• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.58-71
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• 2015

Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate the classification system of chemical substances in the Occupational Safety and Health Act(OSHA) and Chemical Substances Control Act(CSCA) and to compare several health indices (i.e., Time Weighted Average (TWA), Lethal Dose ($LD_{50}$), and Lethal Concentration ($LC_{50}$) of chemical substances by categories in each law. Methods: The chemicals regulated by each law were classified by the specific categories provided in the respective law; seven categories for OSHA (chemicals with OELs, chemicals prohibited from manufacturing, etc., chemicals requiring approval, chemicals kept below permissible limits, chemicals requiring workplace monitoring, chemicals requiring special management, and chemicals requiring special heath diagnosis) and five categories from the CSCA(poisonous substances, permitted substances, restricted substances, prohibited substances, and substances requiring preparation for accidents). Information on physicochemical properties, health indices including CMR characteristics, $LD_{50}$ and $LD_{50}$ were searched from the homepages of the Korean Occupational and Safety Agency and the National Institute of Environmental Research, etc. Statistical analysis was conducted for comparison between TWA and health index for each category. Results: The number of chemicals based on CAS numbers was different from the numbers of series of chemicals listed in each law because of repeat listings due to different names (e.g., glycol monoethylether vs. 2-ethoxy ethanol) and grouping of different chemicals under the same serial number(i.e., five different benzidine-related chemicals were categorized under one serial number(06-4-13) as prohibited substances under the CSCA). A total of 722 chemicals and 995 chemicals were listed at the OSHA and its sub-regulations and CSCA and its sub-regulations, respectively. Among these, 36.8% based on OSHA chemicals and 26.7% based on CSCA chemicals were regulated simultaneously through both laws. The correlation coefficients between TWA and $LC_{50}$ and between TWA and $LD_{50}$, were 0.641 and 0.506, respectively. The geometric mean values of TWA calculated by each category in both laws have no tendency according to category. The patterns of cumulative graph for TWA, $LD_{50}$, $LC_{50}$ were similar to the chemicals regulated by OHSA and CCSA, but their median values were lower for CCSA regulated chemicals than OSHA regulated chemicals. The GM of carcinogenic chemicals under the OSHA was significantly lower than non-CMR chemicals($2.21mg/m^3$ vs $5.69mg/m^3$, p=0.006), while there was no significant difference in CSCA chemicals($0.85mg/m^3$ vs $1.04mg/m^3$, p=0.448). $LC_{50}$ showed no significant difference between carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxic chemicals and non-CMR chemicals in both laws' regulated chemicals, while there was a difference between carcinogens and non-CMR chemicals in $LD_{50}$ of the CSCA. Conclusions: This study found that there was no specific tendency or significant difference in health indicessuch TWA, $LD_{50}$ and $LC_{50}$ in subcategories of chemicals as classified by the Ministry of Labor and Employment and the Ministry of Environment. Considering the background and the purpose of each law, collaboration for harmonization in chemical categorizing and regulation is necessary.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Health Society Conference
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• 2005.11a
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• pp.118-120
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• 2005

본 연구는 송전선 주변 거주 초등학교 학생들을 대상으로 시간 활동 행태에 따른 여러 미세환경, 즉 주거환경, 학교환경, 학원, PC방, 교통에서의 자기장 노출수준을 다양한 매트릭스를 이용하여 비교 ${\cdot}$ 분석함으로써 연구대상자들의 활동한 미세환경 인자를 평가하여 시간별행동양식에 따른 24 시간 개인노출수준을 시간가중 평균모델을 이용하여 예측하고 비교 ${\cdot}$ 평가하였다. 본 연구는 154kV 고압 송전선로가 초등학교 옥상을 통과하는 B 초등학교 125명을 최종 선정하여 2003년 7월부터 2004년 2월 말까지 실시하였으며, 시간가중평균모델을 바탕으로 하여 자기장 노출량 평가 모델을 개발하였다. 전체 연구대상자들의 미세환경 내 평균 자기장값으로 계산한 시간가중 평균모델 (TWA model II)을 이용하여 예측된 자기장 개인노출수준을 보면 실측된 개인노출수준과 약간의 상관성을 보였다(Pearson r = 0.34 ${\sim}$ 0.35). Spot 측정한 값과 24 시간 stationary 측정값을 이용한 TWA Model II-2로 예측한 결과 실측값간의 상관성이 0.65 ${\sim}$ 0.85 로 산출되어 TWA 모델 중 가장 실측값을 잘 설명하였다.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.156-161
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• 2011

Objectives: Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a colorless, water-miscible organic liquid with low viscosity at standard temperature and pressure. THF has been used as a solvent and a precursor for various syntheses of polymers. However, THF is known to irritate to the eyes, skin and mucus membranes. Overexposure by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may produce nausea, dizziness, headaches, respiratory irritation and possible skin burns. The purpose of this study is to evaluate of the worker exposure and characteristics of workers in the workplaces that use or manufacture THF. Methods: Sixteen factories in Korea, which manufacture or use THF, were selected for this study and a total of 130 air samples including 104 time-weighted average (TWA) samples and 26 short-term exposure limit (STEL) samples, were collected. Air samples were collected with charcoal tube (100mg/50mg) and analyzed by gas chromatograph/flame ionization detector(GC/FID). Results: The TWA concentration of THF was 16.05ppm (GM) at PS script printing, 2.32ppm (GM) at PVC stabilizer, 1.03ppm (GM) at Lithium triethylborohydride, 0.63ppm (GM) at Polytetramethylene ether glycol(PTMEG), 0.42ppm (GM) at Manufacturing THF, 0.13ppm (GM) at Glue and 0.12ppm (GM) at synthetic rubber/resins. Two out of sampes for PS script printing exceeded 50ppm as 8-hour exposure limit of MOEL. The short term exposure to THF was 54.77ppm (GM) at PS script printing, 17.10ppm (GM) at PTMEG, 13.76ppm (GM) at Manufacturing THF, 2.86ppm (GM) at Lithium triethylborohydride, 0.87ppm (GM) at synthetic rubber/resins and 0.13ppm (GM) Glue. We found that the highest exposure process for both the TWA and STEL samples was PS script process. Two samples exceeded 100ppm as short term exposure limit of Ministry of Employment and Labor(MOEL). Conclusions: Characteristic of STEL concentration for THF is considerably different from TWA concentration in workplaces because workers could exposure high concentration of THF in a moment when they work irregularly schedule. So exposure controls for momentary works have to be prepared, and considered the skin absorption and inhale of THF.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.58-73
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• 2000

Objectives : This study was performed to evaluate BTEX exposure to gas station service attendants and the critical affect of benzene and MtBE airborne concentration. Methods : the degree of exposure to airborne BTEX and MtBE was examined in the service attendants at seven gas stations across the country during a summer season. The TWAs(time-weighted averages) of atmospheric concentration of substances in personal and area samples, were calculated. The component ratio of BTEX and MtBE in the samples of bulk gasoline from each station studied was also measured. Results : The airborne concentrations of BTEX and MtBE showed a lognormal distribution and The TWA concentrations of benzene in personal samples from each station were 0.089 ppm - 0.18 ppm, and those of toluene were 0.097 ppm - 0.2 ppm. The average TWA concentrations of xylene and ethyl benzene was 0.03 ppm and 0.001 ppm, respectively. The TWA concentrations of MtBE were 0.4 ppm - 1.3 ppm. The volume concentrations of MtBE, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene in the bulk gasoline samples were 3 - 7.4 %, 3 - 12 %, 0.64 % and 1.5 - 10 %, respectively. Conclusions : The benzene concentration was detected to exceed the ACGIH threshold benzene level of 0.5 ppm, in one of 74 personal and area samples. MtBE, a substitute for aromatic compounds such as benzene in gasoline, was found to bring about a greater chance of exposure to carcinogen, due to its high vapor pressure and carcinogenicity.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.193-199
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• 1995

This study was designed to investigate the difference of time weighted average(TWA) of noise levels and noise doses by the different operating parameter settings such as exchange rate, threshold level and criterion level for noise dosimeter in the field measurements of noise at industrial working environments. The time weighted averages of noise level and noise doses for noise working environments were determined by noise dosimeter on 80 workers employed at 20 industrial establishments of 8 industries. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The mean time weighted average(TWA) of the noise working environments by the operating parameter settings showed 93.4 dB(A) in 3 dB of exchange rate, 80 dB of threshold level and 90dB of criterion level 92.0 dB(A) in 3 dB-exchange rate, 90 dB-threshold level and 90 dB-criterion level, in 90.8 dB(A) in 5 dB of exchange rate, 80 dB of threshold level and 90 dB of criterion level, and 86.7 dB(A) in 5 dB of exchange rate, 90 dB of threshold level and 90dB of criterion level. 2. ln group of noise level less than 90 dB(A), mean TWAs of 80 dB of threshold level were significantly higher than that of 90 dB of threshold level in 3 dB and 5 dB of exchange rate. 3. The case exceeded threshold limit value of noise was 49(61.3 %) in 3dB, 80dB and 90 dB setting, 44(55.0 %) in 3 dB, 90 dB, 90 dB setting, 33(41.3 %) in 5 dB, 80dB, 90 dB setting and 26(32.5%) in 5 dB, 90 dB, 90 dB setting. Above considerations in mind, it is suggested that exchange rate and threshold level be specified in related laws and regulations in the evaluation of working environments noise.

• 대한예방의학회:학술대회논문집
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• 1994.02a
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• pp.681-691
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• 1994

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has proposed a threshold limit value (TLV) for benzene of 0.1 ppm. Individuals representing the American Petroleum Institute (API)and the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) have argued that 1) the risk assessment by Rinsky .et al. which ACGIH partially relied upon for its proposed TLV overestimates the risk; however, at the exposures levels of interest - (e.g., 0.1 to 1.0 ppm) for establishing a benzene TLV, the Rinsky et al. assessment provides lower estimates of leukemia risk than most others; 2) ACGIH should not use the Dow study for direct observational evidence of leukemia risk associated with low-level benzene exposure because of confounding exposure; however, it is unlikely that confounding exposures played a role in the excess of leukemia demonstrated in the study, and the Dow cohort was exposed to an average benzene concentration of about 5.5 ppm benzene for 7.11 years (31:1.5 ppm-years), while some of the individuals in the study who died from leukemia were exposed to an average of only 1.0 ppm without the opportunity for highpeak exposures; 3) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 1.0 ppm in 1987, and there is no new evidence that would justify reducing the TWA below that level; however, the OSHA TWA of 1.0 ppm was based on economic feasibility and the level of excess risk remaining at 1.0 ppm, i.e., 10 excess leukemia deaths per 1000 workers over an occupational lifetime (45 years) according to OSHA's preferred estimate leaves behind I risk considered significant by OSHA. In addition, chromosomal studies among workers and in animals exposed to benzene indicate that low-level exposure, i.e., 1.0 ppm, is associated with elevated Cytogenetic damage. On the basis of adverse health effects data alone, in this author's opinion, it would be poor science and poor public health policy to establish a benzene TLV greater than 0.1 ppm.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 2005

This study was carried out to evaluate the characteristics of petroleum refinery workers' exposure to organic solvents. Exposure assessment was conducted by full shift-based long term personal sampling(TWA-P) and task-based short term personal sampling(STEL-P) strategy. Major organic solvents that workers can be exposed are various, varying from C3~C12, and this study focused on 11 kinds including benzene, considering toxicity and concentration level. In comparison with two sampling results, STEL-P shows a significant(p<0.001) excess of exposure level rather than TWA-P. As the potential risk index for benzene is calculated as 16, benzene should be set the highest priority for control in petroleum refinery industry. The tasks with the highest benzene exposure level were de-watering(AM;99.8 ppm), draining(AM;19.6ppm), sampling(AM;16.2ppm), and manual gauging(AM;15.02ppm). Petroleum refinery workers' exposure pattern to organic solvents differs by tasks performed, and some task has a high risk of temporary extreme exposure. Therefore, traditional 8-hour TWA sampling strategy have possibility of underestimation of exposure level of workers in petroleum refinery.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.32-40
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• 2008

Methyl bromide has been used as a representative fumigant for quarantine, and several poisoning cases have occurred recently by this chemical in Korea. The purpose of this study is to evaluate workers' exposures to airborne methyl bromide in the importing and exporting plant products quarantine companies. Air samples were collected 400/200 mg Anasorb 747TM and were analyzed by gas chromatograph /flame ionization detector according to the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) Method PV2040. Geometric mean (GM) and arithmetic mean (AM) of total 27 workers' exposure concentrations to airborne methyl bromide were 1.12 ppm and 0.24 ppm, respectively. Two exposures(12.1 ppm and 12 ppm as 8hr-TWA) of total 27 workers' exposures exceeded the Korean standard (5 ppm) of Ministry Labor, while 4 exposures (15%) exceeded the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) (1 ppm) of American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Seven samples (11%) of total 63 short-term air samples exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) 20 ppm (Ceiling). The opening (management) task in wood fumigation by tent showed the highest short-term exposure concentrations (AM: 18.6 ppm, GM: 0.58 ppm, maximum: 340.7 ppm). The maximum level in treatment task of the same process was 2.01 ppm. Methyl bromide concentrations in opening operation was significantly higher than that in treatment operation (p<0.05). In conclusion, the GM of workers' 8hr-TWA exposures to airborne methyl chloride in the importing/exporting plant quarantine industry was estimated below the ACGIH TLV (1 ppm). However, opening task in the fumigation of wood being covered with tent or fumigation of pant products in container showed the levels exceeding ACGIH TLV (1 ppm), and opening task in the fumigation of wood being covered with tent showed the level exceeding the Korean standard of Ministry of Labor (5 ppm).

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.32 no.5 s.92
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• pp.506-514
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• 2006

The objectives of this study were to evaluate personal exposure estimated using a time activity pattern and microenvironmental model. The study was carried out for 44 children attending a primary school nearby the lines (school A) and 125 children attending a school away from 154 kV power lines (school B). For children attending school A, the estimated personal level was a little weak correlated with the measured level($Pearson\;r\;=0.34{\sim}0.35$). For children attending school B, the correlation was very low ($Pearson\;r\;=\;0.09{\sim}0.16$) using the TW A Model II, otherwise, TWA Model II-I which considered the average residential MF level according to the distance from the power line and home explained $39{\sim}53%$ of the correlation in MF personal exposures. The estimated personal exposure level was very well represented by the measured exposure level using TWA Model II-2 which consisted on spot and 24 h stationary measurements at subject's home ($Pearson\;r\;=\;0.65{\sim}0.85$). In conclusion, personal magnetic field expsoure estimated using a TWA Model II-2 should be provided for a reasonable estimate of measured exposure in schoolchildren living near the power line.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.270-279
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• 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to propose revision of the occupational exposure limit(OEL) for 1-Bromopropane(1-BP) following a review of the appropriateness of the standard in light of increasing epidemiological data and handling risk. Materials and Methods: The results of toxicity and epidemiologic investigations for 1-BP and agencies' OELs were compared and reviewed through a literature review. In order to investigate the status of 1-BP handling in South Korea, data from work environment actual condition survey results and work environment measurement results were used. Results: The toxicity of 1-BP, such as central nervous system(CNS) damage, peripheral neuropathy, hematological adverse effects, and developmental and reproductive toxicity(male and female) has been reported. ACGIH recommends 0.1 ppm as a TLV-TWA value, but the OEL of South Korea stands at 25 ppm, which is 250 times higher than the TLV-TWA. Although 1-BP is a specially managed substance under the Industrial Safety and Health Law, the currently applied OEL cannot be said to be a safe level based on the results of epidemiological studies to date. In a work environment measurement in 2017, the total number of samples was 626, which were derived from 78 industries, and the average concentration was 1.173 ppm(standard deviation 2.88). Conclusions: To protect the health of workers handling 1-BP, estimated to be 780 in South Korea, it is necessary to strengthen the OEL(TWA) to a level of 0.3 ppm(lower than the 0.34 ppm with known toxic effects), which is believed to be safe as a result of epidemiological investigation. "Skin" notation should be recommended.