• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.258-266
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• 2019

Objectives: In this study, blood lead was analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAs) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We tried to examine the difference and consistency of the analytical values and the applicability of the analytical method. Methods: We selected 57 people who agreed to participate in this study. After confirming the linearity of the calibration standard curves in GF-AAs and ICP-MS, the concentrations of lead in quality control material and samples were measured, and the degree of agreement was compared. Results: The detection limit of the ICP-MS was lower than that of GF-AAs. The coefficient of variation of reference materials was shown to be stable in the ICP-MS and GF-AAs. When the correspondence between the two equipments was verified by bias of the analysis values, a concordance was shown, and approximately 98% of the ideal reference lines were present within ${\pm}40%$ of the deflection. Conclusion: GF-AAs showed high sensitivity to single heavy metal analysis, but it took much time and showed higher detection limit than ICP-MS. Therefore, it would be considered necessary to switch to ICP-MS analysis method, considering that the level of lead exposure is gradually decreasing.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.195-205
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• 2022

Background: The biggest concern when using household chemical products is the health risk from inhalation exposure. Objectives: The purpose of this paper was to provide information necessary for estimating inhalation exposure factors in several countries/organizations and to present some examples. Methods: We attempted to use PRISMA-ScR for a systematic review, but no major reports were found. We used the Google search function instead to find 'exposure factor handbook'. As for the results, inhalation exposure factors from South Korea, the United States, Canada, the EU, Australia, Japan, and China were compared. Results: The basic concept and origin of exposure factors was the US Environmental Protection Agency's Exposure Factor Handbook. Its latest version is 2011, but several chapters have been updated in 2017, 2018, and 2019. South Korea's Exposure Factor Handbook was updated in 2019, more recently than those of other countries, and was systematically investigated. In South Korea, the average daily respiratory rate is 14.62 m³/day for adults and 12.73 m³/day for children. It is difficult to compare breathing rate by country because each country divides age groups differently and uses different methods to estimate it. Information on household chemical products, space used, and ventilation rate are in the exposure factor handbook in some countries and not in others. It is not in the handbook in South Korea, but in the notice from the NIER (National Institute of Environmental Research), a sub-regulation of the Chemical Product Safety Act. Conclusions: The exposure factors registered in South Korea's exposure factor handbook have been systematically studied and reflect the most recent data. When using data not in the relevant handbook, data from other countries might be applied, but it should be determined whether the nature and quality of the original data have been managed.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.329-339
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• 2019

The National Institute of Environmental Research (3rd KONEHs) conducted a survey of 280 residents in Ulsan, Suwon and Asan, and the concentration of heavy metals in the blood and urine were also analyzed. In case of blood lead concentration, Ulsan $2.27{\mu}g/dl$, Suwon $2.08{\mu}g/dl$, and Asan $1.75{\mu}g/dl$, the high peak in Ulsan, and the low peak in Asan. In case of cotinine concentration, Ulsan smoking($609.16{\mu}g/g{\_}ct$) is higher than nonsmoking($74.07{\mu}g/g{\_}ct$), as Suwon and Asan smoking($416.72{\mu}g/g{\_}ct$, $903.21{\mu}g/g{\_}ct$) is higher than nonsmoking($72.72{\mu}g/g{\_}ct$, $18.06{\mu}g/g{\_}ct$), smoking group is higher than nonsmoking group in all areas revealed statistically significant correlation(p<0.01). In considering results synthetically, these study results are an aid to constructing environmental health science-side heavy metal management measure education programs for normal residents.

• 월간산업보건
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• s.369
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• pp.38-49
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• 2019

• 월간산업보건
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• s.385
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• pp.32-35
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• 2020

제조현장에서 작업자들이 근골격계질환 및 중량물 관련 사고를 겪는 일이 많습니다. 인천산업보건센터 양승태 차장은 지난 15년 간 보다 안전한 작업환경을 만들기 위해 수많은 현장을 방문했으며, 이 과정에서 고찰한 중량물 사고에 대한 연구가 국제 학술지에 수차례 게재되었습니다. 양승태 차장의 인간공학적 관점의 연구와 사고 예방을 위한 솔루션을 들어보았습니다.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.316-326
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• 2022

This study aimed to investigate the causes of the increasing Total Phosphate(TP) in the mainstream of Mangyeong river over the past 10 years, and suggested a reduction plan of about 3 points. First, the high TP concentration was continuously released in the discharge outlet of the Haepo bridge stormwater pipeline. The average TP concentration was 5.066 mg/L and values as high as 29.470 mg/L were measured. The highest pollution contribution rate to the Mangyeong river was more than 70 %. The cause of the pollution was expected to take place somewhere in Wanju Industrial Complex. Second, the average TP concentration of wastewater-treated effluent in the H factory was 0.405 mg/L. If a TP reduction facility is additionally installed in the H factory, it will help reduce TP uptake by Lake Saemangeum. Third, the TP concentration of untreated non-point source point flowing into the Samrae stream was very high with an average of 2.828 mg/L. Also, the pollution contribution rate of Samraecheon 2 to Mangyeong river was 21.8 % on average and up to 58 %. The pollution contribution rate was also high during the agricultural season and the winter, during which the flow rate is decreased. Investigation of these three points may be continuously needed, and analysis results and policy proposals presented to Jeollabukdo and Wanjugun to manage pollution sources.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.154-163
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• 2019

Objectives: The hazardous heavy metal contents of cosmetics were investigated and the resulting values were compared by type of cosmetics: skin care preparations (SCP), hair preparations (HP), makeup preparations (MP), and eye makeup preparations (EMP). Methods: The hazardous heavy metal contents (Pb, As, Cd, Sb, Ni and Hg) were analyzed for 358 cosmetics products (187 SCP, 82 HP, 56 MP, and 33 EMP). Hg was measured by the amalgamation method, and other hazardous heavy metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) after decomposition using the microwave method. Results: The mean contents of Pb, As, Cd, Sb, Ni, and Hg in cosmetics were 0.424, 0.068, 0.024, 0.398, $0.567{\mu}/g$, and Not Detected, respectively. All of the hazardous heavy metals were detected in most products, but below the recommended maximums of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The level of Cd was the lowest at 14.8%, and Sb was the highest at 41.2%. Pb, Sb and Ni showed the highest mean value and detection rate in EMP. As, Cd, and Hg showed the highest in SCP, HP, and MP, respectively. Conclusion: Hazardous heavy metals were detected in most products. In particular, Pb, Sb, and Ni were broadly detected in EMP, meaning more stringent quality control is required.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.750-756
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• 2020

Objectives: After coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic, the South Korean government announced guidelines on wearing masks to prevent its spread. The guidelines have changed depending on the severity of the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to identify mask-wearing behaviours to counter the spread of COVID-19 in indoor and outdoor environments. Methods: The type of mask worn and proper wearing were observed in cafés, supermarkets, underground shopping malls, and streets in Seoul. Behavioral assessment was repeated in August at social distancing levels 1 and 2, in October at social distancing level 1, and in November after the mask mandates. Results: In August, 22.1% of subjects in cafés, 90.8% in supermarkets, 91.8% in underground shopping malls, and 83.6% on outdoor streets wore masks properly. In October, the proportion of correct wearers increased in all locations. After masks became mandatory in November, about 97% of users of supermarkets, underground shopping malls, and streets wore masks properly. In cafés, the proportion of proper wearers was 61.5% with both social distancing level 2 in August and the mandate in November. The number of KF-certified mask wearers continued to increase from August to November. Conclusion: This study investigated mask-wearing behaviors to counter COVID-19 through observations in indoor and outdoor places in Seoul. Mask-wearing behavior was different depending on the place and the government guidelines in place. The results could be used for evaluation of the current guidelines for COVID-19.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.83-92
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• 2024

Background: In this study, we investigate the rapid increase in environmental odors and notable rise in civil complaints near Dorim Stream in the Gwanak-gu area of Seoul. Objectives: This study aims to identify the causal compounds responsible for environmental odors in the Dorim Stream and investigate the structural characteristics of the stream that influence odor generation. Methods: The research methodology involved setting up 41 sampling points, selecting panels for direct sensory evaluation to assess odor intensity, measuring dissolved oxygen and hydrogen sulfide concentrations, and using all-in-one low-temperature desorption gas chromatography (ATD-GC) and thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS) analysis to identify odor-causing compounds. Results: The evaluation of Dorim Stream revealed that in areas with complete meandering, there were lower dissolved oxygen levels (4.5±2.67 mg/L) and higher odor intensity (4.0±0.92), while in partially meandering sections, higher dissolved oxygen levels (7.8±1.15 mg/L) and lower odor intensity (2.8±1.06) were observed. Hydrogen sulfide levels measured with sensors increased with higher temperatures, especially in the afternoon hours (12:00~14:00). Acetaldehyde was the dominant odor compound detected in both the Bonglim Bridge (0.4 ppm) area and Guro Bridge area (0.867 ppm), with concentrations more than twice as high near Guro Bridge. Odor-causing compounds identified by TD-GC/MS indicated a pungent, sulfurous odor in the Guro Bridge area and a musty odor in the Bonglim Bridge area. Conclusions: This study categorizes and analyzes the sources of odor in Dorim Stream in Seoul based on meandering patterns and the distribution of sewage facilities, highlighting the potential odor issues associated with combined sewage systems and sewer junctions and suggesting policy improvements.

• 산업보건소식
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• no.39
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• pp.25-29
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• 1987

노동부는 유해물질의 허용농도를 작업환경측정방법과 분리하여 각각의 규정을 제정함으로써 허용농도설정의 근본취지에 부합되게 하는 동시에 허용농도 제정대상 유해물질의 종류를 394종(현재 60종)으로 확대하여 산업안전보건법 제18조 및 동법 제31조 규정에 의한 작업환경개선 및 평가의 기준 으로 사용할 수 있도록 유해물질의 허용농도를 고시 제 86-­45호로 제정하고 현행 작업환경측정방법을 고시 제 86-46 호로 개정하였으며 '87.4.1 부터 시행한다.