Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology

The Korean Society of Environmental Health and Toxicology (환경독성보건학회)
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Modeling Human Exposure Levels to Airborne Volatile Organic Compounds by the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill

  • Kim, Jong-Ho (Supply Chain Logistics Consulting Team, Samsung SDS) ;
  • Kwak, Byoung-Kyu (School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Process, College of Engineering, Seoul National University) ;
  • Ha, Min-A (Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine) ;
  • Cheong, Hae-Kwan (Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine) ;
  • Yi, Jong-Heop (School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Process, College of Engineering, Seoul National University)
  • Received : 2011.02.10
  • Accepted : 2012.01.06
  • Published : 2012.01.01
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Abstract

Objectives: The goal was to model and quantify the atmospheric concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the result of the Hebei Spirit oil spill, and to predict whether the exposure levels were abnormally high or not. Methods: We developed a model for calculating the airborne concentration of VOCs that are produced in an oil spill accident. The model was applied to a practical situation, namely the Hebei Spirit oil spill. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing the results with previous observation data. The concentrations were compared with the currently used air quality standards. Results: Evaporation was found to be 10- to 1,000-fold higher than the emissions produced from a surrounding industrial complex. The modeled concentrations for benzene failed to meet current labor environmental standards, and the concentration of benzene, toluene, orthometa- para-xylene were higher than the values specified by air quality standards and guideline values on the ocean. The concentrations of total VOCs were much higher than indoor environmental criteria for the entire Taean area for a few days. Conclusions: The extent of airborne exposure was clearly not the same as that for normal conditions.

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References

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