• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.295-303
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• 2021

Objective: Paint manufacturing industry workers are exposed to various lung cancer carcinogenic substances including hexavalent chromium and crystalline silica. Studies have been conducted on lung cancer in Paint manufacturing industry workers and the concentration of hexavalent chromium in paint industry; however, the concentration of crystalline silica and hexavalent chromium and cases of lung cancer in a single Paint factory has never been reported in Korea. Methods: To determine whether the cancer was related to his work environment, we assessed the level of exposure to carcinogens during pouring and mixing talc and pigment. In addition, a mask fit test was performed for the worker. Results: Analysis of talc and silica bulk powder materials showed that crystalline silica (quartz) was 5% in talc and 100% in silica. The green and yellow pigments contained 87% and 92% of lead chromate, respectively. Our quantitative analysis of pigment powder samples showed that the hexavalent chromium contents quantified in the green and yellow pigment samples were 87% and 92%, respectively. In order to estimate his exposure level of hexavalent chromium, we measured a personal exposure level of hexavalent chromium for a worker in accordance with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health #7605 method. The results showed that the worker was exposed to the high level of hexavalent chromium (0.033 mg m-3). In addition, the talc powder also contained 5% quartz, and the worker's exposure level to respirable quartz exceeded OEL. As a result of the respiratory protection fit test for workers, the overall Fit Factor was '15' when wearing a second-grade mask and '25' when wearing a first-grade mask, significantly lower than the US Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) pass value of "100". Conclusion: Workers who pouring and mixing powder materials such as talc or colored pigments in paint manufacturing company may be exposed to high concentrations of carcinogenic substances. These findings indicate that it is necessary to local ventilation system inspection, safety and health education for employers and workers, and periodically monitoring and manage the working environment.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.1-7
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• 2021

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is transmitted primarily through droplets, and dental practitioners are at risk of occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection owing to direct contact with the patient's mouth, aerosols from dental procedures, and saliva. Wearing a mask is believed to be the best method of protection against infection, and a systematic literature review was conducted on whether the dental masks used in dentistry are effective in preventing Coronavirus Infectious Disease-19 (COVID-19). Methods: We used PubMed, Google Scholar, DBpia, NDSL, and KISS databases for this study. Of the 917 documents narrowed down by the search terms "Coronavirus, COVID-19, and dental," 83 documents were collected and studied. Ultimately, 42 of these papers were selected for analysis after considering duplication from the flow chart of the literature selection process. Results: While dental masks are often used when treating patients with unknown COVID-19 status, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated that the use of dental masks is insufficient in preventing cross-transmission of COVID-19; instead, it was recommended that N95 masks, which correspond to KF94 masks, should be worn daily. On the other hand, wearing a dental mask and following precautions such as hand hygiene may not pose a significantly higher risk of infection than wearing an N95 mask when treating COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: There is an ongoing discussion regarding the use of dental masks when treating dental patients, and many argue that different types of masks should be selected according to the degree of infection and the individual's respiratory condition. By considering the safety and efficacy of dental masks in preventing infection, improvements can be made in the management of COVID-19 and dental-related infections.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제85권2호
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• pp.165-174
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• 2022

Background: One goal of the End tuberculosis (TB) Strategy is to see no TB-affected households experiencing catastrophic costs. Therefore, it is crucial for TB-elimination programs to identify catastrophic costs and their main drivers in order to establish appropriate health and social measures. This study aimed to measure the percent of catastrophic costs experienced by Egyptian TB patients and to identify its determinants. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study with 151 Egyptian TB patients recruited from two chest dispensaries from the Cairo governate from May 2019 to May 2020. We used a validated World Health Organization TB patient-cost tool to collect data on patients' demographic information, household income, and direct and indirect expense of seeking TB treatment. We considered catastrophic TB costs to be total costs exceeding 20% of the household's annual income. Results: Of the patients, 33% experienced catastrophic costs. The highest proportion of the total came in the pre-treatment stage. Being the main breadwinner, experiencing job loss, selling property, and the occurrence of early coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown were independent determinants of the incidence of catastrophic costs. Borrowing money and selling property were the most-often reported coping strategies adopted. Conclusion: Despite the availability of free TB care under the Egyptian National TB Program, nearly a third of the TB patients incurred catastrophic costs. Job loss and being the main breadwinner were among the significant predictors of catastrophic costs. Social protection mechanisms, including cash assistance and insurance coverage, are necessary to achieve the goal of the End TB Strategy.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.364-371
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• 2022

Background: Respiratory masks can provide healthcare workers with protection from biological hazards when they have good performance. There is a direct relationship between the visual specifications of a mask and its efficacy; thus, the aim of this study was to develop tools for qualitative assessment of the performance of masks used by healthcare workers. Methods: A mixed-methods design was used to develop a qualitative assessment tool for medical face masks (MFM) and particle filtering half masks (PFHM). The development of domains and items was undertaken using observation and interviews, the opinions of an expert panel, and a review of texts and international standards. The second phase evaluated the psychometric properties of tools. Finally, the validated Mask Qualitative Assessment Tools (MQAT) were used to assess six samples from 10 brands of the two types of masks. Results: MQAT-MFM and MQAT-PHFM shared 42 items across seven domains: "cleanliness," "design," "marking, labeling and packaging," "mask layers," "mask strap," "materials and construction," and "nose clip." MQAT-MFM included one additional item. MQAT-PHFM included another nine items associated with an eighth "Practical Performance" domain, and the valve version had another additional "Exhalation Valve" domain and six items. The evaluation indicated 80% compliance for MFM and 71% compliance for PFHM. "Marking, labeling and packaging" and "Layers" were associated with the least compliance in both types of masks and should be checked carefully for defining mask quality. Conclusion: MQAT can be used for immediate screening and initial assessment of MFM and PHFM through appearance, simple tools, and visual inspection.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.10-17
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• 1989

옥외 라돈이 호흡기관에 주는 선량을 측정 평가할 목적으로 CR-39 비적검출기를 내장한 라돈컵을 사용하여 대기중 라돈농도를 측정하였다. 직접헝 검출기 및 개방 컵과 필터 컵의 구조를 갖는 CR-39 비적검출기에 대한 라돈검출인자는 공기중의 농도가 잘 알려진 표준라돈 조사시설에서 이들 검출기와 라돈컵을 일정기간 조사하여 결정하였다. CR-39를 $70^{\circ}C$, 30% NaOH 용액으로 220분간 화학부식하였을 때 직접형 검출기와 개방 컵, 필터 컵에 대한 라돈검출인자는 각각 0.273, 0.0813, 0.0371 tr $mm^{-2}/(37\;Bqm^{-3}{\cdot}d)$였다. 또한 1988년 5월에서 1989년 3월까지 대전(충남대학교)에서 측정한 대기중의 라돈농도는 개방 컵에 의한 결과는 27.4 - 135.8 $Bq/m^3$ (0.74 - 3.67 pCi/l)로서 연평균 73.3Bq/$m^3$ (1.98pCi/l)이었으며, 필터 컵에 의한 결과는 16.7 - 143.9 Bq/$m^3$ (0.45 - 3.89pCi/l)로 연평균 68.5 Bq/$m^3$ (1.85 pCi/l)이었다. 측정한 옥외 대기중의 라돈농도와 부위별 폐선량모형으로 부터 산출한 ICRP 표준인의 호흡기관에 대한 실효 선량당량률은 약 520 nSv/h로 평가되었다.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제47권5호
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• pp.432-445
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• 2021

Background: The European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals' Targeted Risk Assessment (ECETOC TRA) tool has been recognized by EU REACH as a preferred approach for calculating worker health risks from chemicals. Objectives: The applicability of the ECETOC TRA to occupational exposure estimation from industrial uses of methanol was studied by inputting surveyed and varied parameters for TRA estimation as well as through comparison with measured data. Methods: Information on uses of methanol was collected from seven working environment monitoring reports along with the measured exposure data. Input parameters for TRA estimation such as operating conditions (OCs), risk management measures (RMMs) and process categories (PROCs) were surveyed. To compare with measured exposures, parameters from the surveyed conditions of ventilation but no use of respiratory protection were applied. Results: PROCs 4, 5, 8a, 10, and 15 were assigned to ten uses of methanol. The uses include as a solvent for manufacturing sun cream, surfactants, dyestuffs, films and adhesives. Methanol was also used as a component in a release agent, hardening media and mold wash for cast products as well as a component of hard-coating solution and a viscosity-controlling agent for manufacturing glass lenses. PROC 8a and PROC 10 of a cast product manufacturer without LEV (local exhaust ventilation) and general ventilation as well as no respiratory protection resulted in the highest exposure to methanol. Assuming the identical worst OCs and RMMs for all uses, exposures from PROC 5, 8a, and 10 were the same and the highest followed by PROC 4 and 15. The estimation resulted in higher exposures in nine uses except one use where measured exposure approximated exposures without RMMs. Conclusions: The role of ECETOC TRA as a conservative exposure assessment tool was confirmed by comparison with measured data. Moreover, it can guide which RMMs should be applied for the safe use of methanol.

• 한국가금학회지
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.193-198
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• 1988

모체이행항체가 있는 병아리에 생독과 사독 ND 백신을 동시접종 했을때 면역효과를 시험하기 위하여 국내에서 유통되고 있는 $B_1$과 LaSota의 2가지 생독백신과 Gel, Oil의 2가지 사독백신을 구입 1 일령에 각각 단독접종하거나 생독과 사독을 서로 다르게 조합하여 동시에 접종하였다. 생독백신은 백신제조회사에서 추천하는 1수분을 25${\mu}\ell$ 씩 한쪽눈에 적하 하였으며 사독은 0.3$m\ell$씩 경부피하에 접종하였다. HI 가를 주별로 8주까지 조사하였으며 방어율을 측정하기 위하여 4주와 8주에 강독으로 수당 $10^{5.3}$$ELD_{50}$씩 공격 접종하였다. 8개 시험군 중에서 .사독Oil백신과 생독을 동시에 접종한 군이 항체가와 방어율이 가장 높았다. 생독백신이나 Gel백신만 단독접종한 군은 방어율이 50%이하로 낮았으며 항체가도 4~5주 때 $2^2$이하로 하강하였다. 사독 Oil과 동시 접종한 생독백신으로서 $B_1$과 LaSota간에 는 방어율이나 항체가에서 차이를 인정할 수 없었다. 2가지 생독이 모두 Oil백신과 동시 접종했을 때 4주에서 방어율이 100%였으며 8주 때는 90-100%이었고 항체가도 $2^4$ 이상 8적까지 지적되었다. 동시접종해도 호흡기증상등의 부작용이나 증체율 저하 등의 현상은 볼 수 없었다.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.350-366
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• 2016

Objectives: No 3D anthropometric analyses have been conducted for Korean children's faces for the purpose of designing respiratory protective devices. The aim of this study was to develop masks against yellow dust and fine particulates, particularly for children in Korea. Methods: This study utilized a 3D scanning method to obtain 16 facial anthropometric data from children, ages of 5 to 13 years old. A total of 144 boys and girls were recruited from the kindergarten, elementary schools and middle schools in Seoul. With facial dimensions obtained, cluster analysis was performed to categorize them into similar facial groups. For each cluster, an optimal mask was designed and manufactured using a 3D printer. In addition, lung function data were obtained from 62 subjects and compared with those of normal adults. The pulmonary physiological results were subsequently used to suggest a test method for mask certification. Results: Facial shapes were classified into tree clusters: small, medium, and large. The face width and length for the first group were small with high nosal protrusion. The face width and length for the second group were the largest among the three clusters. The third group had the largest angle of nose root - gnathion(n-prn-gn). Age was the most significant variable in the facial dimensions. Children's pulmonary physiological capacity was about 60% of adults' capacity. The results of fit test using the prototype masks developed showed very good fits for children. Conclusions: For Korean children, three mask sizes will be sufficient and practical for providing protection against yellow dust and fine particulates. Anthropometric data obtained using digitalized 3D face analysis can be very effective for designing respiratory devices. 3D images can be accurate and easily measured for multiple dimensions, particularly for curved areas of the face. It is imperative to adopt different test methods for certifying respiratory protective devices for children, since their pulmonary physiological capacity is inferior compared with that of adults.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.119-126
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• 2011

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion is a well-known marker for oxidative stress and aging, and contributes to harmful effects in cultured cells and animal tissues. mtDNA biogenesis genes (NRF-1, TFAM) are essential for the maintenance of mtDNA, as well as the transcription and replication of mitochondrial genomes. Considering that oxidative stress is known to affect mitochondrial biogenesis, we hypothesized that ionizing radiation (IR)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes mtDNA deletion by modulating the mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby leading to cellular senescence. Therefore, we examined the effects of IR on ROS levels, cellular senescence, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mtDNA deletion in IMR-90 human lung fibroblast cells. Young IMR-90 cells at population doubling (PD) 39 were irradiated at 4 or 8 Gy. Old cells at PD55, and H2O2-treated young cells at PD 39, were compared as a positive control. The IR increased the intracellular ROS level, senescence-associated ${\beta}$-galactosidase (SA-${\beta}$-gal) activity, and mtDNA common deletion (4977 bp), and it decreased the mRNA expression of NRF-1 and TFAM in IMR-90 cells. Similar results were also observed in old cells (PD 55) and $H_2O_2$-treated young cells. To confirm that a increase in ROS level is essential for mtDNA deletion and changes of mitochondrial biogenesis in irradiated cells, the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were examined. In irradiated and $H_2O_2$-treated cells, 5 mM NAC significantly attenuated the increases of ROS, mtDNA deletion, and SA-${\beta}$-gal activity, and recovered from decreased expressions of NRF-1 and TFAM mRNA. These results suggest that ROS is a key cause of IR-induced mtDNA deletion, and the suppression of the mitochondrial biogenesis gene may mediate this process.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.73-81
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• 1997

Diphtheria was the world-spread, respiratory infectious disease in the past. But after developing the diphtheria toxoid, diphtheria vaccine, composed of diphtheria toxoid, is generalized, so prevalence of diphtheria is sharply dropped. But diphtheria is come back in NIS(New Independent States) in 1990s. It is believed that recurrence of diphtheria is mainly due to shortage of protective diphtheria antibody titer in adults. And it is related to 70% prevalence in adults, not in children. Considering this changing environment, this study was designed to research the diphtheria antibody titer of whole population and existence of titer difference by sex. Also it was studied whether ELISA has fitness as determination method of diphtheria antibody titer compared with neutralization method on microcell culture. This study was done to 277 samples of three hospitals in Seoul area, and sera was tested by neutralization method on microcell culture and ELISA method. The results of this study were as follows 1) Of this studied population, 31.05% had an antibody titer below the protective level (<0.01 IU/ml), 40.79% had a titer of a relative degree of protection (0.01-0.09 IU/ml) and 28.16% had a reliable degree of protection ($\geq$0.1 IU/ml). Therefore, 68.95% had a basic protective antibody titer level. 2) 20-40 age group showed the lowest diphtheria antibody titer among the studied population. 3) GMT of diphtheria antibody titer was the highest in the children. But, after child period, GMT was fallen. Standard deviation value was the lowest in older group. 4) Protective level of diphtheria antibody titer of male was slightly higher than female (70.94% vs 66.66%). But this difference was not statistically significant. 5) Diphtheria antibody titer by ELISA method was wholly higher than by neutralization method on microcell culture. Compared the two results by ELISA and neutralization, the regression coefficient was 0.38. And in titer, which was obtained by ELISA method, false-positive results was abundant.