• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제35권6호
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• pp.478-485
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• 2009

This study was performed to assess airborne fungi concentrations during fall in eight subway stations in Seoul, Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate appropriate culture media and evaluate factors affecting airborne fungi concentrations. Results indicated that airborne fungi concentrations showed log-normal distribution. Thus, geometric mean (GM) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) were calculated. The GM of airborne fungi concentrations cultured on malt extract agar (MEA) media was 466 $cfu/m^3$ (GSD 3.12; Range 113~4,172 $cfu/m^3$) and the GM of concentrations cultured on DG18 media was 242 $cfu/m^3$ (GSD 4.75; Range 49~6,093 $cfu/m^3$). Both of GM values exceeded 150 $cfu/m^3$, the guideline of World Health Organization (WHO). There was no significant difference between two fungi concentrations cultured on MEA and DG18 media, respectively. Two factors, such as relative humidity and depths of subway stations were significantly related to airborne fungi concentrations. It is recommended that special consideration should be given to deeper subway stations for improvement of indoor air quality.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.488-499
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• 2019

Objectives: This study was conducted to identify the characterization of organics solvent exposure among painting workers in the shipbuilding painting process, especially for their daily variations(within worker variance). Methods: Charcoal passive dosimeters were worn throughout each work shift for 20 days for five painting workers from October 19 to November 26, 2015. A total of 100 samples were collected, analyzed and compared with statutory workplace environmental measurements. Results: The geometric mean(GM) and geometric standard deviation(GSD) of mixed organic solvent(six substances) exposure index(EI) for the 100 samples were 0.42 and 4.42 respectively. The median and range of GSD for within worker EI representing five workers' daily EI variation is 3.72 and 2.63 ~ 5.20, respectively, which is classified as a very large variation(GSD>3). We were able to divide the painting process into two similar exposure groups(SEGs), Touch-up and Spray. Spray painting workers were much more exposed to organic solvent than Touch-up painting workers(GM=0.71 vs. 0.19), but less variably (GSD=3.64 vs. 4.10). xylene is the substance to which the workers were most exposed(GM=16.19 ppm, GSD=4.36), and the exposure characteristics of six substances including xylene is similar to those of EI. Conclusions: The daily variation of organic solvent exposure in the shipbuilding painting process is so high that statutory Assessment of Reliability of Work Environment Monitoring needs to be conducted with statistically sufficient number of samples and evidence.

• 대한기계학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한기계학회 2000년도 춘계학술대회논문집B
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• pp.392-397
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• 2000

Mono-disperse particles generated by a condensation particle generator are widely used to meet the experimental and industrial needs. The characteristics of particles generated by homogeneous nucleation have been studied experimentally using a laminar flow condensation particle generator. Dry nitrogen gas saturated with oleic acid vapor was cooled well below the saturation temperature causing the highly supersaturated vapor to nucleate. The dependence of GSD(Geometric Standard Deviation), GMD(Geometric Mean Diameter), and the mass concentration of particles on the temperature at the evaporator, flow rate and the temperature condition at condenser was studied. The experimental results show that the mass concentration of particles is affected by the radial temperature profile at condenser. Nucleation at the center of the condenser causes the mass concentration of particles to increase. The experimental results also show that the suppression of additional nucleation by a constant temperature condition at the condenser increases the mean diameter of particle.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제10권3호
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• pp.377-383
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• 2019

Objectives: Exposure to fine particles in urban air has been associated with a number of negative health effects. High levels of fine particles have been detected at underground stations in big cities. We investigated the exposure conditions in four occupational groups in the Stockholm underground train system to identify high-exposed groups and study variations in exposure. Methods: $PM_1$ and $PM_{2.5}$ were measured during three full work shifts on 44 underground workers. Fluctuations in exposure were monitored by a real-time particle monitoring instrument, pDR, DataRAM. Qualitative analysis of particle content was performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Nitrogen dioxide was measured using passive monitors. Results: For all underground workers, the geometric mean (GM) of $PM_1$ was $18{\mu}g/m^3$ and of $PM_{2.5}$ was $37{\mu}g/m^3$. The particle exposure was highest for cleaners/platform workers, and the GM of $PM_1$ was $31.6{\mu}g/m^3$ [geometric standard deviation (GSD), 1.6] and of $PM_{2.5}$ was $76.5{\mu}g/m^3$ (GSD, 1.3); the particle exposure was lowest for ticket sellers, and the GM of $PM_1$ was $4.9{\mu}g/m^3$ (GSD, 2.1) and of $PM_{2.5}$ was $9.3{\mu}g/m^3$ (GSD, 1.5). The $PM_1$ and $PM_{2.5}$ levels were five times higher in the underground system than at the street level, and the particles in the underground had high iron content. The train driver's nitrogen dioxide exposure level was $64.1{\mu}g/m^3$ (GSD, 1.5). Conclusions: Cleaners and other platform workers were statistically significantly more exposed to particles than train drivers or ticket sellers. Particle concentrations ($PM_{2.5}$) in the Stockholm underground system were within the same range as in the New York underground system but were much lower than in several older underground systems around the world.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.518-524
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• 2003

Ultrasonic nebulizer with the application of new engineering methodology and the design of electronic circuit was made for lead inhalation toxicology study and 2730ppm lead nebulizing solution was used to generate lead aerosol. After modification of source and inlet temperatures, the results of particle size analysis for lead aerosol were as following. The highest particle counting for source temperature 20℃ was 39933.66 in inlet temperature 100℃ and particle diameter 0.75tLm. The highest particle counting for source temperature 50℃ was 39992.71 in inlet temperature 250℃ and particle diameter 0.75μm. The highest particle counting for source temperature 70℃ was 37569.55 in inlet temperature 50℃ and particle diameter 0.75μm. The ranges of geometric mean diameter(GMD) were 0.754-0.784μm for source temperature 2℃, 0.758-0.852μm for source temperature 50℃, and 0.869-1.060μm for source temperature 70℃. The smallest GMD was 0.754μm in source temperature 20℃ and inlet temperature 20℃, and the largest GMD was 1.060μm in source temperature 70℃ and inlet temperature 250℃. The ranges of geometric standard deviation(GSD) were 1.730-1.782 for source temperature 20℃, 1.734-1.894 for source temperature 50℃, and 1.921-2.148 for source temperature 70℃. The lowest GSD was 1.730 in source temperature 20℃ and inlet temperature 20℃, and the highest GSD was 2.148 in source temperature 70℃ and inlet temperature 250℃. Lead aerosol generated in this study was polydisperse. The ranges of mass median diameter(MMD) were 1.856-2.133μm for source temperature 20℃, 1.877-2.894μm for source temperature 50℃, and 3.120-6.109μm for source temperature 70℃. The smallest MMD was 1.856μm in source temperature 20℃ and inlet temperature 20℃, and the largest MMD was 6.109μm in source temperature 70℃ and inlet temperature 250℃. Slight increases for GMD, GSD, and MMD values were observed with same source temperature and increase of inlet temperature. MMD for inhalation toxicology testing in EPA guidance is less than 4μm. In this study, source temperature 20℃ and 50℃ with inlet temperature from 20℃ to 250℃ were conformed to the EPA guidance, but inlet temperature 20℃ and 50℃ for source temperature 70℃ were conformed EPA guidance. MMD for inhalation toxicology testing in OECD and EU is less than 3μm. In this study, source temperature 20℃ and 50℃ with inlet temperature from 20℃ to 250℃ were conformed to the EPA guidance, but none for source temperature 70℃.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.700-710
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• 2003

For the experiment of the effects between cadmium aerosol inhalation toxicity and ethyl acetate extracts of Folium Mori, 4 inhalation exposure groups of rat were exposed to cadmium aerosol in air by whole-body inhalation exposure for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, and 4 weeks. Cadmium concentration in the air was 0.96㎎/㎥ and mass median diameter (MMD) was 2.48㎛ with 1.85 of geometric standard deviation(GSD). Intraperitoneal injections of ethyl acetate extracts of Folium Mori to inhalation exposure groups were performed for 4 weeks and the results were as follows: The highest body weight gain for 4 weeks and food intake per day were 159.29/4 weeks in treated group III and 18.45g/day in treated group I, respectively. The highest lung and liver weights were 1.31 g in treated group I and 9.42g in treated group III, respectively. The highest kidney weight was 2.21g from treated group I. The lowest cadmium content in lung was 86.39㎍/g from treated group III and the lowest cadmium concentration in blood was 2.72㎍/㎗ from treated group II. Cadmium concentrations of 22.09㎍/g in liver and 24.82㎍/g in kidney were the lowest from inhalation exposure group I and III, respectively. For weekly cadmium concentration in urine, the value of the fourth week from treated group III was the highest, 1.35㎍/㎖. For weekly cadmium concentration in feces, the values of the second and fourth week from treated group I were the highest, 1.11㎍/g. The highest metallothionein concentration in lung was 31.85㎍/g from treated group III and the highest metallothionein concentration in liver was 205.77㎍/g from treated group III. The highest metallothionein concentration in kidney was 206.55㎍/g from treated group III. The highest Hct and Hb values were 38.26% and 11.63g/㎗ from treated group III, respectively. The highest RBC and WBC values were 7.68×106/㎣ and 9.85×10³/㎣ from treated group I, respectively.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제16권5호
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• pp.1035-1041
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• 2002

Ultrasonic nebulizer with the application of new engineering methodology and the design of electronic circuit and 766ppm Cd nebulizing solution were used to generate cadmium aerosol for inhalation toxicology study. The results of particle size analysis for cadmium aerosol were as following. The highest particle counting for source temperature 20℃ was 43.449 x 10³ in inlet temperature 250℃ and particle diameter 0.75㎛. The highest particle counting for source temperature 50℃ was 43.211 x 10³ in inlet temperature 100 ℃ and particle diameter 0.75㎛. The highest particle counting for source temperature 70℃ was 41.917x10³ in inlet temperature 250℃ and particle diameter 0.75㎛. The ranges of geometric mean diameter(GMD) were 0.677-1.009㎛ in source temperature 20℃, 0.716-0.963㎛ in source temperature 50℃, and 0.724-0.957㎛ in source temperature 70℃. The smallest GMD was 0.677㎛ in source temperature 20℃ and inlet temperature 20℃. and the largest GMD was 1.009㎛ in source temperature 20℃ and inlet temperature 20℃. The ranges of geometric standard deviation(GSD) were 1.635-2.101 in source temperature 20℃. 1.676-2.073 in source temperature 50℃, and 1.687-2.051 in source temperature 70℃. The lowest GSD was 1.635 in source temperature 20℃ and inlet temperature 20℃, and the highest GSD was 2.101 in source temperature 20℃ and inlet temperature 200℃. Aerosol generated for cadmium inhalation toxicology study was polydisperse aerosol. The ranges of mass median diameter(MMD) were 1.399-5.270㎛ in source temperature 20℃. 1.593-4.742㎛ in source temperature 50℃, and 1.644-4.504㎛ in source temperature 70℃. The smallest MMD was 1.399㎛ in source temperature 20℃ and inlet temperature 20℃, and the largest MMD was 5.270㎛ in source temperature 20℃ and inlet temperature 200℃. Increasing trends for GMD, GSD, and MMD were observed with same source temperature and increase of inlet temperature. MMD for inhalation toxicology testing in EPA guidance is less than 4㎛. In our results. inlet temperature 20 and 50℃ in source temperature 20℃, and inlet temperature 20 to 150℃ in source temperature 50 and 70℃ were conformed to the EPA guidance. MMD for inhalation toxicology testing in OECD and EU is less than 3㎛. In our results, inlet temperature 20 and 50℃ in source temperature 20, 50, and 70℃ were conformed to the OECD and EU guidance.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.307-320
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• 2009

This study was conducted not only to review airborne asbestos levels reported in workplaces in Korea, but also to analyze their levels according to various characteristics All asbestos concentration reported as either geometric mean (GM) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) or ranges were transformed to arithmetic mean to estimate exposure level. In addition, weighted arithmetic means (WAMs) were calculated to weigh asbestos levels based on the different number of samples. Differences of asbestos levels among several characteristics such as industry type, decade, operation and sampling and analytical methods were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The number of articles studying asbestos levels from workplaces was found to be 9 including two report types. Five of those were reported prior to 1990s and rest of them after 1990s. Only several industries such as asbestos textile, asbestos cement, brake-lining repair shops were studied, while various industries using asbestos or asbestos containing materials (ACMs) were not studied. ANOVA found that asbestos exposure levels (WAM = 5.26f/cc) reported from textile industry were significantly higher than those from other industries (cement = 0.63f/cc, brake-lining = 0.2f/cc - 0.47f/cc) (p < 0.0001). Average exposure levels studied prior to the 1990s (3.13f/cc) were found to be significantly higher than that (0.86f/cc) after the 1990s (p<0.0001). All WAMs reported until the 1994 were found to be higher than the current occupational exposure limits (0.1f/cc). This study recommends that retrospective exposure to asbestos based on various industry types and operations should be assessed.

• 한국환경독성학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국환경독성학회 2003년도 추계국제학술대회
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• pp.150-150
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• 2003

The objective of this study was to describe the distribution of metals concentrations in blood of adults who were not occupationally exposed in Korea. The blood samples were obtained between February and August 2001 from volunteer adults in urban area of Korea. 66 male participants were 46 (20-75) years of age and 74 female were 40 (20-69) years of age. The levels of metals in blood were observed the log-normal distribution, and we calculated geometric mean (GM) and geometric standard deviation (GSD). The GM levels of metals in blood of the men were 65.88$\mu\textrm{g}$/$\ell$, 1.01$\mu\textrm{g}$/$\ell$, 0.23$\mu\textrm{g}$/$\ell$ and 0.15$\mu\textrm{g}$/$\ell$, for Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd, respectively. The GM levels of the women were 58.49$\mu\textrm{g}$/$\ell$, 1.66$\mu\textrm{g}$/$\ell$, 0.30$\mu\textrm{g}$/$\ell$ and 0.10$\mu\textrm{g}$/$\ell$, for Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd, respectively. The levels of Pb-B and Cd-B were significantly higher non-smoker than smoker, whereas those of Cr-B and Ni-B were not different by smoking habit.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.261-269
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• 2005

To investigate the field applicability of a diffusive sampler (3M OVM #3500, passive sampling method) authors conducted a simultaneous measurement of personal organic solvents exposure in the air of the workplaces by charcoal tube with low volume sampler (active sampling method) and diffusive sampler. Samples were collected and analyzed by NIOSH method ($NMAM^{(R)}$) from thirty-eight workers in 12 factories who work in 6 different processes. Geometric mean (GM) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) were used to describe the result. To compare the results of the two methods, paired t-test was used. According to the manual of the exposure assessment of the mixed organic solvents (Ministry of Labor, Korea), Em was calculated. Simple linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between the two methods. Results were as follows; 1. Eight different solvents (ethyl acetate, n-hexane, toluene, xylene, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and methyl isobutyl ketone) were detected simultaneously in the two methods and the concentrations of the personal exposure were lower than 0.5 TLV level. The concentration of the charcoal tube method was higher than that of a diffusive sampler in n-hexane and MEK (p<0.05). 2. Em of the charcoal tube method was higher than that of diffusive sampler method but not significantly different and was lower than the OEL (Occupational Exposure Limit) in all 6 processes. 3. There was a significant correlation between the two methods in low concentrations of the 8 organic solvents (p<0.05). In conclusion, there was no difference in charcoal tube method and diffusive sampler method in low concentrations of some organic solvents, diffusive sampler can be applied to assess the personal monitoring in low level exposure.