• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.49 no.6
• /
• pp.362-371
• /
• 2023

Background: PM_2.5 pollution has been a persistent problem in South Korea, with concentrations consistently exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The aging of the population in the country further exacerbates the health impacts of PM_2.5 since older adults are more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate how the health impact (premature death) due to long-term exposure to PM_2.5 in South Korea could change in the future according to the trend of change in the country's population structure. Methods: The study employs a relative risk function, which accounts for age-specific relative risks, to assess the changes in premature deaths by age and region at the average annual PM_2.5 concentration for 2022 and at PM_2.5 concentration improvement levels. Premature deaths were estimated using the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM). Results: The findings indicate that the increase in premature deaths resulting from the projected population structure changes up to 2050 would significantly outweigh the health benefits (reduction in premature deaths) compared to 2012. This is primarily attributed to the rising number of premature deaths among the elderly due to population aging. Furthermore, the study suggests that the effectiveness of the current domestic PM_2.5 standard would be halved by 2050 due to the increasing impact of population aging on PM_2.5-related mortality. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of considering trends in population structure when evaluating the health benefits of air pollution reduction measures. By comparing and evaluating the health benefits in reflection of changes in population structure to the predicted PM_2.5 concentration improvements at the provincial level, a more comprehensive assessment of regional air quality management strategies can be achieved.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
• /
• v.29 no.6
• /
• pp.525-535
• /
• 2023

In thi study, we unveil the intricate interplay among picophytoplankton (0.2-2 ㎛) communities, warming surface water temperatures, and major inorganic nutrients within the southwestern East Sea from 2003-2022. The observed surface temperature rise, reflecting global climate trends, defies conventional seasonal patterns in temperate seas, with highest temperatures in summer and lowest in spring. Concurrently, concentrations of major dissolved inorganic nutrient display distinct seasonality, with peaks in winter and gradually declining thereafter during spring. The time course of chlorophyll-a concentrations, a proxy for phytoplankton biomass, reveals a typical bimodal pattern for temperate seas. Notably, contributions from picophytoplankton exhibited a steady annual increase of approximately 0.5% over the study period, although the total chlorophyll-a concentrations declined slightly. The strong correlations between picophytoplankton contributions and inorganic nutrient concentrations is noteworthy, highlighting their competitively advantageous responsiveness to the shifting nutrient regime. These findings reflect significant ecological implications for the scientific insights into the marine ecosystem responses to changing climate conditions.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.24 no.5
• /
• pp.424-433
• /
• 2023

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of balloon dilatation under dual guidance using fluoroscopy and bronchoscopy for treating bronchial stenosis following lung transplantation (LT), and to elucidate the factors associated with patency after the procedure. Materials and Methods: From September, 2012, to April, 2021, 50 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 54.4 ± 12.2 years) with bronchial stenosis among 361 recipients of LT were retrospectively analyzed. The safety of balloon dilatation was assessed by evaluating procedure-related complications. Efficacy was assessed by evaluating the technical success, primary patency, and secondary patency. Primary and secondary cumulative patency rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The factors associated with patency after the procedure were evaluated using multivariable Cox hazard proportional regression analysis. Results: In total, 65 bronchi were treated with balloon dilatation in 50 patients. The total number of treatment sessions was 277 and the technical success rate was 99.3% (275/277 sessions). No major procedure-related complications were noted. During the mean follow-up period of 34.6 ± 30.8 months, primary patency was achieved in 12 of 65 bronchi (18.5%). However, the patency rate improved to 76.9% (50 of 65 bronchi) after repeated balloon dilatation (secondary patency). The 6-month, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year secondary patency rates were 95.4%, 90.8%, 83.1%, and 78.5%, respectively. The presence of clinical symptoms was a significant prognostic factor associated with reduced primary patency (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.465; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.220-0.987). Early-stage treatment ≤ 6 months (adjusted HR, 3.588; 95% CI, 1.093-11.780) and prolonged balloon dilatation > 5 min (adjusted HR, 3.285; 95% CI, 1.018-10.598) were associated with significantly higher secondary patency. Conclusion: Repeated balloon dilatation was determined to be safe and effective for treating bronchial stenosis following LT. Early-stage treatment and prolonged balloon dilatation could significantly promote long-term patency.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.48-56
• /
• 2024

Objectives: The coronavirus pandemic that began in 2019(COVID-19) has been one of the worst pandemics of the 21st century. Masks have been used to prevent COVID-19, but there are currently no standards for the long-term use of masks in the Republic of Korea. This study was conducted to assess the microbiological safety of KF94(Korea Filter 94) disposable face masks according to wearing duration by evaluating the bacterial filtration efficiencies of masks worn by research participants. Methods: A commercially available KF94 mask certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety(MFDS) in the Republic of Korea was selected as the test mask. The research participants(n = 15) wore masks for the durations of one, three, and seven days. Participants also reported several parameters, including wearing time, makeup frequency, and storage. Bacterial filtration efficiencies of the worn masks were measured by a mask bioaerosol filtration tester. Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) was used as the test bacteria and quantitatively measured through the cultivation method. Then, bacterial filtration efficiency was calculated using the formula suggested by the MFDS. Results: All worn masks showed over 99.98% of mean bacterial filtration efficiency for S. aureus. There were no significant differences among bacterial filtration efficiencies of face masks according to wearing duration. There was also no significant difference among bacterial filtration efficiencies among participants. There was no correlation between the results of bacterial filtration efficiencies and reported parameters from participants. Conclusions: In the absence of significant external damage to the mask, the bacterial filtration efficiency of the mask can be maintained even after seven days of wearing. This result suggests that KF94 masks certified by the MFDS can be used repeatedly for about a week without loss of bacterial filtration efficiency.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.291-298
• /
• 2024

As an important fishing ground in the southern coast of Korea, Jinhae Bay is characterized by a high level of fisheries production. However, its marine-ecosystem has shifted owing to environmental changes such as industrial development and high water temperatures over the decades. This study analyzes the fisheries production, discards, mean trophic level, and fishing-in-balance index using annual fishing data from five regions surrounding Jinhae Bay for the period 2005-2022, as well as using additional forecasting trends by 2027 using ARIMA (Auto Regressive Intergrated Moving Average). The results shows, that the production in Goseong will decrease continuously by 2027, as compared with that in other areas. Additionally, byproduct management is considered necessary in Tongyeong. For the marine-ecosystem index, Tongyeong indicates stable catch ratio of large fish species and a fishing-in-balance exceeding 0. Finally, the annual catch variation for six pelagic fish species in Jinhae Bay by 2060 is estimated based on the IPCC climate-change scenario, in which the recent low level that decreased to approximately 20 thousand ton in early 2020 is projected to recover to approximately 40 thousand ton in the 2020s and 2040s, followed by an incremental decline by 2060.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.51 no.2
• /
• pp.185-201
• /
• 2018

Nuclear power plants(NPP) are constructed and operated to ensure safety against natural disasters and man-made disasters in all processes including site selection, site survey, design, construction, and operation. This paper will introduce a series of efforts conducted in Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. Ltd., to assure the safety of nuclear power plant against earthquakes and other natural hazards. In particular, the present status of the earthquake, fault, and slope safety monitoring system for nuclear power plants is introduced. A earthquake observatory network for the NPP sites has been built up for nuclear safety and providing adequate seismic design standards for NPP sites by monitoring seismicity in and around NPPs since 1999. The Eupcheon Fault Monitoring System, composed of a strainmeter, seismometer, creepmeter, Global Positioning System, and groundwater meter, was installed to assess the safety of the Wolsung Nuclear Power Plant against earthquakes by monitoring the short- and long-term behavioral characteristics of the Eupcheon fault. Through the analysis of measured data, it was verified that the Eupcheon fault is a relatively stable fault that is not affected by earthquakes occurring around the southeastern part of the Korean peninsula. In addition, it was confirmed that the fault monitoring system could be very useful for seismic safety analysis and earthquake prediction study on the fault. K-SLOPE System for systematic slope monitoring was successfully developed for monitoring of the slope at nuclear power plants. Several kinds of monitoring devices including an inclinometer, tiltmeter, tension-wire, and precipitation gauge were installed on the NPP slope. A macro deformation analysis using terrestrial LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) was performed for overall slope deformation evaluation.

• Korean Security Journal
• /
• no.22
• /
• pp.37-64
• /
• 2010

Since the September 11, 2001, the motives and objectives of terrorism that have been targeted at hard targets such as key national facilities have now shifted towards soft targets such as subways, department stores, and tourist hotels; the attacks on these soft targets are steadily increasing. Simultaneous, unconventional, and indiscriminate terrorist attacks on civilians has also increased. In November, 2010, nearly forty states of the G20 and B20 (Business 20) will join in international summits to be hosted in Seoul. This coming July, an additional 350 troops will be deployed to Afghanistan for the sustainment of public security. Such events are sensitive topics, and there is the possibility of terrorist movement. Korea has successfully hosted various international events such as the APEC and ASEM Summits, and the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. The experiences from these events must be applied to ensure the safety of public facilities against the dangers of terrorism. First, counter-terrorism center must be established for the long-term, above the General Officer level to ensure the safety and efficiency of multilateral, international summits, as well as promoting policies and legislation aimed at preventing terrorism. Second, a terrorist threat management system must be secured and safety measures must be emphasized. Third, a fundamental structure must be established for the prevention of terrorism on public facilities, as well as legal and government action against the new threat of IED. Fourth, the police and fire fighting networks' must have a firm rapid response posture on the scene of an attack. Fifth, the state of mentality on the recognition of terrorist threats must be changed and restructured by promoting to and educating the population. Sixth, prevention measures must be established via research and academia. Seventh, for the guarantee of security in public facilities, safety management should employ cutting edge technology such as the 3D SICS and further develop and apply such technology. All methods and resources must be fully utilized for the establishment and strengthening terrorism prevention measures.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.329-335
• /
• 2017

Analysis method was presented for the simultaneous determination of nine bisphenol A related compounds such as bisphenol A (BPA), phenol, p-tert-butylphenol, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), $BADGE{\cdot}2H_2O$, $BADGE{\cdot}2HCl$, bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE), $BFDGE{\cdot}2H_2O$ and $BFDGE{\cdot}2HCl$ migrated from inner coatings of metal food cans by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The method was validated by examining the linearity of calibration curve, the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), recovery and uncertainty. The migration tests of nine BPA related compounds were carried out with four food simulants; deionized water (DW), 4% acetic acid, 50% ethanol and n-heptane. There was not any compound detected in DW, 4% acetic acid and 50% ethanol at $60^{\circ}C$ for 30 min and n-heptane at $25^{\circ}C$ for 60 min. BPA and phenol were migrated into 4% acetic acid and 50% ethanol at $95^{\circ}C$ for 30 min. The concentrations were ranged from 0 to $10.77{\mu}g/L$ of BPA and from 0 to $2.35{\mu}g/L$ of phenol. Canned foodstuffs mostly have long-term shelf life. We investigated migration of nine BPA related compounds according to the variation in storage periods (0~90 days) and temperatures (4, 25 and $60^{\circ}C$). All compounds were not founded during 90 days at $4^{\circ}C$ and $25^{\circ}C$, respectively. However BPA and $BADGE{\cdot}2H_2O$ were founded in DW and 4% acetic acid at $60^{\circ}C$. The migration levels of BPA and $BADGE{\cdot}2H_2O$ were close to the value of LOQ, respectively and did not change significantly as storage period. It was founded from results that the migration of BPA related compounds from metal food cans was controlled to a safe level.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.217-246
• /
• 2018

During the selection and characterization of target formations in the Small-scale Offshore $CO_2$ Storage Demonstration Project in the Pohang Basin, we have carefully investigated the possibility of induced earthquakes and leakage of $CO_2$ during the injection, and have designed the storage processes to minimize these effects. However, people in Pohang city have a great concern on $CO_2$-injection-intrigued seismicity, since they have greatly suffered from the 5.4 magnitude earthquake on Nov. 15, 2017. The research team of the project performed an extensive self-investigation on the safety issues, especially on the possible $CO_2$ leakage from the target formation and induced earthquakes. The target formation is 10 km apart from the epicenter of the Pohang earthquake and the depth is also quite shallow, only 750 to 800 m from the sea bottom. The project performed a pilot injection in the target formation from Jan. 12 to Mar. 12, 2017, which implies that there are no direct correlation of the Pohang earthquake on Nov. 15, 2017. In addition, the $CO_2$ injection of the storage project does not fracture rock formations, instead, the supercritical $CO_2$ fluid replaces formation water in the pore space gradually. The self-investigation results show that there is almost no chance for the injection to induce significant earthquakes unless injection lasts for a very long time to build a very high pore pressure, which can be easily monitored. The amount of injected $CO_2$ in the project was around 100 metric-tonne that is irrelevant to the Pohang earthquake. The investigation result on long-term safety also shows that the induced earthquakes or the reactivation of existing faults can be prevented successfully when the injection pressure is controlled not to demage cap-rock formation nor exceed Coulomb stresses of existing faults. The project has been performing extensive studies on critical stress for fracturing neighboring formations, reactivation stress of existing faults, well-completion processes to minimize possible leakage, transport/leakage monitoring of injected $CO_2$, and operation procedures for ensuring the storage safety. These extensive studies showed that there will be little chance in $CO_2$ leakage that affects human life. In conclusion, the Small-scale Offshore $CO_2$ Storage Demonstration Project in the Pohang Basin would not cause any induced earthquakes nor signifiant $CO_2$ leakage that people can sense. The research team will give every effort to secure the safety of the storage site.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.83-88
• /
• 2005

In spite of relatively low level of radiation dose used at dental clinics, long term exposure may be harmful, so radiation workers at dental clinics must be well aware of its danger. This study was radiation safety management by dental hygienists in order to take preventive measures for dental hygienists and suggest ideas to develop radiation safety training programs. For this, we contacted dental hygienists working at the local dental clinics for 4 months from December of 2003 to march of 2004 and obtained the following findings. 1. Regarding the intraoral radiographic method, the average daily photographing frequency of standard films stood at one to five pieces (47.5%), and the average weekly photographing frequency of digital radiation medicine stood at less than one piece (69.8%), and the average weekly photographing frequency of bitewing films stood at less than one piece (67.7%), and and the average weekly photographing frequency of occlusal films stood at less than one piece (95.5%), and the dentistries whose average weekly photographing frequency of pediatric films stood at one to five pieces accounted for 47.1 percent. 2. Regarding the extraoral radiographic method, the average weekly photographing frequency of panorama film stood at one to five pieces (63.7%), and less than one piece (20.9%), the average weekly photographing frequency of cephalometric film stood at less than one piece (72.3%), and one to five pieces (20.1%). 3. Concerning the radiation safety management training program, only 18.7% of total 278 surveyed attended the training progra., Attendance tendency of the training program by general characteristics showed statistically significant difference according to age (p<0.01), working experience (p<0.001), and marital status (p<0.01). 4. When asked about the protective equipments against radiation exposure, 40.6% of them said "modest", and 71.1% appeared equipped with led apron as a protective tool.