• Environmental and Resource Economics Review
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.545-564
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• 2016

Recently as fine and ultra fine particles become major environmental issues in Korea, it is very important to develop effective solutions to air pollution. Accordingly this study aims at detecting causes of air pollution by using models and examining if diesel price increases contribute to reduction of diesel consumption and air pollution. TSP, PM10, $NO_X$, $SO_X$, CO, and VOC are included as major air pollutants. As a result, we found invert U shape curve between pollution and income for all air pollutants except CO. Consumer price index, coal power capacity, diesel consumption, frequency of yellow dust, number of natural gas buses, number of transport business, annual average temperature, number of manufacturing businesses are also influential in explaining causes of air pollution. As diesel price increases by 1%, air pollutants decline between 0.07~0.12% in the short run. Simultaneously, the additional revenue from increases in diesel prices might be transferred to support expansion of biofuel market. Also, stronger policy should be developed to mitigate the current air pollution problem.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.57-65
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• 1999

Backround : Pneumoconiosis is the parenchymal lung disease that results from the inhalation and deposition of dust, usually mineral dust of occupational or environmental origin. Most of the pneumoconiosis can be categorized to coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) in Korea. No effective treatement is currently available, and the therapy for symptomatic CWP is limited to treatment of complication. Therefore authors analyzed and reviewed clinical features and radiological findings of 95 patients with pneumoconiosis for assessing the prognostic factors in disease progression. Method: We reviewed medical records of 95 cases with pneumoconiosis including history, chest X-ray, pulmonary function test, electrocardiography, AFB stain and culture of sputum, and routine blood examination between June 1995 and June 1997 in Seonam University Namkwang Hospital. Results: All of cases are male(mean age, 57.4 years), 91 cases out of them are miners. The mean duration of exposure to dust is 18.8 years. Major clinical symptoms are dyspnea (100%), sputum (71.6%), chest pain (55.8%), cough (23.2%), and hemoptysis (6.3%). 82 % of cases are over Morgan-Seaton Grade 2 in the degree of dyspnea. Small opacity on chest x-ray is 82.1 % and large opacity is 17.9%. Small opacity has tit type (37.2%), q/q type (25.6%) and r/r type (11.5%). B type is 42.2% in large opacity. For the pulmonary function test, restrictive type is 40.3%, mixed type 19.5% and obstructive type 8.3%. The more increasing chest Xray density, the more decreasing $FEV_1$ (p<0.01). 38% of patients show tuberculosis in chest X-ray, 15.8% positive smear of acid fast bacilli in sputum. The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis is high in patients with poor clinical condition. The cases with the active pulmonary tuberculosis have severe dyspnea. Expired cases show 100% and 75% of positive pulmonary tuberculosis in chest X-ray and sputum examination, respectively. 75% of expired cases show the chronic cor pulmonale, who died of acute respiratory failure. Conclusion: These findings indicate that tuberculoois infection has a decisive influence on the progress and prognoois of pneumoconioois.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.83-95
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• 2012

China has been a top producer and exporter of refined lead products in the world since the year 2000. After the phasing-out of leaded gasoline in the late 1990s, non-ferrous metallurgy and coal combustion have been identified as potential major sources of aerosol lead in China. This paper presents the single particle analytical results of ambient aerosol particles collected near a lead smelter using a scanning electron microscopy- energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Aerosol particle samples were collected over a 24-hour period, starting from 8 pm on 31 May 2002, using a high volume TSP sampler. For this near source sample, 73 particles among 377 particles analyzed (accounting for 19.4%) were lead-containing particles mixed with other species (S, Cl, K, Ca, and/or C), which probably appeared to be from a nearby lead smelter. Lead-containing particles of less than $2{\mu}m$ size in the near source sample were most frequently encountered with the relative abundances of 42%. SEM-EDX analysis of individual standard particles, such as PbO, PbS, $PbSO_4$, $PbCl_2$, and $PbCO_3$, was also performed to assist in the clear identification of lead-containing aerosol particles. Lead-containing particles were frequently associated with arsenic and zinc, indicating that the smelter had emitted those species during the non-ferrous metallurgical process. The frequently encountered particles following the lead-containing particles were mineral dust particles, such as aluminosilicates (denoted as AlSi), $SiO_2$, and $CaCO_3$. Nitrate- and sulfate-containing particles were encountered frequently in $2-4{\mu}m$ size range, and existed mostly in the forms of $Ca(NO_3,SO_4)/C$, $(Mg,Ca)SO_4/C$, and $AlSi+(NO_3,SO_4)$. Particles containing metals (e.g., Fe, Cu, and As) in this near source sample had relative abundances of approximately 10%. Although the airborne particles collected near the lead smelter contained elevated levels of lead, other types of particles, such as $CaCO_3$-containing, carbonaceous, metal-containing, nitrates, sulfates, and fly-ash particles, showed the unique signatures of samples influenced by emissions from the lead smelter.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.538-555
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to understand $PM_{2.5}$ chemical characteristics on the Suwon/Yongin area and further to quantitatively estimate $PM_{2.5}$ source contributions. The $PM_{2.5}$ sampling was carried out by a high-volume air sampler at the Kyung Hee University-Global Campus from November, 2010 to October, 2011. The 40 chemical species were then analyzed by using ICP-AES(Ag, Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Si, Ti, V and Zn), IC ($Na^+$, $K^+$, $NH_4{^+}$, $Mg^{2+}$, $Ca^{2+}$, $NO_3{^-}$, ${SO_4}^{2-}$ and $Cl^-$), DRI/OGC (OC1, OC2, OC3, OC4, OP, EC1, EC2 and EC3) and GC-FID (acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[a] pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd] pyrene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene and dibenzo[a,h,]anthracene). When applying PMF model after performing proper data treatment, a total of 10 sources was identified and their contributions were quantitatively estimated. The average contribution to $PM_{2.5}$ emitted from each source was determined as follows; 26.3% from secondary aerosol source, 15.5% from soil and road dust emission, 15.3% from vehicle emission, 15.3% from illegal biomass burning, 12.2% from incineration, 7.2% from oil combustion source, 4.9% from industrial related source, and finally 3.2% from coal combustion source. In this study we used the ratios of PAHs concentration as markers to double check whether the sources were reasonably classified or not. Finally we provided basic information on the major $PM_{2.5}$ sources in order to improve the air quality in the study area.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.445-449
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• 2005

Present study was designed to evaluate the practical application of triethyl amine(TEA) injection for improving the collection efficiency of electrostatic precipitator(ESP) connected to a real operating plant. The major fuels used at the domestic power stations were bituminous coals imported from Australia, China, South Africa, and USA. Although the values of the electric resistance would be more or less different according to the type of the coals used, the unique electric resistance values of fly ash from the coals were mostly higher than $1{\times}10^{12}\;{\Omega}-cm$ and therefore, back corona problems were always expected to occur in the electrostatic precipitator. The particulates concentrations, smoke concentrations and their electric resistivity measured at the outlet of ESP, and the inspection of collection indicated that the injection of TEA improved the collection efficiency of particulate at collection plates of ESP. The electric resistance for, fly ash with the injection concentration of TEA 15 ppm(Purity 99.7%) was lowered to $2.1{\times}10^{11}\;{\Omega}-cm$ after injection from $1.9{\times}10^{12}\;{\Omega}-cm$ before injection. Under this condition, the dust emission content at the stack was reduced to approximately 80%, lowering the average outlet concentrations of particulates from $70\;mg/Sm^3$ to $14\;mg/Sm^3$.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.269-280
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• 2018

This paper reports the results of field evaluation to determine the levels of heavy metals in major industrial complexes in Korea over a seven year period (2007~2013). The measurement of heavy metal was conducted using quartz fiber filter sampling and ICP-AES analysis. In order to validate the analytical performance of these methods, studies were also carried out to investigate data quality control(QC) parameters, such as the method detection limit (MDL), repeatability, and recovery efficiencies. The average concentrations of total suspended particulates (TSP) for the nine industrial complexes in Korea were $104{\sim}169{\mu}g/m^3$, which was higher than other industrial complexes and urban areas. The Sihwa and Banwol industrial complexes were shown to be the biggest contributing sources to high TSP emission ($159{\mu}g/m^3$ and $169{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively). The concentrations of heavy metals in TSP were higher in the order of Fe>Cu>Zn, Pb, Mn>Cr, Ni, As and Cd. It was observed that Fe was the highest in the Gwangyang and Pohang steel industrial complexes. The concentrations of Zn and Pb were high in Onsan, Sihwa and Banwol industrial complexes, and this was attributed to the emission from the nonferrous industry. Additionally, Cr and Ni concentrations were high in the Sihwa and Banwol industrial complexes due to plating industry. On the other hand, Ulsan and Onsan industrial complexes showed high Cr and Ni concentrations as a response to the emission of metal industry related to automobile. The correlation analysis revealed the high correlation between Cr and Ni in plating industry from Sihwa and Banwol industrial complexes. Adding to this, components related to coal combustion and road dust showed high correlation in Pohang and Gwangyang industrial complexes. Then Onsan and Ulsan industrial complexes showed high correlation among components related to the nonferrous metals.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.36-50
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to assign emission source profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matters (PMs) for chemical speciation, and to correct the temporal allocation factor and the chemical speciation of source profiles according to the source classification code within the sparse matrix operator kernel emission system (SMOKE) in the Seoul metropolitan area. The chemical speciation from the source profiles of VOCs such as gasoline, diesel vapor, coating, dry cleaning and LPG include 12 and 34 species for the carbon bond IV (CBIV) chemical mechanism and the statewide air pollution research center 99 (SAPRC99) chemical mechanism, respectively. Also, the chemical speciation of PM2.5 such as soil, road dust, gasoline and diesel vehicles, industrial source, municipal incinerator, coal fired, power plant, biomass burning and marine was allocated to 5 species of fine PM, organic carbon, elementary carbon, $NO_3{^-}$, and $SO_4{^2-}$. In addition, temporal profiles for point and line sources were obtained by using the stack telemetry system (TMS) and hourly traffic flows in the Seoul metropolitan area for 2007. In particular, the temporal allocation factor for the ozone modeling at point sources was estimated based on $NO_X$ emission inventories of the stack TMS data.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.711-722
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• 2011

This study is aimed to estimate the $PM_{2.5}$ source apportionment at Seoul intensive monitoring site located in Seoul metropolitan area. Time-resolved chemical compositions of $PM_{2.5}$ are measured in real time using ambient ion monitor, semi-continuous carbon monitor, and on-line XRF at Seoul intensive monitoring site in 2010. The mass concentration of $PM_{2.5}$ was simultaneously monitored with eight ionic species (${SO_4}^{2-}$, $NO_3{^-}$, $Cl^-$, $NH_4{^+}$, $Na^+$, $K^+$, $Mg^{2+}$, $Ca^{2+}$), two carbonaceous species (OC and EC), and fourteen elements (Si, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Pb) in 1-hr interval. The data sets were then analyzed using EPA PMF version 3 to identify sources and contributions to $PM_{2.5}$ mass. EPA PMF modeling identified eight PM2.5 sources, including soil dust, secondary sulfate, secondary nitrate, motor vehicle, coal combustion, oil combustion, biomass burning, and municipal incineration. This study found that the average $PM_{2.5}$ mass was apportioned to anthropogenic sources such as motor vehicle, fuel combustion, and biomass burning (61%) and secondary aerosols, including sulfate and nitrate (38%).

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.366-379
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• 2015

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess airborne particulate matter(PM) pollution and its effect on health of residents living near Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex in Daegu metropolitan region. Methods: The California Puff(CALPUFF) dispersion model, version 5.8, which can estimate the dispersion direction and range of airborn $PM_{10}$ was used to determine the possible areas affected by $PM_{10}$ pollutants emitted from Ansim briquette fuel complex. The CALPUFF modeling with 200 m grid-cell resolution was performed based on $PM_{10}$ emissions estimated from the amount of coal consumption in the fuel complex for four months in 2012. The Weather Research and Forecasting(WRF) fields were processed using CALMET to produce CALPUFF-ready meteorological inputs. Also, the distance from Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex to the residence of each environmental pneumoconiosis patient was analyzed. In addition, the affecting region of the pollutants emitted from briquette factories in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex was determined. Results: CALPUFF modeling results showed that the highest concentrations of $PM_{10}$ were found near around the fuel complex. The modeled $PM_{10}$ distributions were characterized by significant decreases in concentration with distance from the complex. Seasonally, the highest concentration of $45{\mu}g/m^3$ was calculated in October which was mostly due to the distinct variation of amount of emission. Additional modeling with the maximum $PM_{10}$ emission of about 88 tons per year in 1986 showed that the highest concentration in October was nearly increased by 8 times than the concentration modeled with emission of 2010. As a result of medical examination and interviews for the residents in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and its surroundings, 8 environmental pneumoconiosis patients were found. These patients do not have occupational exposure and history. These patients have lived 0.3~1.1 km area in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and its surroundings. Conclusions: Airborne particles emitted from Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex can contribute to significant increase in $PM_{10}$ concentration in residential areas near around the complex. Especially, the residents near fuel complex may exposed to the pollutants emitted from the factories in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Health Society Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.24-25
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• 2003

Lead is ubiquitous in the human environment as a result of industrialization. China's rapid industrialization and traffic growth have increased the potential for lead emissions. Lead poisoning in children is one of the most common public health problems today, and it is entirely preventable. Children are more vulnerable to lead pollution and lead in their bodies can affect their nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems. Children are exposed to lead from different sources (such as paint, gasoline, and solder) and through different pathways (such as air, food, water, dust, and soil). Although all children are exposed to some lead from food, air, dust, and soil, some children are exposed to high dose sources of lead. Significant sources of lead for China's children include industrial emissions (often close to housing and schools), leaded gasoline, and occupational exposure that occurs when parents wear lead-contaminated clothing home from work, burning of coal for home heat and cooking, contaminated food, and some traditional medicines. To assess the blood lead level in children in China, a large-scale study was conducted in 19 cities among 9 provinces during 1997 to 2000. There were 6502 children, aged 3-5 years, were recruited in the study The result indicates that the mean blood lead level was 8.83ug/dl 3-5 year old living in city area. The mean blood lead level of boys was higher than that of girls (9.1l ug/dl vs 8.73ug/dl). Almost 30 percent childrens blood lead level exceeded 10ug/dl. The average blood lead level was higher than that of in 1985 (8.83ug/dl vs 8.lug/dl). An epidemiological study was carried on the children living around the cottage industries recycling the lead from battery. Nine hundreds fifty nine children, aged 5-12 years, living in lead polluted villages where the lead smelters located near the residential area and 207 control children live in unpolluted area were recruited in the study. The lead levels in air, soil, drinking water and crops were measured. The blood lead and ZnPP level were tested for all subjects. The results show that the local environment was polluted. The lead levels both in the air and crops were much higher than that of in control area. In the polluted area, the average blood level was 49.6ug/dl (rang 19.5-89.3ug/dl). Whereas, in the unpolluted area, the average blood level was 12.4ug/dl (rang 4.6-24.8ug/dl). This study indicates that in some countryside area, some cottage industries induce seriously lead pollution and cause children health problem. For the introducing of unleaded gasoline in some large cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, the blood lead level showed a declined trend since 1997. By 2000, the use of leaded gasoline in motor vehicles has been prohibited in China. The most recent data available show that levels of lead in blood among children in Shanghai decreased from 8.3ug/dl in 1997 to 7.6ug/dl in 1999. The prevalence rate of children lead poisoning (blood lead >10ug/dl) was also decreased from 37.8% to 24.8%. In children living in downtown area, the blood lead level reduced dramatically. To explore the relationship between gene polymorphisms and individual susceptibility of lead poisoning, a molecular epidemiological study was conducted among children living in lead polluted environment. The result showed that the subjects with ALAD2 allele has higher ZPP level, and the subjects with VDR B allele has larger head circumference than only with b allele. In the present study, we demonstrated that ALAD genotypes modify lead effects on heme metabolism and VDR gene variants influence the skull development in highly exposed children. The polymorphism of ALAD and VDR genes might be the molecular inherited factor modifying the susceptibility of lead poisoning. Recently, Chinese government pays more attention to lead pollution and lead poisoning in children problem. The leaded gasoline was prohibited used in motor vehicles since 2000. The government has decided to have a clampdown on the high-polluted lead smelters for recycling the lead from battery in countryside. It is hopeful that the risk of lead poisoning in children will be decreased in the further