• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.166-178
• /
• 2024

Objectives: The 12 occupational exposure limits(OELs) for chromium and its compounds in Korea were set by applying the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs). However, this is significantly different from the TLVs after the existing TLVs were integrated and withdrawn in 2018, so it is necessary to review the revision. Methods: Various documents related to chromium OELs were reviewed, including the ACGIH TLV Documentations for chromium and its compounds. A field survey was conducted targeting workplaces handling chromium and its compounds. Based on this, a revised OELs were proposed and a socio-economic evaluation was conducted. Results: The OELs for chromium compounds in Korea was first enacted in 2002, and in 2007, the OELs for chromium (hexavalent) compounds (insoluble) was lowered from 0.05 mg/m³ to 0.01 mg/m³. In 2008, the OELs for strontium chromate was newly established as 0.0005 mg/m³, and in 2018, the OELs for calcium chromate was newly established as 0.001 mg/m³. Total chromium and hexavalent chromium were measured for each of 6 samples at 2 welding sites, 4 plating sites, and 2 spray coating sites. When omparing the average of the results measured by ICP, a total chromium analysis method, and the analysis results by IC, a hexavalent chromium analysis method, only workplace 4 was the same, and total chromium was evaluated more, and total chromium was evaluated at 0.0004 to 0.0027 mg/m³. And hexavalent chromium was evaluated as non-detection ~ 0.0014 mg/m³. Amendment ①: The exposure standard for hexavalent chromium is not divided into water soluble, insoluble, chromium ore processing, and other hexavalent chromium compounds, and is integrated into 0.01 mg/m³, which is the level of chromium (hexavalent) compound (insoluble)., OELs for chromium (metal) and chromium (trivalent) compounds are integrated into chromium (trivalent) compounds, and the exposure level is maintained. Amendment ②: As in the amendment ①, the OELs are integrated, but the level is lowered to 0.005 mg/m³, which is the OELs of OSHA, and there is a grace period of 4 years. Amendment ③: As in the amendment ①, the OELs are integrated, but the level is lowered to 0.0002 mg/m³, which is the exposure standard of ACGIH, and there is a grace period of 5 years. Conclusions: Amendment ①: The change in the OELs is insignificant, so the cost required is small, and the benefit/cost ratio is greater than 1, so there is no problem in applying the amendment. Amendment ②: In all scenarios except chromium 6(insoluble), the benefit/cost ratio is greater than 1, so it is thought that there will be no major problem in applying the amendment. Amendment ③: Since the benefit/cost ratio is less than 1 in all scenarios, it is thought that the total social benefit that can be obtained when applying the amendment is not large.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.392-404
• /
• 2015

Objectives: This study measured and analyzed the concentrations of crystalline silica, elemental carbon and the contribution ratio of pollutants which influence environmental and respiratory disease around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex in Daegu, Korea. Methods: We analyzed the crystalline silica and elemental carbon in the air according to FTIR(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and NIOSH(National Institute of Occupation Safety and Health) method 5040, respectively. In addition, lead stable isotopes, and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes were analyzed using MC-ICP/MS(Multi Collector-Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometer), and IRMS(Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer), respectively. Results: The concentration of crystalline silica in the direct exposure area around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex was found to be $0.0014{\pm}0.0005mg/Sm^3$, but not to exceed the exposure standards of the ACGIH(American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). In the case of the autumn, the direct exposure area was found to show a level 2.5 times higher than the reference area, and on the whole, the direct exposure area was found to have a level 1.4 times higher than the reference area. The concentration of elemental carbon in the direct exposure area and in the reference area were found to be $0.0014{\pm}0.0006mg/Sm^3$, and $0.0006{\pm}0.0003mg/Sm^3$, respectively. This study confirmed the contribution ratio of coal raw materials to residentially deposited dusts in the area within 500 meters from the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and the surrounding area with a stable isotope ratio of 24.0%(0.7-62.7%) on average in the case of carbon and nitrogen, and 33.9%(26.6-54.1%) on average in the case of lead stable isotopes. Conclusions: This study was able to confirm correlations with coal raw materials used by the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and the surrounding area. The concentration of some pollutants, crystalline silica, and elemental carbon emitted to the direct-influence area around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex were relatively higher than in the reference area. Therefore, we need to impose continuous and substantive reduction countermeasures in the future to prevent particulate matter and coal raw materials in the study area. It is time for the local government and authorities to prepare active administrative methods such as the relocation of Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.34 no.6
• /
• pp.562-570
• /
• 2019

The heavy metal concentrations in dried seafoods commonly consumed in Gyeonggi-do were analyzed. Concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) were measured in 95 samples with an inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and an Hg analyzer. The average concentration [mean±SD(minimum-maximum) mg/kg] of heavy metals were as follows: Pb 0.062±0.071(0.002-0.428), Cd 0.083±0.100(0.004-0.540), Hg 0.012±0.012(N.D-0.054) and Se 0.839±0.371(0.362-2.124). All the levels were below the recommended standards of the MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety). In the comparison of heavy metal content by anchovy size, it was shown that mercury was significantly higher in large anchovy (P<0.05). Selenium levels were found to differ significantly in small anchovy and large anchovy (P<0.05). Pb, Cd and Hg were significantly higher in Tiger prawn among shrimp (P<0.05). The heavy metal and selenium levels of anchovy and shad were highest in the intestine. However, the heavy metal and selenium levels of shrimp were highest in the head. In addition, weekly (monthly) intake of mercury and cadmium from dried seafoods was found to be 0.712% and 2.978% of PTW(M)I (Provisional Tolerable Weekly(Monthly) Intake) respectively. Therefore, it was found that dried seafoods were safe for consumption.

• Analytical Science and Technology
• /
• v.28 no.6
• /
• pp.417-424
• /
• 2015

In this study, the relationship between selenoprotein concentrations in blood and stomach cancer have been searched for Korean. The concentration of each selenoprotein in blood serum was analyzed and the correlation between the concentration and stomach cancer was studied to find a potential for using Selenium as a biomarker. In concentration determination, a simple calibration curve method was used with the monitoring of m/z 78 without the use of solid phase extraction. This is a lot more simple than the method using SPE with post column isotope dilution. The result obtained from the analysis of CRM BCR-637, 72.20±3.35 ng·g⁻¹, showed similar value of reference value (81±7 ng·g⁻¹). The total concentration of Se for the controlled group, cardiovascular patients group, was 105.70±21.20 ng·g⁻¹. This value was the same as normal healthy person reported earlier. Each selenoprotein concentration of GPx, SelP and SeAlb was 26.12±7.84, 65.15±14.50, 14.43±6.99 ng·g⁻¹, respectively. The distribution of each selenoprotein was 24.7%, 61.6%, and 13.7%, which was similar to the normal person. The result of stomach cancer patients, the total concentration of Se was 76.11±28.12 ng·g⁻¹ and each concentration of GPx, SelP and SeAlb was 15.41±9.01, 50.83±17.91, and 9.87±5.21 ng·g⁻¹, respectively. The total and each selenoprotein concentration level showed significant decrease for the stomach cancer patients. The level of decrease was 41.0% for GPx, 22.0% for SelP, and 31.6% for SeAlb. However, the distribution of each selenoprotein was not much different. Either total Selenium or each selenoprotein could be used as a possible index for the diagnosis of cancer. However, in age group study, it is shown that young age group (30's-40's) did not show much difference.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.221-234
• /
• 2013

Laboratory experiments for the reaction with supercritical $CO_2$ under the $CO_2$ sequestration condition were performed to investigate the mineralogical and geochemical weathering process of the sandstones and mudstones in the Pohang basin. To simulate the supercritical $CO_2$-rock-groundwater reaction, rock samples used in the experiment were pulverized and the high pressurized cell (200 ml of capacity) was filled with 100 ml of groundwater and 30 g of powdered rock samples. The void space of the high pressurized cell was saturated with the supercritical $CO_2$ and maintained at 100 bar and $50^{\circ}C$ for 60 days. The changes of mineralogical and geochemical properties of rocks were measured by using XRD (X-Ray Diffractometer) and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller). Concentrations of dissolved cations in groundwater were also measured for 60 days of the supercritical $CO_2$-rock-groundwater reaction. Results of XRD analyses indicated that the proportion of plagioclase and K-feldspar in the sandstone decreased and the proportion of illite, pyrite and smectite increased during the reaction. In the case of mudstone, the proportion of illite and kaolinite and cabonate-fluorapatite increased during the reaction. Concentration of $Ca^{2+}$ and $Na^+$ dissolved in groundwater increased during the reaction, suggesting that calcite and feldspars of the sandstone and mudstone would be significantly dissolved when it contacts with supercritical $CO_2$ and groundwater at $CO_2$ sequestration sites in Pohang basin. The average specific surface area of sandstone and mudstone using BET analysis increased from $27.3m^2/g$ and $19.6m^2/g$ to $28.6m^2/g$ and $26.6m^2/g$, respectively, and the average size of micro scale void spaces for the sandstone and mudstone decreased over 60 days reaction, resulting in the increase of micro pore spaces of rocks by the dissolution. Results suggested that the injection of supercritical $CO_2$ in Pohang basin would affect the physical property change of rocks and also $CO_2$ storage capacity in Pohang basin.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.257-267
• /
• 2014

The distributions of trace metals in the East Sea were investigated during the R/V Lavrentyev cruise (July 2009) in which four transects from Russia shore to South were conducted to collect 25 surface water samples. The total dissolved concentrations of Cu and Ni were measured using ICP-MS, DRC-e. In the coastal area, their concentrations of Russia shore (Cu, 1.51; Ni, 1.82 nM) were 1.9 times for Cu and 2.0 times for Ni lower than Korea shore (Cu, 2.87; Ni, 3.71 nM). In the subregion, their concentrations of Warm region (Cu, 3.03; Ni, 2.28 nM) were higher for Cu than Cold region (Cu, 2.04; Ni, 2.28 nM). The distributions of Cu and Ni concentrations were divided by lowest level at $10^{\circ}C$ of water temperature. In this study period, the surface water temperatures of Russia shore and Japan basin were lower than $10^{\circ}C$ and them of Ulleung basin and Sakhalin shore were higher. Below $10^{\circ}C$, Cu and Ni concentrations increased when surface water temperatures decreased. Above $10^{\circ}C$, their concentrations increased with temperature, which showed highest concentrations in the Ulleung basin, directly influenced by flux from East Korean Warm Current. By comparing with other sea areas (Western Mediterranean, Atlantic), Cu concentrations in the East Sea were a little higher and Ni concentrations were lower. Particularly as the level of Cu in the offshore in the Ulleung basin were higher than in the coastal area, We can suggest that the atmospheric flux of Cu is relatively important in this area.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
• /
• v.20 no.1 s.55
• /
• pp.76-83
• /
• 2005

The process of reusing the treated water generated during this process and that of recovery of molybdenum from the excessive water were studied. The results were as follows. Molybdenum recollection 1. Reusing processing water generated after dissolving process on FL/20 type, the following were the remaining Mo.'s weights after the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th dissolutions respectively. 1) The result of measuring the quantity of Mo. in processing water(the 1st solving water) generated after the 1st dissolving Mo. process was $369g/\ell$ 2) The result of measuring the quantity of Mo. in processing water(the 2nd solving water) generated after the 1st dissolving Mo. process reusing the 1st solving water was $627.3g/\ell$ 3) The result of measuring the quantity of Mo. in processing water(the 3rd solving water) generated after the dissolving Mo. process reusing the 2nd solving water was $808.11g/\ell$ 4) The result of measuring the quantity of Mo. in processing water(the 4th solving water) generated after the dissolving Mo. process reusing the 3rd solving water was $934.68g/\ell$ 5) The result of measuring the quantity of Mo. in processing water(the 5th solving water) generated after the dissolving Mo. process reusing the 4th solving water was $1023.27g/\ell$ 6) The result of measuring the quantity of Mo. in processing water(the 6th solving water) generated after the dissolving Mo. process reusing the 5th solving water was $1085.29g/\ell$ 2. The followings were the results of recollectings Mo. in processing water respectively generated after dissolving Mo. to produce complete goods df FL/20 type filament. 1) the percentage of recollecting Mo. in the 1st solving water was $93.0\%$ 2) the percentage of recollecting Mo. in the 2nd solving water was $94.5\%$ 3) the percentage of recollecting Mo. in the 3rd solving water was $95.5\%$ 4) the percentage of recollecting Mo. in the 4th solving water was $96.0\%$ 5) the percentage of recollecting Mo. in the 5th solving water was $96.2\%$ 6) the percentage of recollecting Mo. in the 6th solving water was $96.4\%$ 3. The followings were the results of analyzing, with ICP, holding quantities of Mo. in the 6 processing waters to produce FL/20 type filament after passing a 3 staged solid-liquid separator through, dehydrating and drying for more than 3 hours in a dryer to recollect solving Mo. in them 1) the Mo. holding percentage in the 1st solving water was $76.6\%$ 2) the Mo. holding percentage in the 2nd solving water was $76.6\%$ 3) the Mo. holding percentage in the 3rd solving water was $76.6\%$ 4) the Mo. holding percentage in the 4th solving water was $76.6\%$ 5) the Mo. holding percentage in the 5th solving water was $76.6\%$ 6) the Mo. holding percentage in the 6th solving water was $76.6\%$ It was noted that with the number of times the recollecting Mo. percentage become higher, and in spite of much recollecting, without any large effect on the goods the solving water could be reused as the processing water. Because the collected Mo. holding percentages were more than $76\%$, it is considered they are very good one than Chinese Mo. ores with $50\%$ degrees of purity, worthy of recollecting Mo.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.82-88
• /
• 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate the extent of total sugar and sodium in 129 different kinds of bakery products, breads and cookies, sold at bakeshops in Seoul metropolitan area. The bakery products produced by bakeshops on a small scale were not applied by clauses of mandatory nutrition label for children's taste food. All types of free sugars -fructose, glucose, sucrose, lactose and maltose- were detected in breads, but only fructose and sucrose were detected in cookies. The average amount of sucrose per 100 g of breads was 6.24 g, of cookies was 30.03 g. Breads and cookies amounting to 100 g of sample contained total sugar of 11.19 g and 30.38 g, respectively. The average amounts of sodium in breads and cookies were 120.71 mg/100 g, 70.76 mg/100 g, respectively. When the contents of total sugar in breads and cookies per one serving size were compared to WHO guidelines, the percentages were 15.7% and 18.2% about recommended daily intake of total sugar of 50 g. When it come to sodium, the bakery products had range of 1.1-6.5% to 2000 mg of daily intake of sodium recommended by WHO.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.89-101
• /
• 2003

River deposits and farmland soils were analyzed to investigate the pollution level of heavy metals in the vicinity of the Goro abandoned Zn-mine. Surface (0-40 cm) and subsurface (40-100 cm) soils were collected around a main river located at the lower part of the Goro mine, and analyzed by ICP-MS for Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr after 0. 1N HCI extraction and by AAS for As after IN HCI extraction. Concentrations of cadmium and lead at the surface river deposits close to the mine were over the Soil Pollution Warning Limit (SPWL), and 43% of sample sites (6 of 14 samples) were over SPWL for As suggesting that river deposits were broadly contaminated by arsenic. Results from farmland soil analysis showed that surface soils were contaminated by heavy metals, while only arsenic was over SPWL at 50% of sampling sites. Main pollution mechanism around the Goro mine was the discharge of mine tailing and waste rocks from the storage site to the river and to adjacent farmland during flood season. Pollution Grades for sample locations were prescribed by the Law of Soil Environmental Preservation, suggesting that the pollution level of heavy metals around the Goro mine was serious, and the remediation operation fur arsenic and the isolation of mine tailing and waste rocks from river and farmland should be activated to protect further contamination. The area needed to clean up was estimated from pollution distribution data and the remediation methods such as a soil washing method and a soil improvement method were considered as the further remediation operation for arsenic contaminated soils and river deposits around the Goro abandoned mine.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.35-41
• /
• 2017

To determine the contents of sodium and potassium in side dishes, 92 samples from 22 different kinds of side dishes that can be classified into 3 groups were collected in Seoul area and analysed using ICP-OES. The highest sodium content was detected in pepper doenjang muchim, while potassium content was the highest in kong jorim. When comparing the content of sodium and potassium in 3 groups, namely namul, muchim, and jorim, the sodium content of namul group was significantly different from those of jorim and muchim (p-value < 0.05). Sodium intake per serving size was the highest in parae muchim among the samples as estimated to 20.2% of WHO recommendation that is 2,000 mg/day. The amount of sodium by simultaneously intake of soybean sprouts namul, anchovy jorim and parae muchim per one serving size was estimated to 1,000 mg. The potassim/sodium ratios of spinach namul and kong jorim were 1.70 and 0.81, respectively, while that of bracken namul was very low as about 0.1. Food-borne pathogens were not detected out of 92 side dishes.