Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Concentrations of Airborne Fungi and Environmental Factors in the Subway Stations in Seoul, Korea

서울지하철 일부 역사 내 부유 곰팡이 농도 및 환경요인

  • Hwang, Sung Ho (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Ahn, Jae Kyoung (Research Institute of Standard for Environmental Testing) ;
  • Park, Jae Bum (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine)
  • 황성호 (아주대학교 의과대학 직업환경의학교실) ;
  • 안재경 (표준환경시험연구원(주)) ;
  • 박재범 (아주대학교 의과대학 직업환경의학교실)
  • Received : 2014.03.20
  • Accepted : 2014.04.25
  • Published : 2014.04.30
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

Objectives: We measured the concentrations of culturable airborne fungi (CAF) in enclosed environments at 16 underground subway stations of the Seoul Metro in 2013, and investigated the effect of environmental factors, including temperature, relative humidity, the number of passengers, and distance from the platform. Methods: The cultured fungi were identified by the lactophenol cotton blue (LPCB) staining method and were classified by observing the form, shape, and color of colony. A nonparametric analysis was used to determine if the differences in the concentrations of CAF were statistically significant. Results: The concentrations of CAF at the stations were the highest in station p ($367CFU/m^3$) with arange between 3 and $437CFU/m^3$. There was a significant correlation between CAF concentration and the distance from platform (r = 0.544, p < 0.01). Geotrichum spp. and Penicillium spp. were the predominant species. Conclusion: It is recommended that special attention be given during rush hour, which is in the morning (08:00-10:00) and in the early evening (18:00-19:00) to improve the indoor air quality of the subway stations.

Keywords

References

  1. Douwes J, Thorne P, Pearce N, Heederik D. Bioaerosol health effects and exposure assessment: progress and prospects. Ann Occup Hyg. 2003; 47(3): 187-200. https://doi.org/10.1093/annhyg/meg032
  2. Kwon SB, Park DS, Cho YM, Park EY. Measurement of natural ventilation ratein Seoul metropolitan subway cabin. Ind Buil Environ. 2010; 19(3):366-374. https://doi.org/10.1177/1420326X10367305
  3. Saijo Y, Kishi R, Sata F, Katakura Y, Urashima Y, Hatakeyyama A, et al. Symptoms in relation to chemicals and dampness in newly builtdwellings. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2004; 77(7): 461-470. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-004-0535-0
  4. Macher JM. Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control. Cincinnati: ACGIH Press; 1999. p.1-322.
  5. Selim MI, Juchems AM, Popendorf W. Assessing airborne Aflatoxin B1 during on-farm grain handling activities. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J. 1998; 59(4): 252-256. https://doi.org/10.1080/15428119891010514
  6. Desai MS, Ghosh SK. Aflatoxin related hazards among Rice mill workers. J Toxicol. 1989; 8(1-2): 81-88.
  7. Hwang SH, Yoo KN, Park DU, Yoon CS. Exposure Level of Airborne Bacteria in the University Laboratories in Seoul, Korea. J Environ Health Sci. 2009; 35(5): 355-361. https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2009.35.5.355
  8. Hwang SH, Park DU, Ha KC, Park HH, Joo SI, Yoon CS. Concentrations and environmental influences of airborne fungi at university laboratories, hospital diagnostic laboratories. J Kor Soc Occup Environ Hyg. 2010; 20(4): 256-262.
  9. Park DU, Ryu SH, Kim SB, Byun HJ, Yoon CS, Lee KM. Airborne bacteria and fungi associated with waste-handling work. Int J Occup Environ Hlth. 2013; 19(4): 193-200.
  10. Cho JH, Paik NW. Assessment of airborne fungi concentrations in subway stations in Seoul, Korea. J Environ Health Sci. 2009; 35(6): 487-494. https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2009.35.6.478
  11. Kim KY, Kim YS, Kim DK, Kim HT. Exposure level and distribution characteristics of airborne bacteria and fungi in Seoul Metropolitan subway stations. Ind Health. 2011; 49(2): 242-248. https://doi.org/10.2486/indhealth.MS1199
  12. Indoor Air Quality Association(IAQA). Indoor Air Quality Standard 95-1 Recommended for Florida. Longwood: IAQA Press; 1995.
  13. OSHA. OSHA Technical Manual. Available: http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_iii/otm_2.html [accessed 5 March 2014].
  14. Boudia N, Halley R, Kennedy G, Lambert J, Gareau L, Zayed J. Managanese concentrations in the air of the Montreal(Canada) subway in relation to surface automobile traffic density. Sci Total Environ. 2006; 366(1): 143-147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.09.094
  15. Hwang SH, Yoon CS, Ryu KN, Paik SY, Cho JH. Assessment of airborne environmental bacteria and related factors in 25 underground railway staions in Seoul, Korea. Atmos Environ. 2010; 44(13): 1658-1662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2010.01.047