• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.429-439
• /
• 1996

A comprehensive air quality monitoring was carried out in this study to investigate the concentrations of criteria air pollutants in indoor and outdoor air of public facilities in Taegu area. Four different kinds of public facilities were seleced as sampling sites, which are underground stores, stations & terminals, general hospitals, and department stores. Each group of the public facilities was consisted of three different sampling sites. As a consequence, a total of 12 different sampling sites were surveyed throughout this study. Sampling was conducted simultaneously indoors, three times per day (in the morning, afternoon, and evening) and four times per year (spring, summer, fall, and winter) at each sampling site during the period of October 1994 to July 1995. A range of criteria pollutants were measured in order to obtain a broad profile of indoor and ambient air quality, including total suspended particles (TSP), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), formaldehyde (HCHO), sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$), and nitrogen dioxide ($NO_2$). In addition, temperature, relative humidity, and air current were measured on site together with those air pollutants. Results of this study indicated that the indoor levels of TSP, CO, $SO_2, and NO_2$ appeared to be generally higher in stations/terminals and underground stores than those in department stores and hospitals. However, HCHO and $CO_2$ were found to have higher levels in the department stores and hospitals than other places, indicating that the effects of indoor sources for these pollutants are significantly different from other combustion related pollutants such as TSP, CO, and $SO_2$. It was also found that there are marked seasonal and daily variations both in indoor and outdoor air quality. In general, combustion related pollutants such as CO, $SO_2$ and $NO_2$ showed a typical pattern of higher levels in winter than insummer, and also higher in the morning and/or in the evening than in the afternoon. However, the seasonal and daily patterns of HCHO appeared to be opposite to the combustion related pollutants, i.e., higher both in summer and in the afternoon, implying the effect of temperature on the volatilization from indoor sources of HCHO. Results of correlation analyses between indoor and outdoor air quality also indicated that the effects of outdoor sources on the indoor levels of TSP, $SO_2$, CO, and $NO_2$ and much significant, whilst no significant correlations between indoor and outdoor levels were found for HCHO and $CO_2$.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.215-222
• /
• 2012

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the influence of indoor air qualities of an office environment on dry eye syndrome for wearing contact lens and non-wearing contact lens. Methods: To study the effects of indoor air qualities on dry eye syndrome for seventy-one subjects, $CO_2$, temperature, humidity, TSP, PM10, HCHO were measured. Each subject was tested by a McMonnie's dry eye syndrome questionnaire, a Schirmer Tear Test-I (S.T.T-I), a Schirmer Tear Test-II with anesthetics (S.T.T-II), and Tear film break-up time (T.B.U.T) in the their offices. Results: There was significant relation between the indoor air quality and dry eye syndrome for wearing contact lens and non-wearing when TSP was over $200{\mu}g/m^3$, PM10 was higher than $86.7{\mu}g/m^3$ and Formaldehyde was over $0.4{\sim}1.0{\mu}g/m^3$. However, there was no significant effect on dry eye syndrome with $CO_2$ (p=.0146), temperature (p=0.074) and humidity (p=0.053). Conclusions: It was indicated that $CO_2$, temperature and humidity were no effect on dry eye syndrome in the office environment. However TSP, PM10, formaldehyde, and wearing contact lens were effect on dry eye syndrome. Therefore, the entire management of wearing contact lens and the individual evaluation of the indoor air quality are required.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.51-57
• /
• 2003

Indoor air quality(IAQ) in workplace and residential environments has been concern of people. Recently, Ministry of Environment in Korea has recognized the potential risk on the healthy effect related to indoor air pollution at home. Therefore, the purpose of this study was performed to measure the indoor air pollutants of IAQ at different homes and investigate to compare the perception of IAQ recognition at home from questionnaire survey in Seoul. We estimated the IAQ of selected 6 homes based on site region and housing type. The indoor air pollutants and parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, respirable suspended particulate matter($PM_{10}$), formaldehyde(HCHO), total bacteria counts, carbon monooxide(CO) and carbon dioxide($CO_2$) were monitored for summer and winter. In monitoring results, the respirable suspended particulate matter(($PM_{10}$) and indoor airborne bacteria level of home 5 and 6 were higher than the standard of the public $150{\;}{\mu}g/m^3$ and $500{\;}{\mu}g/m^3$, the level formaldehyde(HCHO) was exceed 0.1 ppm of the standard of Korea at all monitored homes. In statistics analysis, we could find a correlation between the building age and the concentration of CO, TBC were significant at 0.01 level and Relative Humidity was significant at 0.05 level for summer. Finally, the important air pollutants of IAQ in home were HCHO and total bacteria counts(TBC). And we performed a questionnaire survey of 500 people about their awareness for the importance of IAQ in our home during same period. In results, all most response of occupant has recognized the importance of IAQ at home. Therefore, it can be concluded that the IAQ of selected 6 home studied was perceived as acceptable, it is recommended that the government related IAQ was suggested the guideline and control of IAQ problems, and the occupants need to be effort to reduce the exposure of sources to undesirable pollutants.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.42 no.6
• /
• pp.438-449
• /
• 2016

Objectives: Exposure to airborne bacteria is associated with adverse health effects such as respiratory and infectious diseases. This study evaluated airborne bacterial concentrations in the living rooms, kitchens, and toilets of 30 homes. Methods: Bacteria were sampled with an MAS100 impactor in three spaces in the subject homes between April 2014 and February 2015. Bacteria were grown on TSA plates for 48 hours at $35^{\circ}C$. The bacterial strains were isolated and amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Results: The most culturable bacteria were found in toilets ($624.0CFU/m^3$, GM: $417.3CFU/m^3$), followed by in the kitchen ($503.8CFU/m^3$, GM: $324.9CFU/m^3$). The dominant genera identified were: Staphylococcus sp.(19%), Micrococcus sp.(16%), and Bacillus sp.(11%) in the indoor air and Bacillus sp. (30%) in the outdoor air. Gram-positive bacteria comprised more than half of all colonies. Conclusion: In this study, culturable bacteria concentrations were higher than those reported in other spaces. Therefore, it is important to control relative humidity and remove moisture to prevent bacteria from multiplying. Additionally, the dominant species in indoor air were Staphylococcus sp. and Micrococcus sp. These are found on the human skin, mucous membranes, and hair, so human activity can affect bacterial distribution. Therefore, cleaning and controlling moisture are important for reducing indoor bacterial concentrations.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.233-244
• /
• 2014

The objective of this study was to explore the characteristics of concentration of indoor air pollutants, such as $PM_{10}$, $CO_2$, and $NO_2$, measured by tele-monitoring system in a Seoul Metropolitan underground railway station from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012. The annual average concentration of indoor air pollutants actually varied over a wide range and was found to exhibit marked variation with time and measurement sites (tunnel inlet, platform, and concourse). After installing platform screen doors, the average $PM_{10}$ concentration on platform and concourse was decreased by 43.8% and 31.2%, respectively during the study periods. The relationship between the concentration of $PM_{10}$ and meteorological parameters (relative humidity and rainfall) or the Asian dust events was regarded as statistically significant. The correlations between the number of boarding/alighting passengers and $PM_{10}$, $CO_2$, and $NO_2$ were calculated. A p-value of less than 0.01 was regarded as significant except $NO_2$. The I/O ratio of $PM_{10}$ concentration was elevated after a congested time (about 08:00 am). The average I/O ratios of $NO_2$ were observed in concourse and platform on 03:00 am with $1.76{\pm}0.91$ and $1.50{\pm}0.51$, respectively. The average daily variation of standard excess rate of $PM_{10}$ and $NO_2$ concentration in concourse and platform was investigated. The highest standard excess rate was observed on 21:00 (09:00 pm).

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.48 no.6
• /
• pp.291-297
• /
• 2022

Background: PM_2.5 and black carbon (BC) can be generated from cooking and from vehicle operation. Street vendors may be exposed to PM_2.5 and BC due to their proximity both to roads and to cooking activities. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the PM_2.5 and BC concentrations in cooking stalls and to determine the effects of cooking activity and of types of cooking. Methods: Indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 and BC concentrations, temperature, and relative humidity were measured in 32 stalls in April and May 2022. Behavioral factors such as the presence of cooking activity and types of cooking were observed. Student's T-test was performed using the difference of indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 and BC concentrations to compare the effects of cooking activity and to compare types of cooking. Results: One-hour averages of the difference in indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations for cooking stalls and non-cooking stalls were 9.7±15.7 ㎍/m³ (n=22) and -0.5±0.4 ㎍/m³ (n=10), respectively. The difference in indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations in cooking stalls was significantly higher than in non-cooking stalls (p<0.05). The indoor PM_2.5 concentration for stalls for Chinese pancakes and teokbokki exceeded the standards for indoor air quality in South Korea (50 ㎍/m³ ). The indoor PM_2.5 concentration for Korean pancake stalls exceeded the standards for outdoor air quality in South Korea (35 ㎍/m³ for 24 hours). Conclusions: The PM_2.5 concentrations in stalls with cooking activity was significantly higher than those in stalls without cooking activity. Some stalls with certain types of foods exceeded standards for indoor and outdoor air quality in South Korea. Better management of indoor air quality in stalls with cooking activities is necessary.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.42 no.1
• /
• pp.19-26
• /
• 2016

Objectives: This study aimed to assess temporal changes in the level of culturable airborne fungi (CAF) in three microbiology laboratories and determine the environmental factors associated with CAF level. Methods: CAF levels were determined once per month from March 2011 to February 2012 in three microbiology laboratories. An Andersen one-stage sampler was used for five minutes, three times per day to collect the CAF. Arithmetic means of CAF concentrations and standard deviation (SD) were calculated. A Mann-Whitney test was applied to compare the differences between environmental factors such as divided room by structure of laboratory, use of humidifier, and use of air-conditioner. Correlation analysis was also applied to identify the association between CAF concentrations and environmental factors. Results: CAF levels demonstrated an increasing tendency in summer, and the three laboratories showed consistent seasonal patterns. Temperature and relative humidity (RH) were associated with CAF levels. When the humidifier was off, CAF concentrations were significantly higher in study rooms than in study rooms in which the humidifier was on. Conclusion: CAF levels in indoor microbiology laboratories varied greatly depending upon the temperature and RH and whether a humidifier was used.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.320-329
• /
• 2009

The purpose of this study was reducing the moisture accumulation in a wall, which can threaten the structural safety of light-frame wall and make residential environment poor. For the purpose, the laboratory test was carried out with different wall assemblies. Vapor retarder and air gap for ventilation were added to the typical wall. The improved performance of the proposed walls was examined through the test with distinct difference of temperature and relative humidity between outdoor and indoor air conditions. Increased dampproofing performance of additional vapor retarder was effective on reduction of moisture transmission from inside the house into the wall. However, unexpected high relative humidity was shown in the wall with two additional vapor retarder because of excessive dampproofing performance or inadequate location of vapor retarder. And, the open air gap induced the moisture transfer from inside the wall into outdoor air by ventilation. If the alternative to the induction of moisture transmission from inside the house into the wall with open air gap can be found, moisture reduction effect of that will be increased obviously.

• Proceedings of the KSR Conference
• /
• 2005.11a
• /
• pp.1153-1158
• /
• 2005

The passenger cabin of train is generally insulated from exterior environment to ensure the safety of passengers and to enhance the heating and cooling efficiency. Therefore, the IAQ management of passenger cabin is very important in aspect of amenity and health of passengers. In this study, we measured some IAQ factors influencing on the indoor air quality of passenger cabin. The measurement was carried out to investigate the PM-10, PM-2.5, PM-1.0, temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide leves of KTX. The results showed that the air quality of the cabin was largely satisfactory, but carbon dioxide level was relatively higher. The control of carbon dioxide levels need the extensive research in the future.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
• /
• v.4 no.4 s.16
• /
• pp.155-163
• /
• 2003

There are a growing number of cases to expand balconies of apartments faced with open air in order to enhance functional satisfaction and efficiency of dwelling space. In case of the balcony expansion at the floor, however, it is difficult to exclude a possibility of bringing about internal condensation due to the difference of temperature between indoor air and outdoor air caused by the Inflow of outer low-temperature air through the upper part of ceilings by failure in completely putting together the outer composite wall panels on the aluminum curtain walls installed at outer walls This study is to forecast possible occurrence of internal condensation around parapets and H-beam located at the inside of balcony ceilings on the uppermost floor of super-high apartment buildings faced with open air in order to provide dwellers with more comfortable environment in the related space and get rid of their uneasiness about the condensation. In this study, we estimated internal condensation, which vary in accordance with humidity pressure distribution, at curtain walls, stone panels or lower parts of slabs that constitute outer space of the residence and are weak against heat, through temperature forecast and temperature distribution interpretation program at normal two-dimension temperature