• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.134-144
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• 1998

A comprehensive air quality monitoring was carried out to investigate the criteria concentration of air pollutant in indoor of subway stations of Seoul City. The samples were collected twice per year (the first and the second half of the year) at each sampling point from February to September in 1997. Sampling point of subway stations was ticket office and platform. The measurement of indoor air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide(SO$_2$), nitrogen dioxide(NO$_2$), carbon monoxide(CO), carbon dioxide(CO$_2$), total suspended particulate(TSP) was performed to determine the indoor air quality. Heavy metals(Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, As, Hg) were also measured together with those air pollutants. The annual average concentration of CO$_2$ and TSP in subway stations were relatively high while those of heavy metals were within 10% of environmental recommended standard concentration in all stations. As results of regression analysis between line and line of air factors, the concentrations of CO, CO$_2$, TSP, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu were highly correlated, but those of $SO_2, NO_2$ and Hg were not correlated. As results of regression analysis between ticket office and platform, the concentrations of heavy metals such as Cr and Cu were highly correlated. Results of oneway analysis of variance between the first and the second half of the year air factors also indicated that CO, CO$_2$, Cd, Cu, Hg were significant($\alpha$=0.01), respectively. The average contration of total suspended particulate(TSP) in subway line No. 1 was shown high concentration(200 $\mu g/m^3\cdot$ day) level.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.202-213
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• 2017

Objectives: HRA (Health Risk Assessment) is an important tool for measuring the health impacts of air pollution. HRA is already being used widely as an important reference for crafting air pollution policies. However, the absence of a domestic CRF (Concentration Response Function) standard, which is a main component for HRA, could cause confusion amongst policy-makers. The purpose of this study is to tabulate a domestic CRF standard for a PM (Particulate Matter)-related HRA. Methods: This study suggested a domestic CRF standard for HRA thorough a literature review. The literature review for meta-analysis was limited to the English language for epidemiological studies published from January 1980 to March 2016. This meta-analysis was conducted by assuming both fixed- and random-effects of CRF. In addition, studies that reported HRA of air pollution for WHO (World Health Organization), the EC (European Commission), and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) were reviewed to compare the CRFs of South Korea to the recommended CRFs of WHO, the EC, or the EPA. Additionally, a domestic CRF standard was supplemented by these. Results: Nineteen studies were selected for the CRF for South Korea. Fifty-three CRFs were derived for meta-analysis. CRFs with a standard for PM-related HRA were divided according to the following four criteria: air pollution, exposure characteristics, type of health impact, and age group. Finally, a domestic CRF standard was created comprised of 21 CRFs. Among these, six CRFs were derived from the results of foreign HRA studies. Conclusions: This study is important in that a domestic CRF standard is first suggested. In addition, this study suggests a further area of study for using HRA as a policy tool and a direction of epidemiological study.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.32 no.1 s.88
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• pp.1-7
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• 2006

This study was performed to investigate airborne lead concentration and surface lead contents in preschool facilities. Arithmetic mean of indoor lead concentration in urban area was $44.7\;ng/m^3$ (Geometric mean $32.1\;ng/m^3$) whereas outdoor concentration was $39.5\;ng/m^3$ (GM $22.8\;ng/m^3$). In rural area, airborne lead concentrations were $14.2\;ng/m^3\;(GM\;7.9 ng/m^3),\;12.6\;ng/m^3\;(GM\;5.6 ng/m^3)$, respectively. There is statistical significance of the lead concentrations among the locations of preschool facilities. About $37\%$ of qualitative lead check samples was positive and mainly was found in lead based paint. Though lead concentrations on the floor and window sill were well below the US EPA and HUD standard (floor $40\;{\mu}g/ft^2\;(4.3\;{\mu}g/100\;cm^2)$, window sill $250\;{\mu}g/ft^2\;(26.9\;{\mu}g/100\;cm^2)$, respectively), there were much samples which exceed the standard, i.e., $29\%$ of surface wall, $20\%$ of the desk and chair, $100\%$ of painted wood box of tested samples. In view of our study and hazard of lead to children, we recommended that the contents of lead in preschool facilities should be lowered as possible.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.265-271
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• 1996

This study was conducted to investigate distribution of lead particles by operation of industry, to evaluate the effect of particle size on the absorption to workers, and to recommend the Occupational Health Standard for lead. Total lead concentrations in the secondary smelting industry were higher than those in the battery and litharge manufacturing industry. Total lead concentrations in other industries except radiator manufacturing industry exceeded the standard of $50{\mu}g/m^3$. Only radiator manufacturing industry indicated lead concentrations significantly lower than those in other industries(p<0.05). Average blood lead level of workers was $85.1{\mu}g/dl$ in secondary smelting manufacturing, $51.3{\mu}g/dl$ in the battery manufacturing, and below $40{\mu}g/dl$ in the litharge and radiator manufacturing industry. Blood lead levels of workers by industry were significantly different(p<0.05). From relationship between airborne lead concentrations by size and lead in blood, confidence limits of airborne lead concentration equivalent to $40{\mu}g/dl$ of permissible limit in blood, was $147.9-489.8{\mu}g/m^3$ as total lead and $28.8-79.4{\mu}g/m^3$ as ACGIH-RPM. It is recommended that two separate occupational health standards for lead should be established by particle size. Airborne concentration of $150{\mu}g/m^3$ as fatal lead dust and $30{\mu}g/m^3$ as respirable lead dust was recommended.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.59-71
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• 2014

We investigated soil contamination depending on the land use by examining the contamination levels and distribution characteristics of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the national soil. Total PAHs (the sum of 16 PAH concentrations) and carcinogenic PAHs (the sum of seven carcinogenic PAH concentrations) were $8.50{\sim}3,437.16{\mu}g/kg$ and $2.94{\sim}2,136.96{\mu}g/kg$, respectively. The concentration of benzo(a)pyrene, one of the contaminants regulated by the soil quality standard in the nation, was $ND{\sim}924.73{\mu}g/kg$. Its maximum value of $924.73{\mu}g/kg$ was detected in railroad (Region 3) and is approximately 13% of the standard value for Region 3 (i.e., 7 mg/kg). We also investigated the characteristics of contamination sources of PAHs in soil of the upland, forests, roads, and railroads, examining the fraction distribution of PAHs concentration by the number of benzene rings against the total PAHs concentration. The results demonstrate that the mean fraction of 4~6-ring PAHs against total PAHs concentration in soil was in the range of 51.8~80.7% with relative abundance of high-molecular PAHs, showing that the origin of contamination is under the category of combustion sources. When the molecular indices (Flu/(Flu/Pyr), Ant/(Ant+Phe), InP/(InP+BP), and BaA/(BaA+Chr)) were applied, they were also categorized as petroleum-based combustion sources. The individual PAH concentrations in soil by the land use were grouped into Regions 1, 2, and 3, which are statistically treated and are the parts of the national category system of soil quality standard. As a result, the concentration level of 16 PAHs was $0.02{\sim}2.63{\mu}g/kg$ in Region 1, $0.05{\sim}4.26{\mu}g/kg$ in Region 2, and $2.36{\sim}178.27{\mu}g/kg$ in Region 3. The concentration level of 6 carcinogenic PAHs was 14.2~320.4% against that of benzo(a)pyrene in Region 3 and sites of recycling waste sleepers. Considering that there were similarities among PAHs in terms of structures and toxicities, it would be recommended to review other types of carcinogenic PAHs together with benzo(a)pyrene when developing the soil quality standards in the nation.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.754-761
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• 2012

Several drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) produce the bottled tap waters (BTWs) as pilot production and provide them for noncommercial use. In 2008, acetaldehyde and chloral hydrate were detected in some BTWs and the public worry over the safety of the water. In this study, the BTWs produced from 7 DWTPs were tested for 13 chemicals including disinfection byproducts (DBPs). The level of four trihalomethanes (THMs) were increased up to 15 days. The average concentration of them was 0.0075 mg/L at the time of bottling and it was increased to 0.0214 mg/L after 15 days. The average acetaldehyde concentration was 0.0406 mg/L at the time of bottling but it was went up to 0.2251 mg/L after 11 days and then decreased. Although the initial concentrations of DBPs were below the drinking water standard, we also traced them at different storage conditions. Temperature affected the formations of THMs and acetaldehyde concentrations significantly. While the average concentration of THMs ranged from 0.0113 to 0.0182 mg/L at $25^{\circ}C$, it was increased to 0.0132 ~ 0.0256 mg/L at $50^{\circ}C$. In case of acetaldehyde, concentration ranged from 0.0901 to 0.2251 mg/L at $25^{\circ}C$, it was increased to 0.3394 ~ 1.0591 mg/L at $50^{\circ}C$. Throughout the tests with 7 BTWs samples, none of the chemicals was exceeded the drinking water standard of Korea. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid the exposure of BTWs to sunlight or high temperature during distribution and storage.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.19 no.E3
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• pp.99-120
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• 2003

Visibility impairment in an urban area is mainly caused by airborne fine particulate matters. Visibility in a clean air environment is more sensitive to the change of PM$_{2.5}$ particle concentrations. However, a proportionally larger reduction in fine particle concentration is needed to achieve a small increment of visibility improvement in polluted areas. Continuous optical monitoring of atmospheric visibility and extensive aerosol measurements have been made in the urban atmosphere of Kwangju, Korea. The mean for fine particulate mass from 1999 to 2002 at Kwangju was measured to be 23.6$\pm$20.3 $\mu\textrm{g}$/㎥. The daily average seasonal visual range was measured to be 13.1, 9.2, 11.0, and 13.9 km in spring, summer, fall, and winter, respectively. The mean light extinction budgets by sulfate, nitrate, organic carbon, and elemental carbon aerosol were observed to be 27, 14, 22, and 12%, respectively. It is highly recommended that a new visibility standard and/or a fine particle standard be established in order to protect the health and welfare of general public. Much more work needs to be done in visibility studies, including long-term monitoring of visibility, improvement of visibility models, and formulating integrated strategies for managing fine particles to mitigate the visibility impairment and climate change.e.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.143-149
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to propose a management method to maintain the pleasant indoor air quality of the dental clinic by measuring and analyzing the indoor air quality of the dental clinic. The measurement was conducted in two rooms, a lobby where many residents stay in the reception room for waiting for medical treatment, and a VIP room where treatment activities are mainly performed. Measurement items are Temperature, Humidity, $CO_2$, CO, $NO_2$, $CH_2O$, VOC, $PM_{10}$ and measurement were taken on April 27, 2018. As a result of analyzing the temperature and humidity of the dental clinic, it was analyzed that the average indoor temperature was maintained at $25^{\circ}C$ and the humidity was kept at around 50%, maintaining proper indoor temperature and humidity environment. $CO_2$ was 855ppm in the VIP Room, which satisfied the maintenance standard. In the case of the lobby, it was analyzed to be 1,160ppm, which exceeded the maintenance standard and it is judged that the carbon dioxide generated by the respiration of the people staying in the lobby is the main reason. The mean concentration of formaldehyde in the VIP room was analyzed as $436{\mu}g/m^3$, exceeding the maintenance standard, and $2,100{\mu}g/m^3$ for the VOC exceeded the recommended standard. It was analyzed that the concentration was relatively higher due to the use of disinfectant and other drugs. The mean concentration of PM-10 in the lobby was analyzed as $65{\mu}g/m^3$ and it was analyzed that it satisfied the maintenance standard. To maintain a pleasant indoor air quality in a dental clinic it is necessary to minimize the effects of formaldehyde, VOC, $CO_2$ in the VIP rooms and lobby. For this purpose, the entire ventilation system and air purification system of the dental clinic should be installed. In case of the VIP room, local exhaust ventilation should be installed and workers should wear personal protective equipment.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.81-87
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• 2014

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.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.336-342
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• 2019

Introduction: An unexpected death was reported in a beginner immediately after starting the work at a plating factory. After the incident, air sampling was performed using a simulation of the situation as it had been at the time. Methods: To evaluate the airborne concentration of hydrogen cyanide, a total of six samples were collected: one personal sample, three area samples, and two background samples (office and outdoors). Hydrogen cyanide measurement was performed according to the standard sampling protocol recommended by the U.S. NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health). Results: The highest concentration of hydrogen cyanide was 0.938 ppm measured in a sample collected from the plating bath area with local exhaust ventilation. This value was approximately 20% of the ceiling occupational exposure limit. The personal sample showed a concentration of 0.135 ppm. Samples collected near the bath in which the incident occurred and a dehydrator showed hydrogen cyanide concentrations of 0.236 ppm and 0.101 ppm, respectively. Hydrogen cyanide was not detected in the background samples (office and outdoors). Conclusions: It is necessary to use proper ventilation systems and respirators in plating factories to prevent acute poisoning. Furthermore, it is important to educate and train new workers dealing with toxic substances.