• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.655-663
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• 2011

Asbestos-cement is a material with valuable strength and durability. It was extensively used for water distribution pipes across the world from the 1950s until the early 1980s. The network of pipes in this case study dates from the 1970s, and after more than 30 to 40 years of service, some pipes have been found to break under common service pressure with no apparent reason. A set of mechanical tests was performed including bending, compression, pressure and crushing tests. Microscopy analysis was also used to understand the material behaviour. Tests showed that there was a clear loss of strength in the pipes and that the safety factor was under the established threshold in most of the specimens. Microscopy results showed morphological damage to the pipes. The loss of strength was attributed to a leaching effect. Leaching damages the cement matrix and reduces the frictional interfacial shear stress.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.484-491
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• 2014

Objectives: An image processing program for asbestos fibers analyzing the gradient components and partial linearity was developed in order to accurately segment fibers. The objectives were to increase the accuracy of counting through the formulation of the size and shape of fibers and to guarantee robust fiber detection in noisy backgrounds. Methods: We utilized samples mixed with sand and sepiolite, which has a similar structure to asbestos. Sample concentrations of 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%(w/w) were prepared. The sand used was homogenized after being sieved to less than $180{\mu}m$. Airborne samples were collected on MCE filters by utilizing a personal pump with 2 L/min flow rate for 30 minutes. We used the NIOSH 7400 method for pre-treating and counting the fibers on the filters. The results of the NIOSH 7400 method were compared with those of the image processing program. Results: The performance of the developed algorithm, when compared with the target images acquired by PCM, showed that the detection rate was on average 88.67%. The main causes of non-detection were missing fibers with a low degree of contrast and overlapping of faint and thin fibers. Also, some duplicate countings occurred for fibers with breaks in the middle due to overlapping particles. Conclusions: An image detection algorithm that could increase the accuracy of fiber counting was developed by considering the direction of the edge to extract images of fibers. It showed comparable results to PCM analysis and could be used to count fibers through real-time tracking by modeling a branch point to graph. This algorithm can be utilized to measure the concentrations of asbestos in real-time if a suitable optical design is developed.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.254-263
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• 1998

A worker employed in a serpentine mine was found developed mesothelioma as the first case of Korea in 1997. Asbestos was known as a causative agent for mesothelioma. Thus, asbestos contamination in mines could be a big health threat to those workers who were unknowingly exposed. However, there was no report that any minerals found in Korea contained asbestos. This study was carried out to find the presence of any asbestiform fibers in minerals which could be obtained in Korean mines. We examined fifteen minerals from 44 mines which were suspected contaminated with asbestiform fibers. Asbestiform analysis was done with high resolution transmission electron microscope(TEM), with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope(EDX) and X-ray diffraction(XRD) analyses. Among asbestiform fibers, chrysotile was found in chrysotile, serpentine, talc and pyrophylite specimens from 11 mines. Tremolite was found in tremolite and talc specimens from three mines. Mordenite was found in zeolite specimens from two mines. Wallastonite and sepiolite were found in wallastonite and sepiolite specimens respectively. Crocidolite, antigorite and actinolite were found from talc specimens. But no asbestiform fiber contaminants were found in doromite, vermiculite, limestone, marble, gypsum, kaolin, and clary specimens. Thus, these asbestiform fibers such as such as chrysotile, tremolite, mordenite, crocidolite, antigorite and actinolite could be the responsible agents for the health hazards such as mesothelioma and other cancers.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.209-216
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• 2013

This study focused on a comprehensive and detailed interpretation for the springtime air quality influenced by both artificial (particulate matter (PM) and asbestos) and biological (pollen) sources in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. An intensive measurement of PM was conducted at four characteristic sites (i.e., a heavy traffic area, a residential area, an industrial area, and a desolate area) in the Fukuoka Prefecture during spring of 2007. Analysis of major ionic species in $PM_{2.5}$ was performed by an Ion Chromatography, and asbestos and pollen were identified by Scanning Electron Microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX). $PM_{2.5}$ concentration ($65.3{\mu}gm^{-3}$) measured in an industrial area (site C) was extraordinarily high compared to those monitored in other areas; it greatly exceeded the Japan's $PM_{2.5}$ criteria (a daily average of $35{\mu}gm^{-3}$). NOAA's HYSPLIT dispersion model suggests that this high level of $PM_{2.5}$ monitored at site C is unlikely to affect the Asian continent. The ambient concentrations of $PM_{2.5}$-related anions ($NH_4{^+}$, $NO_3{^-}$, and $SO_4{^{2-}}$) and their relative contributions to $PM_{2.5}$ were also investigated in four study areas. The concentrations of these major water-soluble ions exhibit not only strong spatial dependence but also different ratios to each other. Asbestos fiber (crocidolite and amosite) concentration values changed in the range of 2.5 to 14.4 f per liter of air. The number of pollen grains showed that Cedar ranked higher in concentration than other types of pollen, with the maximum concentration at site A.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.290-295
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• 2018

Background: There is little information on the dose-response relationship between exposure to occupational carcinogenic agents and mesothelioma. This study aimed to investigate this association as well as the existence of agents other than asbestos that might cause mesothelioma. Methods: The Swedish component of the Nordic Occupational Cancer (NOCCA) study consists of 6.78 million individuals with detailed information on occupation. Mesothelioma diagnoses recorded in 1961-2009 were identified through linkage to the Swedish Cancer Registry. We determined cumulative exposure, time of first exposure, and maximum exposure intensity by linking data on occupation to the Swedish NOCCA job-exposure matrix, which includes 29 carcinogenic agents and corresponding exposure for 283 occupations. To assess the risk of mesothelioma, we used conditional logistic regression models to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: 2,757 mesothelioma cases were identified in males, including 1,416 who were exposed to asbestos. Univariate analyses showed not only a significant excess risk for maximum exposure intensity, with a hazard ratio of 4.81 at exposure levels 1.25-2.0 fb/ml but also a clear dose-response effect for cumulative exposure with a 30-, 40-, and 50-year latency time. No convincing excess risk was revealed for any of the other carcinogenic agents included in the Swedish NOCCA job-exposure matrix. Conclusion: When considering asbestos exposure, past exposure, even for short periods, might be enough to cause mesothelioma of the pleura later in life.

• 월간산업보건
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• no.9 s.245
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• pp.40-41
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• 2008

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2017

Background: Despite our knowledge of the causes of cancer, millions of workers are involuntarily exposed to a wide range of known and suspected carcinogens in the workplace. To address this issue from a policy perspective, we developed a policy framework based on a prospective health policy analysis. Use of the framework was demonstrated for developing policies to prevent cancers associated with diesel engine exhaust (DEE), asbestos, and shift work, three occupational carcinogens with global reach and large cancer impact. Methods: An environmental scan of existing prospective health policy analyses was conducted to select and describe our framework parameters. These parameters were augmented by considerations unique to occupational cancer. Policy-related resources, predominantly from Canada, were used to demonstrate how the framework can be applied to cancers associated with DEE, asbestos, and shift work. Results: The parameters of the framework were: problem statement, context, jurisdictional evidence, primary prevention policy options, and key policy players and their attributes. Applying the framework to the three selected carcinogens illustrated multiple avenues for primary prevention, including establishing an occupational exposure limit for DEE, banning asbestos, and improving shift schedules. The framework emphasized the need for leadership by employers and government. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first proposal for a comprehensive policy framework dedicated to the primary prevention of occupational cancer. The framework can be adapted and applied by key policy players in Canada and other countries as a guide of what parameters to consider when developing policies to protect workers' health.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.91-98
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• 2013

Interested in NOA (Naturally Occurring Asbestos), Korea as well as the USA has been making geologic maps of asbestos distributed mines and surrounding areas, restoring mines, evaluating hazard, and so on. The result can be used to improve the reliability of analysts and analysis institutions by judging the amount of asbestos and set up PLM(Polarizing Light Microscope) information by analyzing in soil. The certification value of 2 kinds of CRM(Certified Reference Material) was performed by counting total 400 points with EPA 600-R-93-116 method using by PLM. The following is the result of homogeneity and stability of 2 kinds of manufactured CRM analyzed by ANOVA (Analysis of variance) and Regression Analysis. Based on the analyzation, the results are satisfied with homogeneity and long-term stability. The analyzed certification value of CRM includes the range of minimum and maximum value of point counting result for chrysotile; low concentration-1% (range, 0.25~3.00), high concentration-4% (range, 2.25~5.50).

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.157-167
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• 1994

This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between the types of fiber and its content and the levels of airborne fiber concentrations at eight parking lots where sprayed insulation material was found on the walls and ceilings. Also this study was designed to find the relationship between the levels of airborne fiber concentrations and such variables as air current, humidity, total exhaust volume, surface condition of insulation material and building age. The results obtained were as follows : 1. No significant correlation was found between the levels of airborne tiber concentration and the building age, air current, humidity, total exhaust volume, space and the number of traffics. 2. A significant correlation was found between the levels of airborne fiber concentration and the MMMF content of the insulation material(r=0.7594). However, no significant correlation was found between the levels of airborne fiber concentration and total fiber content of insulation material. 3. The differences of the airborne fiber concentrations among Cateogory 1, 2 and 3 classified by the degrees of surface insulation material maintenance were very significant. 4. Two bulk samples contained 30% crodicolite and 1% anthophylite. The MMMFs, in all parking lots, included mineral wool, cellulose fiber, trace cellulose fiber, trace tiber glass and vermiculite. 5. The mean value and the range of airborne fiber concentrations at 8 parking lots were $0.0239{\pm}0.0095f/cc$ and 0.0054-0.0447 f/cc, respectively. The fiber concentrations of 35 out of 38 samples(92%) were over 0.01 f/cc which is the Environment Administration's recommended asbestos level for the underground space. This study suggests that most of building insulation materials used in Korea, contain MMMF and sometimes asbestos. Currently, MMMF pollution levels may exceed the Environment Administration's recommended level for underground space. It has been found that airborne fiber concentrations increased significantly with MMMF content and with the maintenance condition of surface material. Therefore, it is recommended that a proper management technique should be developed and immediately implemented since the conditions of surface material will be gradually deteriorated due to building age and usage. Since health hazards of the MMMF, similar to those of asbestos, are being gradually acknowledged, a proper management technique which is applicable to control total airborne fiber concentrations, both asbestos and MMMF, be developed and an acceptable indoor air standard be promulgated as early as possible.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.73-84
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• 2010

We studied the geological occurrence, associated minerals, mineralogical properties and formation process of tremolites from two abandoned asbestos mines, Jungang (Sinsuk) and Daebosuksan, located in Boryoung area, Chungnam. Morphologically different tremolites such as long fibrous, needle-like, bladed and prismatic forms coexisted. Fibrous tremolite, known for its high toxieity to human health, was systematically analyzed by polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The average length of tremolite fibers was 31.2 ${\mu}m$ although the maximum length of some asbestos was 210.0 ${\mu}m$. The average width and aspect ratio were 1.6 ${\mu}m$ and 19.9, respectively. Tremolite showed inclined extinction in the range of 6.1~20.2$^{\cric}$. X-ray diffraction patterns were slightly different between fibrous (asbestiform) and prismatic (non-asbestiform) tremolites. EPMA analysis of tremolites in the study area indicated extremely high Mg content with very low Fe content, close to the composition of tremolite in end-member in the tremolite-actinolite solid solution series. The formational conditions of asbestiform and non-asbestiform tremolite appear to be different. Asbestiform tremolite was estimated to have been formed in later stage.