Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

The Korean Society for Preventive Medicine (대한예방의학회)
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Distribution of Airborne Fungi, Particulate Matter and Carbon Dioxide in Seoul Metropolitan Subway Stations

서울시 일부 지하철역 내 부유 진균, 입자상 물질, 이산화탄소의 분포 양상

  • Kim, Ki-Youn (Department of Preventive Medicine & Public Health, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Park, Jae-Beom (Department of Preventive Medicine & Public Health, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Chi-Nyon (Institute for Occupational Health, College of Medicine, Yonsei University) ;
  • Lee, Kyung-Jong (Department of Preventive Medicine & Public Health, Ajou University School of Medicine)
  • 김기연 (아주대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실) ;
  • 박재범 (아주대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실) ;
  • 김치년 (연세대학교 의과대학 산업보건연구소) ;
  • 이경종 (아주대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실)
  • Published : 2006.07.31
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Abstract

Objectives: The aims of this study were to examine the level of airborne fungi and environmental factors in Seoul metropolitan subway stations and to provide fundamental data to protect the health of subway workers and passengers. Methods: The field survey was performed from November in 2004 to February in 2005. A total 22 subway stations located at Seoul subway lines 1-4 were randomly selected. The measurement points were subway workers' activity areas (station office, bedroom, ticket office and driver's seat) and the passengers' activity areas (station precincts, inside train and platform). Air sampling for collecting airborne fungi was carried out using a one-stage cascade impactor. The PM and CO2 were measured using an electronic direct recorder and detecting tube, respectively. Results: In the activity areas of the subway workers and passengers, the mean concentrations of airborne fungi were relatively higher in the workers' bedroom and station precinct whereas the concentration of particulate matter, $PM_{10}\;and\;PM_{2.5}$, were relatively higher in the platform, inside the train and driver's seat than in the other activity areas. There was no significant difference in the concentration of airborne fungi between the underground and ground activity areas of the subway. The mean $PM_{10}\;and\;PM_{2.5}$ concentration in the platform located at underground was significantly higher than that of the ground (p<0.05). Conclusions: The levels of airborne fungi in the Seoul subway line 1-4 were not serious enough to cause respiratory disease in subway workers and passengers. This indicates that there is little correlation between airborne fungi and particulate matter.

Keywords

References

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