. Our results warrants providing knowledge related to chemical exposure, performing prevention activities, and creating various health policies to protect workers.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.208-223
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• 1994

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of diffusive(or passive) sampler in measuring airbone organic solvents. Diffusive samplers are generally simple in construction and do not require power for operation. The efficiency of the diffusive samplers has not sufficiently been investigated in Korea. Three types of samplers were studied in this study. The sampling and analytical results by passive samplers were compared with results by charcoal tube method recommended by NIOSH(National Institute for Occupational Safty and Health). The following characteristics are identified and studied as critical to the performance passive monitors; recovery, reverse diffusion, storage stability, accuracy and precision, face velocity and humidity, n-Hexane, TCE(trichloroethylene) and toluene were used as test vapors. A dynamic vapor exposure system consisting of organic vapor generator and sampling chamber for evaluating diffusive samplers are made. The results of the study are summarized as follows. 1. NIOSH recommands that the overall accuracy of a sampling method in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 times the occupational health standard should be ${\pm}25$ percent for 95 percent confidence level. Among three types of diffusive samplers, sampler A has permeation membrane and samplers Band C have diffusive areas, samplers A and B met the criterion that overall accuracy for 95% confidence level of the samplers were within ${\pm}25$ percent of the reference value. Sampler C had overall accuracy ${\pm}9.6%$ and ${\pm}11.8%$ in hexane and TCE, respectively. The concentration of toluene was overestimated in sampler C with overall accuracy of ${\pm}43.9%$. 2. The desorption efficiencies of diffusive samplers were 96-107%. 3. There was no significant sampe loss during four weeks of storage both with and without refrigeration. 4. There was no significant reverse diffusion, when the samplers were exposure to clean air for 2 hours after sampling for 2 hours at the level of 2 TLY. 5. In case of 8 hours sampling, relative differences(RD) of concentrations between charcoal tube method and diffusive method were 15-39%, 13-46%, and 4-35% for sampler A, B and C, respectively. The performance was poor in 8 hours sampling for multiple substance monitors. 6. At high velocity(100 cm/sec), samplers B and C overestimated the concentrations of organic vapors, and sampler A with permeation membrance gave better results. 7. At 80% relative humidity, samplers showed no siginificant effect. Low humidity also did not affect the diffusive samplers.

• Clean Technology
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.285-299
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• 2011

As one of the REACH obligations, the extended safety data sheet (eSDS) should be communicated within the supply chain under the REACH Regulation. Based on technical guidance documents published on the ECHAs website and survey of EU's recent REACH-related informations, this paper includes a study on details of how to develop exposure scenarios (ES) such as structure of ES, process of ES develpoment, standard workflows and key input data to develop ES with an introduction of eSDS concept. This paper also contains an overview on operational conditions (OCs) and risk management measures (RMMs) that are what to consider when building an ES. The structure of Chesar (Chemical Safety Assessment and Report tool) developed by European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is studied with a review of the available exposure estimation tools for workers, environment and consumers. Case example of generic exposure scenario (GES) for organic solvent is presented. To guide Korean EU-exporting companies, their participating roles in three steps of preparing ES are addressed.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.150-164
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• 2000

This study was conducted at occupational health laboratories in Seoul and Gyunggi district area from December, 1999 to January, 2000. The main purpose of this study was to survey the actual condition of safety and health by questionnaire and checklist and to assess the performance of fume hoods and the airborne exposures to chemicals in the laboratories. The chemicals in the cabinet were not classified by hazardous properties and the compressed gases were not stored safely. The prevalences of laboratories having first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and safety showers were found to be 18%, 55%, and 9%, respectively. Most laboratory workers were not educated for safety and health. Also, there was no performance evaluation for hazards and risks. The fume hoods in laboratories had not been annually inspected by checklist and the face velocity had been checked more than one time in the previous year for only 18% of them. Five percent of fume hoods had the face velocity more than 4.0 m/sec and 17% had no capture performance. Detected organic solvents were methylenechloride, acetone, ethylbenzene, isopropanol, xylene, methylisobutylketone, trichloroethylene, and toluene. The concentrations of organic solvents were much less than the occupational exposure limits proposed by the Ministry of Labor in Korea. This study showed that the actual condition of safety and health was not appropriate for laboratory workers. It is recommended that laboratory workers should be educated for the treatment and storage of hazardous chemicals and compressed gases to improve the working environment of the occupational safety and health laboratories.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.127-136
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• 1994

Diffusional sampling devices offer many advantages for measuring concentration levels of industrial contaminants than the conventional pump and charcoal tubes because they are lightweight, require no power, pump or tubing. This study designed to evaluate and compare the sampling performance of passive sampler to charcoal tube from mixed organic solvent workplace with 181 organic solvent using workers working in different concentration of organic solvents. All study workers kept both devices in their breathing zone simultaneuosly in the workplaces, and the sampling analytical results were compared with those of charcoal tube. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The concentrations of toluene and xylene measured by passive sampler were slightly higher than those of charcoal tube, but there were no significant statistical differences between two methods. 2. The concentrations of MEK and cyclo-hexanone measured by passive sampler in low exposure workplace (below 0.20 of MEK TLV levels and 0.1 of cyclo-hexanone TLV levels) were about 2 times higher than that of charcoal tube sampling. While, absorption efficiency of passive sampler was reduced according to increasing concentration measurements of MEK and cyclo-hexanone in air. 3. The ratios of concentrations of toluene, xylene, MEK and cyc1o-hexanone measured by passive sampler over those measured by charcoal tube were 1.11, 1.07, 1.63 and 3.65 respectively. 4. The percentages of concentration of passive samplers within 0.75 and 1.25 of charcoal tube value as a reference value of 1.0 were 57% in toluene, 74% in xylene, 34% in MEK and 32% in cyclo-hexanone respectively. 5. The correlation coefficients of toluene, xylene, MEK and cyclo-hexanone between passive sampler and charcoal tube sampler were 0.963, 0.957, 0.943 and 0.562 with statistical significance.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2015.08a
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• pp.224-224
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• 2015

Gel have enormous applicable region due to inherently high stretchability and bio-compatibility. Here, we fabricated highly stretchable electronic conductive organogels which have long-term stability in environment. By introducing a dialysis step which can incorporate conducting polymer, PEDOT, on the procedure of gel synthesis, residual ions inside the gel were removed. In addition, we replaced the water with organic solvent, EG, inside the gels which is high stability in air. Unlike conventional hydrogels, there are no ionic conduction occurred and electrochemically driven current was prevented during electrical voltage was applied. The fabricated organogels are hardly dried during air exposure, and only electrically conductive without any electrochemical reaction at even high voltage. In order to utilize as stretchable conductor, we demonstrated a LED array circuit using the conductive organogels as electrical interconnects. It was successfully operative even stretched up to 300% strain.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.435-439
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• 2008

Due to the fact that tocopherols and tocotrienols have antioxidant and anticancer properties, the commercial utilization of unsaponifiable fractions in rice bran is increasing. These nutraceutical compounds, however, are fairly unstable and readily break down when exposed to oxygen or lighting conditions. To compare the relative sensitivity of vit E isomers to heat and oxygen, concentrated unsaponifiable fractions extracted from crude rice bran oil were exposed to various temperature, oxygen (nitrogen-balanced), and bathing solvent conditions and resultant concentration changes in ${\alpha}$- and ${\gamma}$-tocopherols (T) and tocotrienols (T3) were evaluated. Each isomer exhibited different heat stability. Among them, ${\alpha}$-T3 degraded more rapidly compared to other vit E isomers while ${\alpha}$-T was the most stable isomer. Oxygen level also showed significant impact on each isomer's stability where severe reductions of ${\gamma}$-T (by 20%) and ${\gamma}$-T3 (by 29%) were observed under 2% oxygen conditions, while under 0% oxygen conditions no degradation could be observed even after exposure to $95^{\circ}C$ for 4 hours. When various blending solvents were mixed with concentrated unsaponifiable fractions, organic solvents such as isooctane and hexane were more effective in maintaining the stability of ${\gamma}$- T3 compared to edible oils, among which com oil was more efficient than soybean and rice bran oils.