• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제49권4호
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• pp.218-227
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• 2023

Background: Since 2019, the Ministry of Environment has implemented a seasonal fine dust management system from December to March, targeting high PM_2.5 levels with the aim of reducing PM_2.5 concentrations and protecting public health. The focus of improving the seasonal management system lies in the atmospheric PM_2.5 levels. Considering the primary goal of protecting public health, it is necessary to analyze the policy effects from an exposure perspective rather than a concentration-based approach. Objectives: This study aims to quantitatively assess the improvement of indoor PM_2.5 levels and the health impacts of the seasonal management system by comparing the periods before and during its implementation in residential environments. Methods: PM_2.5 concentrations within residential environments in a metropolitan area were measured using an optical particle counter (IAQ-C7, K-weather, Ltd, Korea) at one-minute intervals during the pre-implementation period (November 21~25, 2022) and during the implementation period (December 19~23, 2022). Based on the measured PM_2.5 concentrations, a quantitative evaluation of cancer and mortality risks was conducted according to age and gender. Results: The results of comparing indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations before and during the implementation of the seasonal management system showed a decrease of approximately 56.6% and 47.9%, respectively. Health risk assessments revealed that both the safety-limit-based and safety-target-based Hazard Quotients (HQ) exceeded the threshold of 0.1 for children under 19 years of age, both before and after the implementation. The mortality risk decreased by approximately 47.9% after the implementation, with children aged 0-9 showing the highest mortality risk at 0.9%. Conclusions: The findings of this study confirmed the positive health impacts of the seasonal management system across all age groups, particularly children under 19 who are more vulnerable to fine dust exposure.

• 지역사회간호학회지
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• 제12권2호
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• pp.513-531
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• 2001

Television news programs are becoming significant source of health information. This study aims at investigating the current state of health coverage of the prime time news program in Korea. Data were collected from KBS 9 0'clock news in the period of thirteen months. from December 1. 1998. to November 1. 1999. The data were analyzed using content analysis method. and the reliability degree was 99.7% according to the Holsti's inter-coder reliability test. The current research classified 489 health related news items into 49 sub-categories and five health categories through content analysis. Some of the basic results of this study are as follows. 1. The frequency according to health category, health maintenance promotion(57.3%) topped followed by disease prevention(23.2%), disease treatment(14.9%), life ethics(4.0%), and growth development(0.6%). 2. According to human developmental age. for the most part(80.1 %) is applicable to the entire range of human developmental age. 3. Health maintennance promotion category take top of health category by the rate of 57.3% and contain 20 sub-categories. 4. News items in the life ethics category, which had six sub-categories. occupied only four percent of the total health related news. News in the growth development category included two sub categories and occupied 0.6% of the total news items. 5. In disease prevention and disease treatment category, infectious disease(33.2%) showed the highest percentage according to the WHO's international disease classification system. Disease prevention occupied 23.2% and contained eleven sub-categories while disease treatment occupied 14.9% and included ten sub-categories. Television news coverage on health showed a wide variety of selection in terms that they are reporting various issues. This study, however, found that some news items were confusing and failing in presenting scientific evidences. It is suggested that the television coverage on health could be beneficial to most of viewers in receiving important health information and guidelines, only if they are utilizing their own sound discretion in consuming those news.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.458-465
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• 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the interaction between neck and/or wrist pain and hand grip strength (HGS) and to investigate factors (age, sex, neck disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome) influencing the HGS of industrial quality proofing workers (N = 145). Methods: Standardized questionnaires [Neck Disability Index (NDI), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire] were used to evaluate existing neck and/or wrist pain. HGS measurements were performed in different wrist positions. Results: Significant differences between participants with and without neck pain were found in different wrist positions, in neutral wrist position right [without neck pain (n = 48) 46.34 (43.39 - 49.30); with neck pain (n = 97) 38.46 (36.20 - 40.72), F_(1,144) = 16.82, p < 0.001, ŋ_p² = 0.11] and left [without neck pain 44.06 (41.19 - 46.94); with neck pain 37.36 (35.13 - 39.58), F_(1,144) = 12.70, p < 0.001, ŋ_p² = 0.08]. A significant difference between participants with and without wrist pain was found for neutral wrist position right [without wrist pain (n = 105) 42.53 (40.37 - 44.70); with wrist pain (n = 40) 37.24 (33.56 - 40.91), F_(1,144) = 6.41, p = 0.01, ŋ_p² = 0.04]. Regression analysis showed significant results especially for steps two (age and weight, NDI) and three (age and weight, NDI, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) for neutral position right (R² = 0.355, R² = 0.357, respectively). Conclusion: Neck pain has an impact on HGS but should be evaluated in consideration of age and sex.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.228-235
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• 2024

Background: Glove reuse poses risks, as chemicals can persist even after cleaning. Decontamination methods like thermal aeration, recommended by US OSHA, vary in effectiveness. Some studies show promising results, while others emphasize the importance of considering both permeation and tensile strength changes. This research advocates for informed glove reuse, emphasizing optimal thermal aeration temperatures and providing evidence to guide users in maintaining protection efficiency. Methods: The investigation evaluated Neoprene and Nitrile gloves (22 mils). Permeation tests with toluene and acetone adhered to American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) F739 standards. Decontamination optimization involved aeration at various temperatures. The experiment proceeded with a maximum of 22 re-exposure cycles. Tensile strength and elongation were assessed following ASTM D 412 protocols. Breakthrough time differences were statistically analyzed using t-test and ANOVA. Results: At room temperature, glove residuals decreased, and standardized breakthrough time (SBT)₂ was significantly lower than SBT₁, indicating reduced protection. Higher temperature decontamination accelerated residual removal, with ∆SBT (SBT₂/SBT₁) exceeding 100%, signifying restored protection. Tensile tests showed stable neoprene properties postdecontamination. Results underscore thermal aeration's efficacy for gloves reuse, emphasizing temperature's pivotal role. Findings recommend meticulous management strategies, especially post-breakthrough, to uphold glove-protective performance. Conclusions: Thermal aeration at 100℃ for 1 hour proves effective, restoring protection without compromising glove strength. The study, covering twenty cycles, suggests safe glove reuse with proper decontamination, reducing costs significantly. However, limitations in chemical-glove combinations and exclusive focus on specific gloves caution against broad generalization. The absence of regulatory directives on glove reuse highlight the importance of informed selection and rigorous decontamination validation for workplace safety practices.

• 한국환경과학회지
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• 제29권1호
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• pp.55-68
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of fine dust PM₁₀ and heavy metals in PM₁₀ in Asian dust flowing into Gwangju from 2013 to 2018. The migration pathways of Asian dust was analyzed by backward trajectory analysis using HYSPLIT (Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory) model, and the change of heavy metal concentration and heavy metal content per 1 ㎍/㎥ of fine dust PM₁₀ in Gwangju area were analyzed. Also, the characteristics of the heavy metals were analyzed using the correlation between the heavy metals in PM₁₀. As a result of analyzing Asian dust entering the Gwangju region for 6 years, the average concentration of PM₁₀ measured in Asian dust was 148 ㎍/㎥, which was about 4.5 times higher than in non-Asian dust, 33 ㎍/㎥. A total of 13 Asian dust flowed into the Gwangju during 6 years, and high concentration of PM10 and heavy metals in that were analyzed in the C path flowing through the Gobi/Loess Plateau-Korean Peninsula. As a result of the correlation analysis, in case of Asian dust, there was a high correlation between soil components in heavy metals, so Asian dust seems to have a large external inflow. On the other hand, in case of non-Asian dust, the correlation between find dust PM₁₀ and artificial heavy metal components was high, indicating that the influence of industrial activities in Gwangju area was high.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.36-42
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• 2024

Background: The use of scented candles and incense sticks, both of which are household products that are burned for indoor deodorization and calming effects, is increasing. Fine dust has been designated as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) affect air pollution and can cause diseases. Objectives: This study aims to determine the effect on indoor air quality by measuring PM_2.5 and VOCs generated when burning scented candles and incense sticks. Methods: Scented candles and incense sticks were selected as household products to burn. As for the target sample, top-selling products (five types of scented candles, five types of incense sticks) were purchased online. The PM_2.5 concentration according to time was measured immediately next to the sample and three meters away from each other in an enclosed space using a real-time aerosol photometer. VOCs were collected as samples under the same conditions using Tenax tubes and were quantitatively analyzed by TD-GC/MS. Results: In the case of scented candles, the concentration of PM_2.5 did not increase during combustion and after being extinguished by placing a cover on the candle. For the incense sticks, the concentration of PM_2.5 averaged 1,901.27 ㎍/m³. After burning scented candles and incense sticks, some VOCs concentrations were increased such as ethyl acetate and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene). Conclusions: Therefore, when using scented candles, extinguishment by placing a cover on the candle can be expected to reduce PM_2.5. It is advisable to avoid using incense sticks because PM_2.5 concentration increases from the start of combustion.

• 농촌의학ㆍ지역보건
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.53-66
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• 2003

본 연구는 2002년 2월 한 달 동안 전국 보건지소에 근무하는 공중보건의사 1,036명을 대상으로, 보건지소의 전반적인 의료서비스 제공여건과 지역사회를 기반으로 이루어지고 있는 보건사업의 수행 현황을 조사하고, 보건사업의 기획, 수행, 평가의 각 단계별 참여 현황과 지역보건사업에 대한 견해 및 관련특성 등을 파악하고자 하였다. 보건지소의 전반적인 의료여건으로는 근무하는 의사수가 1명 내지 2명인 경우가 98.7%였고, 의사 이외의 직원수는 3명 이내인 경우가 89.7%였다. 보건지소 관할 구역인 읍 면단위에서 보건지소 이외에 다른 의료기관이 있는 경우가 45.9%였고, 이 경우 해당 의료기관까지의 소요시간은 도보로 평균 5분정도였다. 보건지소의 33.5%가 의약분업제도 시행지역에 위치하고 있었고, 보건지소 이외에 타 의료기관이 있는 지역 중 의약분업을 시행하는 곳은 68.8%였다. 평균 1일 진료건수는 2000년 5월 18.0${\pm}$15.6건에서 2001년 11월 14.8${\pm}$14.8건으로 점차 감소하는 추세였으며, 특히 의약분업 실시 지역인 경우 감소정도가 크게 나타났다. 보건지소에서 이루어지고 있는 보건사업은 예방접종사업이 96.7%로 가장 높았고 보건교육이 76.5%로 가장 낮았으며, 각 사업의 기획 및 평가단계에 관여하는 경우는 예방접종사업과 방문보건사업이 각각 49.5%, 49.1%로 높게 나타난 반면 전혀 관여하고 있지 않은 경우가 29.6%였다. 보건사업의 세부 항목별 참여에서는 예방접종예진, 방문보건사업대상자 방문, 근무지역내 학교 수 인지도가 각각 94.2%, 81.5%, 75.5%로 높게 나타났으며, 보건사업의 기획, 수행, 평가의 각 단계별 참여는 평균적으로 수행 단계가 61.8%로 높게 나타났고, 기획 단계가 34.8%, 평가 단계가 22.6%로 나타났다. 보건지소에서 이루어지는 지역보건사업이 주민 보건향상에 긍정적인 효과를 나타낼 것이라고 보는 견해가 55.8%, 지역보건향상에 공중보건의사의 역할을 긍정적으로 보는 경우가 37.6%, 지역보건사업에 참여 의사가 있는 경우가 58.7%로 나타났다. 현재 농어촌 지역에서 보건지소의 단순진료실적이 감소하고 있는 상황인 반면 보건지소의 지역보건사업 중추기관으로서의 요구가 증가되고 있다. 주로 진료 위주의 역할에 국한되었던 공중보건의사를 보건사업 인력으로 활용하여 지역보건사업 인력 확충 및 전문화 등 지역보건사업의 양적 질적 향상을 도모할 수 있을 것이다. 아울러 공중보건의사에 대한 지속적인 보건사업 관련 교육 및 보건사업 참여에 대한 동기부여를 통해 지역보건사업의 수행단계에 수동적으로 참여하는 단계에서 기획 및 평가 단계에까지 능동적으로 참여하게끔 유도하는 정책적인 지원이 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제57권2호
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• pp.185-196
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• 2024

Objectives: Excess mortality associated with long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) has been documented. However, research on the disease burden following short-term exposure is scarce. We investigated the cause-specific mortality burden of short-term exposure to PM_2.5 by considering the potential non-linear concentration-response relationship in Korea. Methods: Daily cause-specific mortality rates and PM_2.5 exposure levels from 2010 to 2019 were collected for 8 Korean cities and 9 provinces. A generalized additive mixed model was employed to estimate the non-linear relationship between PM_2.5 exposure and cause-specific mortality levels. We assumed no detrimental health effects of PM_2.5 concentrations below 15 ㎍/m³. Overall deaths attributable to short-term PM_2.5 exposure were estimated by summing the daily numbers of excess deaths associated with ambient PM_2.5 exposure. Results: Of the 2 749 704 recorded deaths, 2 453 686 (89.2%) were non-accidental, 591 267 (21.5%) were cardiovascular, and 141 066 (5.1%) were respiratory in nature. A non-linear relationship was observed between all-cause mortality and exposure to PM_2.5 at lag0, whereas linear associations were evident for cause-specific mortalities. Overall, 10 814 all-cause, 7855 non-accidental, 1642 cardiovascular, and 708 respiratory deaths were attributed to short-term exposure to PM_2.5. The estimated number of all-cause excess deaths due to short-term PM_2.5 exposure in 2019 was 1039 (95% confidence interval, 604 to 1472). Conclusions: Our findings indicate an association between short-term PM_2.5 exposure and various mortality rates (all-cause, non-accidental, cardiovascular, and respiratory) in Korea over the period from 2010 to 2019. Consequently, action plans should be developed to reduce deaths attributable to short-term exposure to PM_2.5.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제12권2호
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• pp.167-173
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• 2021

Background: Correctional officers (COs) experience elevated rates of mental and physical ill-health as compared with other general industry and public safety occupations. The purpose of this study was to investigate demographic, mental health, job tenure, and work-family characteristics and their prospective association to burnout within and between jail officers during one year of new employment. Methods: In 2016, newly hired jail officers (N = 144) completed self-reported surveys across four time points in a one-year prospective study at a Midwestern United States urban jail. Linear mixed-effects and growth modeling examined how work-family conflict (W-FC) and depressive symptoms relate to perceptions of burnout over time. Results: Jail officer burnout increased and was related to rises in W-FC and depression symptoms. Within-person variance for W-FC (B_pooled = .52, p < .001) and depression symptoms (B_pooled = .06, p < .01) were significant predictors of burnout. Less time on the job remained a significant predictor of burnout across all analyses (B_pooled = .03, p < .001). Conclusions: Results from this study indicate that burnout increased during the first year of new employment; and increased W-FC, higher depression, and brief tenure were associated with burnout among jail COs. Future study of correctional workplace health is needed to identify tailored, multilevel interventions that address burnout and W-FC prevention and early intervention among COs.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.7.1-7.14
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• 2022

Objectives: This study evaluated the bleaching efficacy of different in-office protocols associated with violet light emitting diode (V-LED), and measured the pulpal temperature rise caused by V-LED with or without gel application. Materials and Methods: Bovine incisors were distributed in 4 groups (n = 10): VL - V-LED; HP - 35% hydrogen peroxide (control); HYB - hybrid protocol, V-LED applied without gel for 10 irradiation cycles followed by V-LED applied with gel for another 10 irradiation cycles; and HPVL - gel and V-LED applied for 20 irradiation cycles. Three bleaching sessions were performed with 7-day intervals. Bleaching efficacy was evaluated with ΔE_ab^*, ΔE₀₀ and ΔWI_D. Data were recorded at baseline, 7, 14, 21 and 70 days. For pulpal temperature rise, thermocouples were placed inside the pulp chamber of human incisors. To determine intrapulpal temperature, the teeth were irradiated with V-LED with or without application of bleaching gel. Color difference data were analyzed by 2-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test. Pulpal temperature was analyzed by t-test (α = 5%). Results: VL exhibited lower color (ΔE_ab^* and ΔE₀₀) and whiteness changes (ΔWI_D) than the other groups. HPVL presented higher color change values than HYB. HYB and HPVL showed not different ΔWI_D values; and HP showed the highest whiteness changes at all times. There were significant differences comparing ΔT with gel (8.9℃) and without gel application (7.2℃). Conclusions: HPLV was more efficient than HYB. The 2 protocols with VL showed similar results to control. Gel application combined with VL promoted higher pulpal temperature than to the no gel group.