• Title/Summary/Keyword: Occupational Values

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Source Proximity and Meteorological Effects on Residential Ambient Concentrations of PM2.5, Organic Carbon, Elemental Carbon, and p-PAHs in Houston and Los Angeles, USA

  • Kwon, Jaymin;Weisel, Clifford P.;Morandi, Maria T.;Stock, Thomas H.;Turpin, Barbara
    • Journal of Environmental Science International
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    • v.25 no.10
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    • pp.1349-1368
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    • 2016
  • Concentrations of fine particulate matter ($PM_{2.5}$) and several of its particle constituents measured outside homes in Houston, Texas, and Los Angeles, California, were characterized using multiple regression analysis with proximity to point and mobile sources and meteorological factors as the independent variables. $PM_{2.5}$ mass and the concentrations of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), benzo-[a]-pyrene (BaP), perylene (Per), benzo-[g,h,i]-perylene (BghiP), and coronene (Cor) were examined. Negative associations of wind speed with concentrations demonstrated the effect of dilution by high wind speed. Atmospheric stability increase was associated with concentration increase. Petrochemical source proximity was included in the EC model in Houston. Area source proximity was not selected for any of the $PM_{2.5}$ constituents' regression models. When the median values of the meteorological factors were used and the proximity to sources varied, the air concentrations calculated using the models for the eleven $PM_{2.5}$ constituents outside the homes closest to influential highways were 1.5-15.8 fold higher than those outside homes furthest from the highway emission sources. When the median distance to the sources was used in the models, the concentrations of the $PM_{2.5}$ constituents varied 2 to 82 fold, as the meteorological conditions varied over the observed range. We found different relationships between the two urban areas, illustrating the unique nature of urban sources and suggesting that localized sources need to be evaluated carefully to understand their potential contributions to $PM_{2.5}$ mass and its particle constituents concentrations near residences, which influence baseline indoor air concentrations and personal exposures. The results of this study could assist in the appropriate design of monitoring networks for community-level sampling and help improve the accuracy of exposure models linking emission sources with estimated pollutant concentrations at the residential level.

A Study on the Implementation of Dose Constraints in Occupational Dose According to ICRP 103 Recommendations in Korea (ICRP신권고에 따른 직무피폭에서의 선량제약치 국내 적용 방안 연구)

  • Kim, Yong-Min;Cho, Kun-Woo
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.36 no.3
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    • pp.127-133
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    • 2011
  • In 2007, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) published Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Accordingly IAEA safety standards committees have reviewed and revised the BSS. The process of the implementation of the ICRP 103 into Korean radiation protection regulations has been continued. Although the new recommendations retain the fundamental protection principles, the impact of the new ICRP recommendations will necessarily be greater than ever before. ICRP recommends the application of dose constraint in planned situations and reference level in existing & emergency situations for strengthening of the principle of optimization. Dose constraints and reference level play a criterion on the level of individual dose as prospective and source-related values. Therefore it is necessary to apply dose constraints and reference levels to all nuclear and RI&RG facilities in Rep. of Korea. Dose constraints and reference level of occupational exposure will be set-up by the stakeholder itself with the cooperation of regulatory body. In this study, the implementation method was discussed to apply the dose constraints and reference level as the procedure for the optimization, not the tool of the regulation.

A Study on the Risk of Spontaneous ignition to Butadiene Popcorn Polymer (Butadiene Popcorn Polymer의 자연발화 위험성에 관한 연구)

  • Koo, Chae-Chil;Lee, Jung-Suk;Choi, Jae-Wook
    • Fire Science and Engineering
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    • v.33 no.2
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    • pp.1-8
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    • 2019
  • This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of spontaneous ignition in Butadiene popcorn polymer, which is used as raw material and product in a chemical plant. A component analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, thermal stability analysis, spontaneous ignition point measurement and accelerated velocity calorimetric analysis were performed. As a result of analysis, various kinds of flammable components were measured and thermogravimetric analysis showed a weight loss of 95.6% in air and 89.2% in nitrogen. As a result of the thermal stability analysis, heat generation started at $88^{\circ}C$ in the air atmosphere, and the heat generation rate increased sharply in the vicinity of the natural ignition point ($220^{\circ}C$). The heat generation started at about $70^{\circ}C$ in nitrogen atmosphere, and the two exothermic peak values were observed up to $450^{\circ}C$. As a result of accelerated rate calorimetry, there was no exothermic phenomenon, and the lowest ignition temperature was $211.7^{\circ}C$ as a result of analysis of natural ignition point. Based on the results obtained from the thermal stability evaluation, it is considered that the possibility of inducing the thermal deformation of the column by the heat of reaction is sufficient.

Assessment of Dental Noise Environment of a Pediatric Dentist (소아치과의사의 치과 소음 환경에 대한 평가)

  • Cho, Hyeonmin;Kim, Ik-Hwan;Cho, Seunghyun;Song, Je Seon;Lee, Jaeho
    • Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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    • v.48 no.2
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    • pp.209-220
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    • 2021
  • The noise is defined as unwanted sound that causes discomfort and physical changes. This study was conducted to evaluate intensity of noise in the pediatric dental clinic and to investigate noise environment of a pediatric dentist. Human ear shaped microphone and mobile noise level meter were used for recording noise and calculating intensity of noise. By recording according to the method specified by Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) of Korea Ministry of labor and employment, the following results were obtained. For 16 experimental days, 8 hour time weighted average (8hr-TWA) was 49.33 dBA (A-weighted deci-Bell) on daily average with maximum 58.54 dBA and minimum 33.97 dBA. And Dose was 0.49% on daily average with maximum 1.28%, minimum 0.04%. These values are less than criteria of KOSHA standard (85 dBA, 100%). Comparing the highest noise level for each patient, pulp therapy group and Frankel grade I group were the highest. The intensity of dental noise of pediatric dental clinic didn't meet standard of KOSHA. It is necessary to re-evaluate noise environment by establishing new standards considering environment of pediatric dental clinic.

A Study on the Occupational Value and Job Choice Intention of University Students in Healthcare Management (의료경영계열 대학생의 직업가치와 직업선택의도에 대한 연구)

  • Do-Hee Kim;Jeong-won Lee
    • Journal of Service Research and Studies
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    • v.11 no.2
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    • pp.106-117
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    • 2021
  • This study is a descriptive survey study using a self-reported survey method to find out the job value and intention of career choice of college students in the medical management field. This study was conducted on university students in medical management at three four-year universities located in Busan Metropolitan City. A total of 139 effective questionnaires were used as statistical analysis data. As a result of the analysis, social dedication and stability were significantly displayed in the selection of jobs for hospital administration and administrative positions, and social dedication and stability were significantly displayed in the selection of jobs as medical recorders. In choosing a career as an international medical tourism coordinator, the focus on human relations, maintaining face, and pursuing stability have been significant. Only social commitment was significantly shown in the choice of occupation as a health educator. A comparison of job values according to general characteristics showed that there was a difference in the pursuit of knowledge and social commitment. In the case of grades, there was a difference in social dedication and stability. There was no significant difference in the case of religious or non-religious matters. In the case of economic level, only economic priorities differed. Through this study, we would like to present basic data so that college students in medical management who prepare to take the first step into a professional medical management society can recognize the need for recognition of job value and move in a better direction in choosing a job.

The Effect of Pleural Thickening on the Impairment of Pulmonary Function in Asbestos Exposed Workers (석면취급 근로자에서 늑막비후가 폐기능에 미치는 영향)

  • Kim, Jee-Won;Ahn, Hyeong-Sook;Kim, Kyung-Ah;Lim, Young;Yun, Im-Goung
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.42 no.6
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    • pp.923-933
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    • 1995
  • Background: Pleural abnormality is the the most common respiratory change caused by asbestos dust inhalation and also develop other asbestos related disease after cessation of asbestos exposure. So we conducted epidemiologic study to investigate if the pleural abnormality is associated with pulmonary function change and what factors are influenced on pulmonary function impairment. Methods: Two hundred and twenty two asbestos workers from 9 industries using asbestos in Korea were selected to measure the concentration of sectional asbestos fiber. Ouestionnaire, chest X-ray, PFT were also performed. All the data were analyzed by student t-test and chi-square test using SAS. Regressional analysis was performed to evaluate important factors, for example smoking, exposure concentration, period and the existence of pleural thickening, affecting to the change of pulmonary function. Results: 1) All nine industries except two, airborn asbestos fiber concentration was less than an average permissible concentration. PFT was performed on 222 workers and the percentage of male was 88.3%, their mean age was $41{\pm}9$ years old, and the duration of asbestos exposure was $10.6{\pm}7.8$ yrs. 2) The chest X-ray showed normal(89.19%), pulmonary Tb(inactive)(2.7%), pleral thickening (7.66%), suspected reticulonodular shadow(0.9%). 3) The mean values of height, smoking status, concentration of asbestos fiberwere not different between the subjects with pleural thickening and others, but age, cumulative pack-years, the duration of asbestos exposure were higher in subjects with pleural thickening. 4) All the PFT indices were lower in the subjects with pleural thickening than in the subjects without pleural thickening. 5) Simple regression analysis showed there was a significant correlation between $FEF_{75}$ which is sensitive in small airway obstruction and cumulative smoking pack-years, the duration of asbestos exposure and the concentration of asbestos fiber. 6) Multiple regression analysis showed all the pulmonary function indices were decreased as the increase of cumulative smoking pack-years and especially in the indices those are sensitive in small airway obstruction. Pleural thickening was associated with reduction in FVC, $FEV_1$, PEFR and $FEF_{25}$. Conclusion: The more concentration of asbestos fiber and the more duration of asbestos exposure, the greater reduction in $FEF_{50}$, $FEF_{75}$. Therefore PFT was important in the evaluation of early detection for small airway obstruction. Furthermore pleural thickening without asbesto-related parenchymal lung disease is associated with reduction in pulmonary function.

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A Comparative Study of Blood Lead Measurement by Polarized Zeman Effect Correction AAS and D2 Correction AAS Method (편광 Zeeman 보정 및 D2 보정 방법에 의한 혈중연 측정치의 비교 연구)

  • Lee, Seok Ki;Ahn, Kyu Dong;Lee, Byung Kook
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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    • v.5 no.1
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    • pp.59-67
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    • 1995
  • Blood lead assay by $D_2$ lamp background correction method of atomic absorption spectrophotometer(AAS) with wavelength of 283.3 nm is most popular in occupational health practice in Korea. On the other hand, $D_2$ lamp background correction method with wavelength of 217.0 nm is also often used in general chemical analysis for lead assay in general purpose. But both methods have some weakness of background correction which brought direct effect on the results of analysis. Recently blood lead assay with polarized Zeeman effect of AAS was introduced and is now preferred in many laboratory than $D_2$ correction method in blood lead analysis. But still AAS with $D_2$ lamp are widely used in the field of occupational health in Korea. This study compared blood lead assay data with $D_2$ correction methods(283.3 and 217.0 nm) and with that of polarized Zeeman effect correction method to evaluate the validity of 02 correction methods. The results obtained were as follows; 1. Taking the value of polarized Zeeman effect method as reference value of 1.00, the mean relative value of $D_2$ correction method with wavelength of 217.0 nm was 0.92 and that with wavelength of 283.3 nm was 0.90 respectively in the analysis of blood lead whose value were below $20.0{\mu}g/dl$(p<0.001). Both mean values were statistically smaller than polarized Zeeman effect correction method. But in the analysis of blood whose value were between 20.0 to $20.0{\mu}g/dl$, the mean relative value of $D_2$ correction method was 0.96 in both wavelength and did not differ from polarized Zeeman effect method(p<0.001). There was no difference of blood lead between $D_2$ correction method and polarized Zeeman effect method in the analysis of blood lead whose value were over $40.0{\mu}g/dl$. 2. The variations of background correction value in polarized Zeeman effect method were not changed by increase of blood lead, but those in $D_2$ correction methods were increased by the increase of blood lead. While then relative standard deviation(RSD) of data measured by Zeeman effect method were decreased by the increase of blood lead, those by $D_2$ methods were nol differed by the increase of blood lead.

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Genotoxic Effects of Volatile Organic Compounds in Water (물속 휘발성 유기화합물이 염색체 돌연변이에 미치는 영향)

  • Jung Kyu Saeng;Lee Chae Yang;Shin Heuyn Kil;Lee Ki Nam;Jeung Jae Yeal;Lee Jong Young
    • Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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    • v.16 no.5
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    • pp.899-904
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    • 2002
  • For determination of the genotoxicity of VOCs(Volatile Organic Compounds) in water, in vitro Comet assay was performed using 3T3 cells. The selected 5 VOCs; Trichloroethylene(TCE), Tetrachloroethylene(PCE), Carbontetrachloride (CteC), Dichloromethane(DCM) and Chlorofrom(Chl) and mixed solvent(Mix), are the test items for drinking water quality. Author analyzed the genotoxicity of these solvents through their tail length (TL) values. Mix, PCE, Chl, TCE in order had cytotoxicity at the highest concentration, and CCl₄ and DCM had no cytotoxic effect. TCE, CCl₄, Chl, PCE, Mix, DCM had genotoxicity, Chl, PCE, Mix had both cytotoxicity and genotoxicity simultaneously, Cytotoxic effect of mixed organic solvents, compared with that of single component, at each concentration, was influenced by the synergistic effect of the interaction of each organic component.

Comparison of Exposure Estimation Methods on Air Pollution of Residents of Industrial Complexes (광양만권 주변지역 주민들의 대기오염 노출추정을 위한 방법론 비교 연구)

  • Jung, Soon-Won;Cho, Yong-Sung;Yang, Won-Ho;Yu, Seung Do;Son, Bu-Soon
    • Journal of Environmental Science International
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    • v.22 no.2
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    • pp.151-161
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    • 2013
  • The assessment of personal exposure is a critical component in population-based epidemiologic studies of air pollution. This study was conducted to apply and compare the four exposure estimation methods of individual-level to air pollution concentration in a cohort including 2,283 subjects in Gwangyang, Korea. Individual-level exposure of air pollution were estimated using multiple approaches, including average across all monitors, nearest monitor, and spatial interpolation by inverse distance weighting and kriging. The mean concentrations of $PM_{10}$, $NO_2$, $SO_2$, CO, $O_3$ by four exposure estimation methods were slightly different but not significantly different from each other. Cross-validation showed that kriging was more accurate than other exposure estimation methods because kriging has probably predicted individual exposure levels equivalent to residential locations after estimating the parameters of a model according to the spatial surface of air pollution concentration. These data support that spatial interpolation methods may provide better estimates than selecting the value from the nearest monitor and averaging across values from all monitors by reflecting spatial attributes of air pollution on personal level.

Effects of Endocrine Disruptors, Nonylphenol in Daphnia magna (물벼룩 (Daphnia magna)에서 내분비계장애물질인 노닐페놀의 영향)

  • Cho, Taemin;Kim, Pangyi;Kim, Saywa
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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    • v.33 no.4
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    • pp.468-475
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    • 2015
  • Nonylphenol is one of endocrine disruptors, as structurally stable, hydrophobic compounds exhibit high condensability and long-lasting in the natural environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the toxic effects of nonylphenol on Daphnia magna. In acute toxicity test, D. magna was exposed for 48 h at concentrations of 0, 10, 18, 32, 56 and $100{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ nonylphenol. In chronic toxicity test, D. magna were exposed through water for 21 days at concentrations of 0, 1.0, 1.8, 3.2, 5.6 and $10{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ nonylphenol. Acute toxicity was assessed on the basis of immobility, while chronic toxicity was assessed on the basis of fecundity. The acute toxicity test on nonylphenol was showed that the values of 24 h and 48 h $EC_{50}$ were $25.0{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ and $13.7{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$, respectively. In chronic test, fecundity was reduced significantly at $5.6{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ of nonylphenol. These results indicated that nonylphenol have some hazard for acute or chronic toxicity to freshwater invertebrate organism.