• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.183-191
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• 2010

Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the distribution patterns and exposure concentrations of bioaerosols in industries suspected to have high levels of bioaerosol exposure. Methods: We selected 11 plants including 3 livestock feed plants (LF industry), 3 metal working fluids handling plants (MWFs industry), and 5 sawmills and measured total airborne bacteria, fungi, endotoxins, as well as dust. Airborne bacteria and fungi were measured with one stage impactor, six stage cascade impactor, and gelatin filters. Endotoxins were measured with polycarbonate filters. Results: The geometric means (GM) of the airborne concentrations of bacteria, fungi, and endotoxins were 1,864, $2,252\;CFU/m^3$, and $31.5\;EU/m^3$, respectively at the sawmills, followed by the LF industry (535, $585\;CFU/m^3$, and $22.0\;EU/m^3$) and MWFs industry (258, $331\;CFU/m^3$, and $8.7\;EU/m^3$). These concentrations by industry type were significantly statistically different (p < 0.01). The ratio of indoor to outdoor concentration was 6.2, 1.9, 3.2, and 3.2 for bacteria, fungi, endotoxins, and dust in the LF industry, 5.0, 0.9, 2.3, and 12.5 in the MWFs industry, and 3.7, 4.1, 3.3, and 9.7 in sawmills. The respiratory fractions of bioaerosols were differentiated by bioaerosol types and industry types: the respiratory fraction of bacteria in the LF industry, MWF industry, and sawmills was 59.4%, 72.0%, and 57.7%, respectively, and that of fungi was 77.3%, 89.5%, and 83.7% in the same order. Conclusion: We found that bioaerosol concentration was the highest in sawmills, followed by LF industry facilities and MWFs industry facilities. The indoor/outdoor ratio of microorganisms was larger than 1 and respiratory fraction of microorganisms was more than 50% of the total microorganism concentrations which might penetrate respiratory tract easily. All these findings suggest that bioaerosol in the surveyed industries should be controlled to prevent worker respiratory diseases.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.94 no.2 s.159
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• pp.82-89
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• 2005

The purpose of this paper is to investigate index numbers by conducting various comparisons among the widely used index formulas. The comparison is considered in three ways; 1) divergences in the magnitudes of index numbers due to the use of different formulas (Laspeyres, Paasche, Fisher, and Tornqvist); 2) the effect of selection of base year (fixed-year base vs. chain-type); 3) the degree of approximation of indirect to direct quantity index. The empirical application is to sawmills and planing mills industry of U.S. using a national time series data covering years of 1948-2000. The results show that the differences between Laspeyres and Paasche index can be substantial in some cases while the difference between Fisher and Tornqvist index is minimal. We also confirm that the selection of base year can cause significant divergences, especially when the variables undergo rapid price or quantity changes over time. We find that indirect quantity index approximates direct quantity index reasonably well in U.S. sawmill industry.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.96 no.2
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• pp.197-202
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• 2007

This study is conducted to investigate the factors affecting lumber conversion rate of sawmill industry in South Korea. Data were obtained from the survey of 38 sawmills in all geographic regions of South Korea. The variables examined in this study were region, softwood/hardwood log, domestic/imported/both log, the number of power-driven carriages (PDC) installed, the year when and country where PDCs was manufactured, the horse power of PDC, the number of labors required to operate each PDC, the sawing capacity of mill (mill size), and the types of major product and by-products. The lumber recovery factor (LRF) of sawmills were significantly influenced by the origin of logs, level of PDC automation, sawmill size, and size of logs (measured in diameter and length) while not by the location of the mill, types of major product and by-product, log species, and characteristics of PDC. Although these results provide useful information for understanding the technological characteristics of the Korean sawmill industry, further investigation with larger sample is necessary to reveal the more reliable characteristics of sawmill industry in South Korea.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.274-281
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• 2010

The objectives of this study are (a) to investigate the distribution patterns and exposure concentrations of biological agents in sawmill industries and (b) to compare sampling methods of biological agents. The representative processes of 5 sawmills were selected to measure total airborne bacteria, fungi, endotoxin as well as dust. Airborne bacteria and fungi were measured with one stage impactor, six stage impactor and gelatin filteration methods. Endotoxin was collected with polycarbonate filters and analysed by kinetic chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate method. Geometric mean levels of airborne bacteria, fungi, endotoxin and dust were 1,864 CFU/$m^3$, 2,252 CFU/$m^3$, 31.5 EU/$m^3$ and 2.4 mg/$m^3$. The ratios of indoor/outdoor concentrations were 3.7 for bacteria, 4.1 for fungi, 3.3 for endotoxin and 9.7 for dust. The respiratory fractions of bacteria were 68.0, 50.9, 49.2 and 45.1% in band-saw, table-saw, rip-saw process and outdoor air. The respiratory fractions of fungi were 78.7, 90.8, 87.5 and 84.8% in band-saw, table-saw, rip-saw process and outdoor air, respectively. There was no significant differences in bacterial concentrations among single stage, six stage impaction and filteration methods. But, fungal concentrations measured with filtration methods were significantly higher than those with impaction methods. Geometric mean levels of airborne bacteria and fungi were higher than the OSHA guideline values of 1,000 CFU/$m^3$. The respiratory fractions of fungi were above 75%. The concentrations of biological agents were significantly different among culture-based sampling methods. In the exposure assessments of biological agents, further studies are needed for the comparisons of diverse sampling methods and the investigations of environmental factors.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.194-195
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• 1982

Recommendaton: These are the highlights of the findings of the Timber Consumption Survey carried out by the Project in 1966, and covering consumption for the period from 1961 to 1965. The survey was oriented towards consumption for structural, commercial and industrial purposes and existing estimates for local (village-level) consumption as fuel and the like were adopted. A full report on the survey was submitted to the Bureau of Forestry in 1966. Long-term Trends: After allowance for anticipated population increase, this ten year's increase in industrial wood consumption represents a gain of about 30% in per capita consumption (from 0.0913 cu.m. per capita to 0.118 cu.m. per capita). This is only about half the expected general economic growth of about 75% (7% per annum). It is therefore likely (a) that the 1975 estimate is conservative, (b) that the consumption demand beyond 1975 may be expected to build up at a greatly increased rate. Estimated income elasticity coefficients are high, and with expected ir,creases in prosperity and population, the consumption is expected to rise to 10 million cu. meters by the year 2,000. Consumption Pattern: The breakdown of industrial consumption (1965) is given in Table 4-2, showing sawnwood consumption as the most important in 1965. The upward trend in all sectors over the 1961-65 period is expected to continue. The general consumption pattern is expected to change through 1975 with a sharp increase in the relative importance of pulp products (to 30% of total consumption) offset by declining relative importance of sawlogs. The following recommendations follow from the study: (i) Industrial forests. - A programme of establishment of consolidated industrial forests should be initiated as a matter of urgency. (ii) Fuelwood forests - Properly sited, protected and managed fuelwood forest, worked on a 20-year rotation, should be established as a nation wide basis. (iii) Hardwood utilization - Detailed investigations are required into the use of indigenous hardwoods for the pulp, particle board and hardboard industries. (iv) Mining timber - Preservation treatment of all mining timber should be enforced by law. (v) Sawmills - Licencing restrictions should be enforced to reduce the number of small, inefficient sawmills. b. Extension work should be undertaken bv government to improve sawmilling practices.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.53-68
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• 1990

This research has been executed for maximization of lumber yield and more efficient use of small diameter logs. Sample logs from thinnings carne from densed artificial stands at the Kwangnung Experimental Forests situated in the central region of Korean peninsula. Species of sample logs were obtained to execute sawing and strength test for larch, and lumber strength test in full size for pitch pine and Korean pine. A survey on sawmills consuming domestic logs was carried out to know sawmill production, costs and utilization structure of lumber as a guide to business analysis. Results showed that sawing pattern from small logs less than 15cm in diameter was necessary to cut 9cm by 9cm square per one log in order to obtain high lumber recovery and provide for wide market needs. The total lumber yield of squares plus side boards was 56 percent to 58 percent from small logs and the yield for log sweep in 30 percent decreased by 24.5 percent in sawing production, compared to yield for straight logs. In sawing efficiency, production of lumber by twin band saw could be improved 238 percent higher than lumber of the same species produced by conventional sawmilling methods, and sawing accuracy with twin band saw was much higher at the lumber production than band saw. Lumber from the small larch logs has shown 70 knots per $m^2$ on its faces and also lumber showed lots of face checkings by air drying on the yard, compared to other species. MOR in bending of lumber in full size from small logs of larch was found ranging from 380kg/$cm^2$ to 460kg/$cm^2$, resulting in 40 percent less than the strength from clear small specimens. In lumber containing knots, cross grain, etc, longitudinal stress wave speed was delayed about 48 percent by defects in lumber from both larch and pitch pine logs. The surveyed sample sawmills consumed the domestic logs at the rate of 54 percent to 84 percent in the total timber consumption, showing high consumption at mills located in the mountains.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.405-415
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• 2014

Objectives: The aim of this study is to comprehensively summarize endotoxin levels reported in operations using metalworking fluids(MWFs). Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted of studies reporting endotoxin levels in processes using metalworking fluids. Keyword search terms included 'metalworking fluids', 'machining fluids', 'metalworking operation', 'machining operation' and 'endotoxin', which were used in combination. Results: A total of ten manuscripts were found to report on airborne endotoxin levels from metalworking operations in the automobile industry. Polycarbonate(PC), polyvinyl chloride(PVC) and mixed cellulose ester(MCE) were used to collect airborne endotoxin. Limulus Amebocyte Lysate was mainly used to quantify endotoxin amount. The levels of airborne endotoxin reviewed varied considerably, ranging from < $4EU/m^3$ to $790EU/m^3$, which was found to be far lower than those from cotton and potato processing plants, sawmills, and poultry farms. Several studies assumed that exposure to endotoxin could be a causative agent of respiratory diseases. Conclusions: Inhalation endotoxin exposure levels reported from metalworking operations were found to be lower than those from industries handling organic materials, even though it could be considered as a possible cause for several respiratory diseases.

• Mycobiology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.205-209
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• 2001

The Korean sawmills have recently recognized the importance of prevention of fungal discoloration due to increased losses in revenue. Before establishing integrated control strategies of fungal discoloration, more complete knowledge about causal organisms is needed. As a first step, we initiated a through survey of fungi colonizing commercially important softwood(Pinus dens flora, Pinus koraiensis, and Pinus radiata) logs and lumber in Korea. In this paper we report results obtained from Japanese red pine(Pinus densiflora) log study. In summer 2000, fungi were isolated from Japanese red pine logs in storage, and identified based on their cultural and morphological characteristics. A total of 595 fungi were isolated, representing 21 genera and 30 species. Mold fungi, mostly Trichoderma species, were the most frequently isolating fungi, representing more than half of all isolates. Dematiaceous fungi represented approximately one fifth of the isolates, and Rhinocladiella atorvirens was the most abundant in all samples. Opiostoma species represented 7% of all isolates from cores planted on malt extract agar(MEA) and the incidence of these species doubled with the addition of streptomycin and cycloheximide to MEA. The results indicate that Japanese red pine sapwood is susceptible to colonization by a variety of fungal species. As a result, control strategies that concentrate on one fungus may have limited success because of interference from competing flora.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.227-239
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• 1993

The author selected 77 dust emissing processes from 71 types of industries which placed in Sasang Industrial Complex in Pusan. The level of total dust was measured as areal concentration and personal exposure concentration by low volume air sampler and personal air sampler, respectively. Collected samples were classified into 5 groups (chemicals and rubber product, metal product, sawmills and wood, foundries and others). Respirable particulate and total dust of areal and personal exposure were analyzed. The results were as follows; 1. All of the respirable dust concentration and total dust of areal and personal concentration were log-normally distributed. 2. Geometric mean of respirable particulate of personal exposure concentration measured $0.55mg/m^3$ in the first group, $0.86mg/m^3$ in the second group, $0.39mg/m^3$ in the third group, $0.81mg/m^3$ in the forth group and $0.52mg/m^3$ in the fifith group. The exceed rates over TLV (thehold limit values) of total dust were 31.3% in the first group, 31.3% in the second group, 70% in the third group, 80% in the forth group and 13.3% in the fifth group. 3. There were singnificant difference between areal and personal exposure concentration and personal exposure concentration was higher than that of area. 4. In the case of high ratio of respirable particulate to total dust, pneumoconiosis incidence was high even though the workshop was opened and emissing dust concentration was low. These findings suggest that it is desirable to measure respirable particulate in environmental assessment of dust emissing workshops.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.145-157
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• 1999

Wood dust is created when machines are used to cut or shape wood materials. Industries of high risk of wood dust exposure are sawmills, dimension mills, furniture industries, and carpenters, etc. Health effects associated with wood dust exposure includes dermatitis, allergic respiratory effects and cancer. Health effects of wood dus t are mainly depend on the concentration, dust size and exposure time. This study were carried out to evaluate the concentration and particle size distribution of wood dust during working processes. The subjects of this study were 53 workers exposed to wood dust in 7 furniture factories and 5 musical instruments, and 5 sawmill factories. The average total wood dust concentrations measured by personal cascade impactor were $1.82{\pm}2.31mg/m^3$ in primary manufacture, $3.59{\pm}1.72mg/m^3$ in s econdary manufacture, $5.09{\pm}1.46mg/m^3$ in sanding operation. Mass median diameters of hardwoods dust were $3.36{\mu}m$ in primary manufacture, $4.25{\mu}m$ in secondary manufacture, $4.21{\mu}m$ in sanding operation. softwoods dust were $3.39{\mu}m$ in primary manufacture, $4.34{\mu}m$ in secondary manufacture. Particle size distributions showed a nearly the same pattern in each working processes. The sample concentration of all hardwood dust exceeded the Threshold Limit Value(TLV) and 20.8% of the softwood dust exceeded the Threshold Limit Value. The range of size distribution were $0.5-10{\mu}m$ in the soft and hardwood dust. The respirable dust of soft and hardwood took up 59% and above. Therefore new threshold limit value for wood dust should be needed in Korea. Also, it should be done for various studies on health effects related to occupational exposure of wood dust.