• Toxicological Research
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• 제28권4호
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• pp.269-277
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to understand the mechanism of cardiovascular disease (CVD) caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals. We investigated changes in the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, which is strongly related to CVD, and in levels of other CVD risk factors, with a special emphasis on the roles of catecholamines and oxidative stress. The results revealed that neither body mass index (BMI) nor waist and hip circumferences were associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals. Among metabolic syndrome criteria, only HDL-cholesterol level increased on exposure to hazardous chemicals. Levels of epinephrine (EP) and norepinephrine (NEP) were not influenced by exposure to hazardous chemicals; however, the total antioxidative capacity (TAC) reduced because of increased oxidative stress. Both hazardous chemical exposure level and metabolite excretion were related to EP, NEP, and the oxidative stress index (OSI). Logistic regression analysis with these factors as independent variables and metabolic syndrome criteria as dependent variables revealed that EP was associated with blood pressure, and NEP with metabolic syndrome in the chemical-exposed group. In conclusion, the results suggest that reactive oxygen species generated and oxidative stress due to exposure to hazardous chemicals act as mediators and cause changes in the physiological levels of EP and NEP to increase blood pressure. This ultimately leads to the development of CVD through increase in cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood glucose levels by lipid peroxidation.

• 한국안전학회지
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.66-72
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• 2018

This study analyses the types, related operations, facilities, and causes of chemical accidents in Korea based on the RISCAD classification taxonomy. In addition, human error analysis was carried out employing different human error classification criteria. Explosion and fire were major accident types, and nearly half of the accidents occurred during maintenance operation. In terms of related facility, storage devices and separators were the two most frequently involved ones. Results of the human error-based analysis showed that latent human errors in management level are involved in many accidents as well as active errors in the field level. Action errors related to unsafe behavior leads to accidents more often compared with the checking behavior. In particular, actions missed and inappropriate actions were major problems among the unsafe behaviors, which implicates that the compliance with the work procedure should be emphasized through education/training for the workers and the establishment of safety culture. According to the analysis of the causes of the human error, the frequency of skill-based mistakes leading to accidents were significantly lower than that of rule-based and knowledge based mistakes. However, there was limitation in the analysis of the root causes due to limited information in the accident investigation report. To solve this, it is suggested to adopt advanced accident investigation system including the establishment of independent organization and improvement in regulation.

• 한국가스학회지
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.1-7
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• 2012

지난 2010년 8월 9일 발생한 압축천연가스(compressed natural gas, CNG) 버스의 내압용기 파열사고 이후 정부는 CNG자동차의 안전관리 체계를 구축하기 위하여 다각적인 연구를 수행하였으며, 본 내용은 그 주요 내용을 정리한 것이다. CNG자동차의 안전성 향상을 위해 관련 법령, 검사 인증기준 등 안전관리제도를 검토하였고, 더불어 CNG자동차 관련 종사자(검사원, 정비원)에 대한 교육훈련 등도 검토하였다. 주요 검토내용으로는 CNG자동차용 용기형태, CNG용기의 설치위치, 압력방출배관의 재질 및 설치형태, 배관접속 및 접합방법, 가스누출 경보시스템, 긴급차단밸브 및 작동 스위치, CNG용기 보호커버, CNG 자동차 충전사업자의 공급자 의무사항, CNG자동차의 정기검사제도, CNG자동차의 일상점검 제도, CNG자동차 종사자의 교육훈련제도, CNG버스 운송사업체의 안전관리자 선임제도 등이다. 위의 주요 항목들을 중점적으로 검토하여 CNG자동차의 안전성 향상 방안을 제안하였다.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.280-287
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• 2009

High-tech microelectronics industry is known as one of the most chemical-intensive industries. In Korea, Microelectronics industry occupied 38% of export and 16% of working employees work in microelectronics industry. But, chemical information and health hazards of high-tech microelectronics manufacturing are poorly understood because of rapid development and its penchant for secrecy. We need to investigate on chemical use and exposure control. We Site-visits to 6 high-tech microelectronics manufacturing company which have cleanroom work using over 1,000kg organic solvents (5 semi-conductor chips and its related parts company, 1 liquid crystal display (LCD)). We reviewed their data on chemical use and ventilation system, and measured TVOCs (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) and carbon dioxide concentration. All cleanroom air passed through hepa filters to acheive low particle levels and only 1 cleanroom uses carbon filters to minimize the organic solvents exposures In TVOC screening test, Cleanroom for semi-conductor chips and its related parts company with laminar down flow system (e.g. class 1~100) showed nondetectable level of TVOCs concentration, but Cleanroom for liquid crystal display (LCD) with conventional flow system (e.g. class 1,000~10,000) showed 327 ppm as TVOCs. Acetone concentration in cleanroom for Jig cleaning, LC Injection, Sealing processes were 18.488ppm (n=14), 49.762 ppm (n=15), 8.656 ppm (n=14) as arithmetric mean. Acetone concentration in cleanroom for LCD inspection process was 40ppm (n=55) as geometric mean, where the range was 7.8~128.7ppm and weakly correlated with ventilation rate efficiency(r=0.44, p<0.05). To control organic solvents in cleanrooms, chemical and carbon filters should be installed with hepa filters. Even though their volatile organic compounds concentration was not exceed to occupational exposure limits, considering of entrance limited cleanroom environment, long-term period exposure effects and adverse health effects of cleanroom worker need further reseach.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.39-51
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• 2011

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate exposure levels of various chemicals used in wafer fabrication product lines in the semiconductor industry where work-related leukemia has occurred. Methods: The research focused on 9 representative wafer fabrication bays among a total of 25 bays in a semiconductor product line. We monitored the chemical substances categorized as human carcinogens with respect to leukemia as well as harmful chemicals used in the bays and substances with hematologic and reproductive toxicities to evaluate the overall health effect for semiconductor industry workers. With respect to monitoring, active and passive sampling techniques were introduced. Eight-hour long-term and 15-minute short-term sampling was conducted for the area as well as on personal samples. Results: The results of the measurements for each substance showed that benzene, toluene, xylene, n-butyl acetate, 2-methoxy-ethanol, 2-heptanone, ethylene glycol, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid were non-detectable (ND) in all samples. Arsine was either "ND" or it existed only in trace form in the bay air. The maximum exposure concentration of fluorides was approximately 0.17% of the Korea occupational exposure limits, with hydrofluoric acid at about 0.2%, hydrochloric acid 0.06%, nitric acid 0.05%, isopropyl alcohol 0.4%, and phosphine at about 2%. The maximum exposure concentration of propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) was 0.0870 ppm, representing only 0.1% or less than the American Industrial Hygiene Association recommended standard (100 ppm). Conclusion: Benzene, a known human carcinogen for leukemia, and arsine, a hematologic toxin, were not detected in wafer fabrication sites in this study. Among reproductive toxic substances, n-butyl acetate was not detected, but fluorides and PGMEA existed in small amounts in the air. This investigation was focused on the air-borne chemical concentrations only in regular working conditions. Unconditional exposures during spills and/or maintenance tasks and by-product chemicals were not included. Supplementary studies might be required.

• 한국식품조리과학회지
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.149-158
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the perception and attitudes of middle school students toward food safety between those who possess high behavioral intentions to prevent contracting a foodborne illness and those who do not. The survey collected 871 usable data from several middle schools in Seoul, Korea in July 2007. Using six behavioral intention measurement items, a two-step cluster analysis approach was conducted resulting in a strong intention group and a weak intention group. Perception and attitudes toward foods safety were different between the two groups. Students with strong behavioral intentions to prevent foodborne illness tended to possess a stronger perception and attitude toward various food safety issues. Students with strong intentions were more certain of consumer's right to purchase safe foods, more concerned about foodborne illness and food safety, believed that the government should put more efforts toward establishing a safe food chain, possess more distrust for food suppliers, were more aware of specific foodborne illness pathogens, had more food safety education/training, and washed their hands more frequently than those with less strong intentions. No significant differences were found between the groups but,overall, chemical residues and food additives were perceived as more harmful and more serious food safety issues than those of foodborne illness pathogens despite that microorganisms are the main cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in schools. Participants seemed to underestimate the importance of temperature control for preventing foodborne outbreaks. Several implications and suggestions on how to improve the behavioral intentions of middle school students to prevent possible foodborne illness were provided.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제2권2호
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• pp.105-121
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• 2011

Objectives: This paper presents the framework and protocol design for a construction industry risk management toolbox. The construction industry needs a comprehensive, systematic approach to assess and control occupational risks. These risks span several professional health and safety disciplines, emphasized by multiple international occupational research agenda projects including: falls, electrocution, noise, silica, welding fumes, and musculoskeletal disorders. Yet, the International Social Security Association says, "whereas progress has been made in safety and health, the construction industry is still a high risk sector." Methods: Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) employ about 80% of the world's construction workers. In recent years a strategy for qualitative occupational risk management, known as Control Banding (CB) has gained international attention as a simplified approach for reducing work-related risks. CB groups hazards into stratified risk 'bands', identifying commensurate controls to reduce the level of risk and promote worker health and safety. We review these qualitative solutions-based approaches and identify strengths and weaknesses toward designing a simplified CB 'toolbox' approach for use by SMEs in construction trades. Results: This toolbox design proposal includes international input on multidisciplinary approaches for performing a qualitative risk assessment determining a risk 'band' for a given project. Risk bands are used to identify the appropriate level of training to oversee construction work, leading to commensurate and appropriate control methods to perform the work safely. Conclusion: The Construction Toolbox presents a review-generated format to harness multiple solutions-based national programs and publications for controlling construction-related risks with simplified approaches across the occupational safety, health and hygiene professions.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제49권2호
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• pp.89-98
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• 2023

Background: Organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) are a group of chemical substances used in building materials and plastic products to suppress or mitigate the combustion of materials. Although OPFRs are generally used in mixed form, information on their mixture toxicity is quite scarce. Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the toxicity and determine the types of interaction (e.g., synergistic, additive, and antagonistic effect) of OPFRs mixtures. Methods: Nine organophosphorus flame retardants, including TEHP (tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate) and TDCPP (tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate), were selected based on indoor dust measurement data in South Korea. Nine OPFRs were exposed to the luminescent bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri for 30 minutes and the human hepatocyte cell line HepG2 for 48 hours. Chemicals with significant toxicity were only used for mixture toxicity tests in HepG2. In addition, the observed EC_x values were compared with the predicted toxicity values in the CA (concentration addition) prediction model, and the MDR (model deviation ratio) was calculated to determine the type of interaction. Results: Only four chemicals showed significant toxicity in the luminescent bacteria assays. However, EC₅₀ values were derived for seven out of nine OPFRs in the HepG2 assays. In the HepG2 assays, the highest to lowest EC₅₀ were in the order of the molecular weight of the target chemicals. In the further mixture tests, most binary mixtures show additive interactions except for the two combinations that have TPhP (triphenyl phosphate), i.e., TPhP and TDCPP, and TPhP and TBOEP (tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate). Conclusions: Our data shows OPFR mixtures usually have additivity; however, more research is needed to find out the reason for the synergistic effect of TPhP. Also, the mixture experimental dataset can be used as a training and validation set for developing the mixture toxicity prediction model as a further step.

• 대한안전경영과학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.33-39
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• 2022

In order to improve the implementation of safety and health education at the site for industrial accident prevention activities, research was conducted to minimize inconvenience and increase utilization by redesigning and developing existing education methods. To date, occupational safety and health education has been conducted without considering the general work characteristics and functional facilities (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, chemical) of workers (mechanical: turbine, valve, pump, hydraulic system, electrical: generator, breaker, motor, etc.). In particular, plant facilities were classified as mechanical and electrical facilities to improve the methodology for industrial safety and health education for plant maintenance workers. In addition, the "One Page Education Plan" was announced as a learning case because the spread of COVID-19 infectious diseases made it impossible to reduce or control the number of people in all groups and groups. The improvement of this training method will play a major role in improving the effectiveness of safety education in power plant workplaces.

• 한국화재소방학회논문지
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.72-85
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• 2020

본 논문은 화학사고를 가정한 모의훈련 시나리오 설계 및 반복 훈련을 통한 구조대원의 활동성 분석에 관한 연구이다. 화학사고 및 테러에 의한 실내 현장의 복잡성을 기반으로 대응능력을 극대화하기 위해 2인 1조로 진행하는 12단계의 모의훈련 시나리오를 설계하여 소방대원의 역량 향상을 분석하였다. 모의훈련 시나리오에 따른 활동성 측정결과 최대심박수가 가장 큰 폭으로 하락하는 훈련은 2단계 구간으로 N1은 163 bpm에서 153 bpm, N2는 186 bpm에서 151 bpm, N3는 168 bpm에서 162 bpm, N4는 166 bpm에서 152 bpm으로 감소되는 것으로 나타났다. 허용활동시간의 강도 Level의 경우, 2단계에서 N1은 Level 5에서 Level 3로 감소, N2는 Level 5에서 Level 3로 감소, N3는 Level 4를 유지, N4는 Level 4에서 Level 3로 감소되어 최대허용활동시간이 늘어나는 것으로 나타났다.