• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제7권1호
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• pp.63-71
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• 2016

Background: Construction painters have not been studied well in terms of their hazards exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the exposure levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) for painters in the construction industry. Methods: Activity-specific personal air samplings were carried out in three waterproofing activities [polyurethane (PU), asphalt, and cement mortar] and three painting activities (epoxy, oil based, and water based) by using organic-vapor-monitor passive-sampling devices. Gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector could be used for identifying and quantifying individual organic chemicals. The levels of TVOCs, by summing up 15 targeted substances, were expressed in exposure-index (EI) values. Results: As arithmetic means in the order of concentration levels, the EIs of TVOCs in waterproofing works were 10.77, 2.42, 1.78, 1.68, 0.47, 0.07, and none detected (ND) for indoor PU-primer task, outdoor PU-primer task, outdoor PU-resin task, indoor PU-resin task, asphalt-primer task, asphalt-adhesive task, and cement-mortar task, respectively. The highest EI for painting works was 5.61 for indoor epoxyprimer task, followed by indoor epoxy-resin task (2.03), outdoor oil-based-spray-paint task (1.65), outdoor water-based-paint task (0.66), and indoor oil-based-paint task (0.15). Assuming that the operations were carried out continuously for 8 hours without breaks and by using the arithmetic means of EIs for each of the 12 tasks in this study, 58.3% (7 out of 12) exceeded the exposure limit of 100% (EI > 1.0), while 8.3% (1 out of 12) was in 50e100% of exposure limit (0.5 > EI > 1.0), and 4 tasks out of 12 were located in less than 50% of the limit range (EI < 0.5). Conclusion: From this study, we recognized that construction painters are exposed to various solvents, including carcinogens and reproductive toxins, and the levels of TVOC concentration in many of the painting tasks exceeded the exposure limits. Construction workers need to be protected from chemical agents during their painting works by using personal protective devices and/or work practice measures. Additional studies should focus on the exposure assessment of other hazards for construction workers, in order to identify high-risk tasks and to improve hazardous work environments.

• 분석과학
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• 제18권5호
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• pp.431-435
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• 2005

환경흡연 (Environmental Tobacco Smoking)의 폐해를 평가하기 위해, 금연을 결심한 사람들을 대상으로 정하여 주요 방향족 VOC 성분의 농도를 측정하였다. 금연 전후의 호흡시료를 확보하여, BTEX 성분의 농도를 관측하였다. 그 결과 호흡시료에 함유된 VOC는 금연 전과 후에 확연한 차이를 보이는 것으로 나타났다. 금연 전후 톨루엔 성분이 단일 성분으로 가장 높게 나타났다. 그러나 저감효과는 금연전 4.8에서 금연후 0.46 ppb 수준으로 줄어든 벤젠성분에서 가장 두드러지게 나타났다. 금연 후 시료의 농도는 비흡연자들의 호흡에서 발견되는 농도와 차이가 두드러지지 않았다. 전체적인 연구결과를 평가하였을 때, 본 연구에서 사용한 BTEX와 같은 성분들의 농도변화는 흡연과 금연의 단계를 평가하는 하나의 지표성분으로 활용가능하다는 것을 시사하였다.

• 대한기계학회논문집B
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.264-274
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• 1997

A numerical analysis on condensation and coagulation of the metallic species with fly ash particles pre-existing in an incinerator was performed. Waste was simplified as a mixture of methane, chlorine, and small amounts of Pb and Sn. Vapor-phase amounts of Pb- and Sn -compounds were first calculated assuming a thermodynamic equilibrium state. Then theories on vapor-to-particle conversion, vapor condensation onto the fly ash particles, and particle-particle interaction were examined and incorporated into equations of aerosol dynamics and vapor continuity. It was assumed that the particles followed a log-normal size distribution and thus a moment model was developed in order to predict the particle concentration and the particle size distribution simultaneously. Distributions of metallic vapor concentration (or vapor pressure) were also obtained. Temperature drop rate of combustion gas, fly ash concentration and its size were selected as parameters influencing the discharged amount of metallic species. In general, the coagulation between the newly formed metal particles and the fly ash particles was much greater than that between the metal particles themselves or between the fly ash particles themselves. It was also found that the amount of metallic species discharged into the atmosphere was increased due to coagulation. While most of PbO vapors produced from the combustion were eliminated due to combined effect of condensation and coagulation, the highly volatile species, PbCl$_{2}$ and SnCl$_{4}$ vapors tended to discharge into the atmosphere without experiencing either the condensation or the coagulation. For Sn vapors the tendency was between that of PbO vapors and that of PbCl$_{2}$ or SnCl$_{4}$. To restrain the discharged amount of hazardous metallic species, the coagulation should be restrained, the number concentration and the size of pre-existing fly ash particles should be increased, and the temperature drop rate of combustion gas should be kept low.

• 한국안전학회지
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• 제30권6호
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• pp.48-55
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• 2015

A variety of safety issues were investigated for chemical reactors using a toluene solvent in case of a fire at small to middle scale chemical plants. The issues covered the operation of pressure-relieving valves and the subsequent discharges of the toluene to the atmosphere either directly or through an absorber, which represent the current practice at most small chemical plants. It was shown that the safety valve on the reactor may not operate within about twenty minutes after an external fire breaks out, but, once relieved, the toluene vapor released directly to the atmosphere may form a large explosion range on the ground. It was also shown that if the discharge is routed to an existing absorber used for the scrubbing of volatile organic compounds or dusts, the column may not operate normally due to excessive pressure drops or flooding, resulting in the hazardous release of toluene vapors. This study proposed two ways of alleviating these risks. The first is to ruduce the discharge itself from the safety valve by using adequate insulation and protection covers on the reactor and then introduce it into the circulation water at the bottom of the absorber through a dip linet pipe equipped with a ring-shaped sparger. This will enhance the condensation of toluene vapors with the reduced effluent vapors treated in the packing layers above. The second is to install a separate quench drum to condense the routed toluene vapors more effectively than the existing absorber.

• 한국콘텐츠학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국콘텐츠학회 2018년도 춘계 종합학술대회 논문집
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• pp.409-410
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• 2018

Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases and can be affected by environmental factors. It has been reported that exposure to indoor environmental factors can cause infantile asthma during infancy and childhood, but the previous studies are not yet clear. Climate change has recently been shown to increase indoor mold. Exposure to fungi is known to be directly related to the development of aggravation. Methods: This study was conducted from July 20, 2016 to September 30, 2016. The study was conducted on 90 household with children under the age of 7 who attend atopy school. The questionnaire surveyed allergic symptoms, social and demographic characteristics, and environmental characteristics. Environmentally hazardous substances were measured such as temperature, humidity, fine dust, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, bacteria, fungus, house dust mite, endotoxin. Results: According to the survey results, 9 patients (10%) were treated with asthma, 6 (6.7%) were asthmatic patients during the past 12 months, and 4 patients (4.4%) were asthmatic patients during the past 12 months. There were statistically significant differences in the direct effect of smokers in the family (P=0.0328). High-filter vacuum cleaners collected $0.4222CFU/m^3$ in subjects without asthma, and $0.2222CFU/m^3$ in subjects with asthma. In addition, various results confirmed that asthma exacerbated by mold exposure. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that exposure to fungal by infants and toddlers may play an important role in the development of asthma. In this study, we investigated the relationship between asthma and fungal concentration.

• 공업화학
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• 제33권5호
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• pp.466-470
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• 2022

최근 촉매 소각 공정은 휘발성 유기 화합물을 저온(< 450 ℃)에서 고효율(> 95%)로 산화 및 분해하기 위해 상당한 주목을 받고 있다. 많은 귀금속 촉매 물질이 잘 연구되어 사용되고 있으나 단가가 비싸고 위험하다. 본연구에서는 Cu와 Mn 전구체의 공침법을 활용하여 간단하고 손쉬운 합성 방법을 개발함으로써 고활성 및 저비용의 Cu-Mn 바이메탈 촉매를 제조하였다. 촉매 합성은 Cu와 Mn의 조성비를 조절하여 최적화하였다. 최적화된 촉매는 메조포러스 구조로 230.8 m²/g의 넓은 표면적을 나타냈다. 촉매 성능을 입증하기 위해 에틸 아세테이트의 산화 반응에 대해 Cu-Mn 촉매를 테스트했으며, 250 ℃의 저온에서 100%의 높은 전환 효율을 나타내었다.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.236-241
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• 2024

Background: Gasoline, a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds is classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Gasoline station attendants, consistently exposed to its hazardous components, may face genotoxic effects. This study aimed to assess the influence of varying work shift durations on DNA damage in gasoline station attendants. Methods: Ninety individuals from three locations in southern México were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated, and DNA damage was assessed using the comet assay. Demographic, occupational, and lifestyle data were collected. Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. Results: Significant differences in DNA damage parameters were observed between exposed and unexposed groups. The impact of tobacco, alcohol, and exercise on DNA damage was negligible. Extended work shifts (12 and 24 hours) showed heightened DNA damage compared to 8-hour shifts and the unexposed group. A novel finding revealed a modest but significant correlation between DNA damage and job seniority. Conclusion: The study highlights the intricate relationship between occupational exposure to gasoline components, DNA damage, and work shift lengths. Extended shifts correlate with heightened genotoxic effects, emphasizing the importance of personalized safety measures. The significant correlation between DNA damage and job seniority introduces occupational longevity as a determinant in the genetic health of gasoline station attendants. This discovery has implications for implementing targeted interventions and preventive strategies to safeguard workers' genetic integrity throughout their years of service. The study calls for further exploration of unconsidered factors in understanding the multifactorial nature of DNA damage in this occupational setting.

• 대한지역사회영양학회지
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.466-472
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• 2011

Hazardous chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals, are known as being harmful to human health were included in oils released by the Herbei Spirit Oil Spill accident in December 2007. To investigate changes of eating habits by the exposure to harmful substances, we conducted 5 focus group interviews for residents at Taean coast areas, who had experienced the oil spill accident. Participants included 46 women (mean age: $57.2{\pm}10.9$) who were mainly responsible for preparing family meals. Focus group discussions were audio-taped, transcribed and categorized by themes. Participants expressed more frequent illness symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, visual loss, and skin diseases after the accident. They mentioned that their worries about economic hardship and worsened health status since the accident induced mental problems, such as depression about their children. Regarding eating habits, participants reported less intakes of fishes and meats and relatively more intakes of vegetables and kimchi due to the lack of household incomes after the accident. Although the participants had been used to collecting or catching fish or shellfish for their consumption previously, they mainly purchased these foods from local markets after the accident. Changes of eating habits induced by the accident included drinking boiled water and having steamed or fried seafood rather than raw seafood. Changes of food intakes occurred less frequently in older adults due to their longterm fixed eating habits, although they felt uncomfortable for having raw fish. The findings of this study clearly present that the exposure of hazardous substances by the oil spill accident had a significant impact on changes in eating habits besides economic, physical, and mental problems among the residents in Taean. Continuous health and nutrition monitoring and support are needed.

• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제42권4호
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• pp.390-397
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• 2010

Residual solvents in foods are defined as organic volatile chemicals used or produced in manufacturing of extracts or additives, or functional foods. The solvents are not completely eliminated by practical manufacturing techniques and they also may become contaminated by solvents from packing, transportation or storage in warehouses. Because residual solvents have no nutritional value but may be hazardous to human health, there is a need to remove them from the final products or reduce their amounts to below acceptable levels. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an analytical method for the screening of residual solvents in health functional foods. Furthermore, the aim of this study was to constitute a reasonable management system based on the current state of the market and case studies of foreign countries. Eleven volatile solvents such as MeOH, EtOH, trichloroethylene and hexane were separated depending on their column properties, temp. and time using Gas Chromatography (GC). After determining the GC conditions, a sample preparation method using HSS (Head Space Sampling) was developed. From the results, a method for analyzing residual solvents in health functional foods was developed considering matrix effect and interference from the sample obtained from the solution of solvents-free health functional foods spiked with 11 standards solutions. Validation test using the developed GC/HSS/MS (Mass Spectrometry) method was followed by tests for precision, accuracy, recovery, linearity and adequate sensitivity. Finally, examination of 104 samples grouped in suits was performed by the developed HSS/GC/MS for screening the solvents. The 11 solvents were isolated from health functional foods based on vapor pressure difference, and followed by separation within 15 minutes in a single run. The limt of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), recovery and coefficient of variation (C.V.) of these compounds determined by the HSS/GC/MS were found to be 0.1 pg/mL, 0.1-125 pg/g, 51.0-104.6%, and less than 15%, respectively. Using the developed HSS/GC/MS method, residual solvent from 16 out of 104 health functional products were detected as a EtOH. This method therefore seems t o be a valuable extension ofanalytical method for the identification of residual solvents in health functional food.

• 한국환경보건학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국환경보건학회 2005년도 국제학술대회
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• pp.254-258
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• 2005

The purpose of this study is to characterize the indoor-outdoor relationship of airborne pollutants and recognize probable sources in inside and outside individual apartments in Seoul metropolitan. Simultaneous air monitoring in inside and outside of the 16 Korean Apartments classified into 2groups: less than 1 year old and more than 4 years old from October, 2004 to February, 2005were sampled f3r airborne pollutants(volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, respiratory particles, carbon dioxide and bacteria) using the Korean Indoor Air Quality Official Method. The concentrations of $CO_2$, TVOCs, HCHO, bacteria and PM10 in the less than 1 year old apartments were determined to be $773.6{\pm}422.3ppm$, $4,393.8{\pm}2,758.2{\mu}g/m^3$, $98.0{\pm}56.4{\mu}g/m^3$, $254.0{\pm}186.3CFU/m^3$ and $31.7{\pm}14.8{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively, Also, the concentrations of those in the more than 4 years old apartments were determined to be $798.9{\pm}266.5ppm$, $792.7{\pm}398.3{\mu}g/m^3$, $70.0{\pm}30.7{\mu}g/m^3$, $245.6{\pm}122.0CFU/m^3$, $49.7f28.7{\pm}g/m^3$, respectively. The average ratios of the indoor and outdoor concentrations of $CO_2$, TVOCs, HCHO, bacteria and PM10 were 2.2, 3.6, 3.1, 3.9 and 1.4, respectively. These results of this analysis is suggested that $CO_2$, TVOCs, HCHO, bacteria and PM10 in indoor air are both emitted from source within the apartment environment and partly come from outdoor air. With the above considerations in mind, it is suggested that the research for source contribution of indoor air pollutants should be expanded and the detailed interpretation of the results on these needed further study(using principal component analysis(PCA).