Objectives: There was a judgment of acquittal for the manufacturer SK Chemical and the vendor Aekyung regarding humidifier disinfectant (HD) containing 5-chloro-2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one/2-methylisothiazol- 3(2H)-one (CMIT/MIT). The rationale used in this judgement is discussed here in the light of scientific consideration. Methods: The sentencing document for the judgements was obtained from the Korea Supreme Court Service. In particular, the judgements made by the court related to the risk of HD and external and internal exposure to CMIT/MIT are discussed based on scientific evidence. Results: Rendering a determination in a criminal trial of insufficient evidence of causation, the court dismissed the prosecution’s motion that humidifier disinfectant-associated lung injuries (HDLI) and asthma were associated with the utilization of these products. However, CMIT/MIT, a strong sensitizing and corrosive substance, has been reported to be associated with brain toxicity, allergic contact dermatitis, and asthma. Furthermore, the judgment did not consider total consumption amounts or the cumulative dose of CMIT/MIT in the humidifier. Lastly, there are several cases supporting the fact that exposure to water-soluble substances including CMIT/MIT can cause lower respiratory tract diseases. In addition to cases of asthma among the workers exposed to CMIT/ MIT, we identified lung injury victims who were exposed to HDs exclusively containing CMIT/MIT. Conclusions: We conclude that there is sufficient evidence supporting the assertion that HDs containing CMIT/ MIT cause lung injuries, including asthma, contrary to the court’s judgement.

Objectives: This study was intended to identify hazard contribution by region, media, and chemical by calculating a hazard-based index using pollutant release and transfer register (PRTR) data. Methods: PRTR data for the period 2011 to 2016 was analyzed to examine the regional trends in toxic releases in terms of quantity and to create a corresponding hazard-based index. For the hazard-based index, the Risk- Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) Model was used. Results: The results of the trend analysis show that total releases decreased slightly, but health hazard levels increased consistently. According to the outcome of regional contribution analysis of the hazard-based index, Chungcheongnam-do, Jeollabuk-do and Gyeonggi-do Provinces showed a high ratio in the index for air and water release pollutants, while Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do Provinces showed a high ratio in the index of soil release and waste transfer pollutants. Also, as a result of the analysis of the top ranked substances in the hazard-based index, it was found that chromium, cobalt and its compounds, and ethylene oxide contributed greatly to air release substances, while chromium, benzene, and lead and its compounds contributed greatly to water release substances. Conclusion: These results showed considerable disparities between total release and health hazard levels, especially in the analysis of contribution by regions and by chemical substance. Therefore, the hazard-based index should be used both to support a more comprehensive and robust approach to screening of chemicals for environmental health policy and for management.

Objectives: The correlation between the size of a leak hole, the volume of the leakage, and the range of influence was investigated for a hydrochloric acid tank-lorry. Methods: For the case of a tank-lorry chemical accident, KORA (Korea Off-site Risk Assessment Supporting Tool) was used to predict the leak rate and the range of influence according to the size of the leak hole. The correlation was studied using R. Results: As a result of analyzing the leak rate change according to the leak hole size in a 35% hydrochloric acid tank-lorry, as the size of the leak hole increased from 1 to 100 mm, the leak rate increased from 0.008 to 83.94 kg/sec, following the power function. As a result of calculating the range of influence under conditions ranging from 1 to 100 mm in size and 10 to 60 minutes of leakage time, it was found that the range spanned from a minimum of 5.4 m to a maximum of 307.9 m. As a result of multiple regression analysis using R, the quadratic function model best explained the correlation between the size of the leak hole, the leak time, and the range of influence with an adjected coefficient of determination of 0.97 and a root mean square error of 22.33. Conclusion: If a correlation database for the size of a leak hole is accumulated for various substances and under various conditions, the amount of leakage and the range of influence can easily be calculated, facilitating field response activities.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the atmospheric concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the urinary concentration of biomarkers in residents near the Shinpyeong·Jangrim Industrial Complex to compare them with those of residents in a control area. Methods: Hazardous air pollutants (PAHs and VOCs) were measured in an exposure area (two sites) and a control area (one site). Urine samples were collected from residents near the industrial complex (184 persons) and residents in the control area (181 persons). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify which factors affected the concentration of PAHs and VOCs metabolites. Results: The average atmospheric concentration of PAHs in Shinpyeong-dong and Jangrim-dong was 0.45 and 0.59 ppb for pyrene, 0.15 and 0.16 ppb for benzo[a]pyrene, and 0.29 and 0.35 ppb for dibenz[a,h]anthracene. The average atmospheric concentration of VOCs was 1.10 and 0.99 ppb for benzene, 8.22 and 11.30 ppb for toluene, and 1.91 and 3.05 ppb for ethylbenzene, respectively. The concentrations of PAHs and VOCs in residents near the Shinpyeong·Jangrim Industrial Complex were higher than those of residents in the control area. Geometric means of urinary 2-hydroxyfluorene, 1-hydroxypyrene, methylhippuric acid, and mandelic acid concentrations were 0.45, 0.22, 391.51, and 201.36 μg/g creatinine, respectively. Those levels were all significantly higher than those in the control area (p<0.05). In addition, as a result of multiple regression analysis, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors such as gender and smoking, the concentration of metabolites in urine was high in residents near the Shinpyeong·Jangrim Industrial Complex. Conclusion: The results of this study show the possibility of human exposure to VOCs in residents near the Shinpyeong·Jangrim Industrial Complex. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the local community is required for the management of environmental pollutant emissions.

Objectives: This study aimed to provide temporal Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGL) for a hazardous substance as a pilot study. Methods: As one of the substances designated by the Korea Ministry of Environment as requiring preparations for potential accidents, formaldehyde was selected to estimate the AEGLs. The calculation was based on Haber’s formula (Cn ×t=k) using valid toxicity data (for humans/animals). A total of 96 points of AEGL levels were provided using an interval of five minutes over eight hours. Results: The AEGL-1 and 2 values were constant for the entire exposure duration at 0.9 ppm and 14 ppm, respectively. The values were obtained from clinical/animal tests, and the adaptation effect after a given exposure duration was also considered. AEGL-3 was based on animal toxicity data, and it was estimated from 127 ppm for the initial five minutes to 35 ppm for eight hours. Conclusions: More specific AEGL levels for formaldehyde could be obtained in this study using toxicity data with Haber’s formula. Based on this methodology, it would be also possible to estimate AEGL levels that can be used at the scene of a chemical accident for other substances requiring preparation for potential accidents.

Objective: This study was performed to detect indicator bacteria in drinking spring water samples in Gwangju City and to identify their genus using the VITEK-II system. Methods: The subjects were ten drinking spring water sites in Gwangju. Samples of spring water were taken every month from September 2019 to August 2020. We analyzed for the indicator bacteria Yersinia and microorganisms isolated from the spring water. Result: According to the research results on indicator bacteria, general bacteria in st1-st7 with sterilization facilities in the spring and summer were investigated in the range of 0-2 CFU/mL and 0-12 CFU/mL. In st9, where a sterilization facility was not installed, the most general bacteria were detected (160 CFU/mL). Total coliform and fecal coliform showed unsatisfied rates of 16.7 and 11.1% in spring and 14.7 and 11.8% in summer, respectively. The unsatisfied rates of total coliform for the designated and non-designated spring water facilities were 3.8 and 47.1%, respectively, and for the fecal coliform group they were 2.5 and 35.3%. The difference was confirmed according to the presence of a sterilization facility. Yersinia spp. was not detected in all drinking spring water. Forty-one strains in 25 species were isolated from ten sites. The results classified as major dominant species are Pseudomonas spp. 14.6%, Pantoea spp. 9.8%, Serratia spp. 9.8%, Acinetobacter spp. 9.8%, Citrobacter spp. 7.3%, Bordetella spp. 7.3%, Delftia spp. 4.9%, and Enterobacter spp. 4.9%. Conclusions: Based on the result that various species derived from fecal pollution and artificial pollutants were detected in the non-specified public spring water facilities that many people use, the facilities need institutional complements such as continuous management or complete shutdowns.

Objectives: Control methods against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) aerosols have been introduced. Airborne spreading theories for SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed in this study. Methods: Control methods for airborne microorganisms were discussed. Studies on theoretical estimations for airborne spreading of SARS-CoV-2 were presented and analyzed. Analytic calculations were conducted for explaining control techniques for airborne microorganisms. Results: Control methods for SARS-CoV-2 aerosols can include physical or biological procedures. Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols and massive clustering infection cases of COVID-19 support the airborne spreading theories of SARS-CoV-2. It is necessary to consider the disadvantages of control methods for airborne microorganisms. Conclusions: A study on control methods against bioaerosols is necessary to prevent the spreading of viruses. Airborne spreading theories of SARS-CoV-2 were supported by the current evidence, but further studies are needed to confirm these theories.

Objectives: Acute exposure to high concentrations of chemicals can occur when a chemical accident takes place. As such exposure can cause ongoing environmental pollution, such as in the soil and groundwater, there is a need for a tool that can assess health effects in the long term. The purpose of this study was assessing the health risks of residents living near a chemical accident site due to long-term exposure while considering the temporal concentration changes of the toxic chemicals leaked during the accident until their extinction in the environment using a multimedia environmental dynamics model. Methods: A health risk assessment was conducted on three cases of formaldehyde chemical accidents. In this study, health risk assessment was performed using a multimedia environmental dynamics model that considers the behavior of the atmosphere, soil, and water. In addition, the extinction period of formaldehyde in the environment was regarded as extinction in the environment when the concentration in the air and soil fell below the background concentration prior to the accident. The subjects of health risk assessment were classified into four groups according to age: 0-9 years old, 10-18 years old, 19-64 years old, and over 65 years old. Carcinogenic risk assessment by respiratory exposure and non-carcinogenic risk assessment by soil intake were conducted as well. Results: In the assessment of carcinogenic risk due to respiratory exposure, the excess carcinogenic risk did not exceed 1.0×10−6 in all three chemical accidents, so there was no health effect due to the formaldehyde chemical accident. As a result of the evaluation of non-carcinogenic risk due to soil intake, none of the three chemical accidents had a risk index of 1, so there was no health effect. For all three chemical accidents, the excess cancer risk and hazard index were the highest in the age group 0-9. Next, 10-18 years old, 65 years old or older, and 19-64 years old showed the highest risk. Conclusion: This study considers environmental changes after a chemical accident occurs and until the substance disappears from the environment. It also conducts a health risk assessment by reflecting the characteristics of the long-term persistence and concentration change over time. It is thought that it is of significance as a health risk assessment study reflecting the exposure characteristics of the accident substance for an actual chemical accident.

본 연구는 하수슬러지 소각재에 비교적 높은 함량으로 존재하는 인을 회수하기 위한 국내외 사례를 조사한문헌연구로서 습식방법 및 열화학적 방법에 의한 인의 회수 및 중금속 제거와 관련한 실험조건과 영향인자 등을논의하였다. 하수슬러지 소각재의 인 회수 기술 상용화를 위해서는 인 회수과정에서 발생되는 폐수, 잔재물의처분, 첨가 약품과 에너지 소모의 최소화 등 전체 시스템의 경제성 측면에서 소각시설과 연계한 집적처리공정이바람직할 것으로 판단된다.

가축분뇨에 함유된 질소와 인은 환경오염 유발 물질이지만 다양한 산업에서 사용되는 필수 자원이기도하다. 본 연구에서는 가축분뇨에서 질소 회수에 활용되고 있는 스트리핑, 건조 및 탄화, 이온 교환, 전기투석에대해 소개하였고, 2011년부터 2020년도까지 국내⋅외에서 수행한 실규모 연구 현황과 해외 실증플랜트 운영 사례를분석하였으며 상기 조사결과를 바탕으로 공정별 평가를 실시하였다. 또한, 대표적인 기술인 스트리핑의 주요 운전인자인 pH, 온도, 기액비 등의 적정 범위를 제시하였고, 바이오가스화 공정 연계 시 예상되는 물질수지를 제공하였다. 본 연구에서 제시한 정보는 향후 관련 국내 정책 수립 및 실규모 플랜트 운전 시 유용한 자료로 활용이 가능할것으로 판단된다

국내 유기성고형폐기물 중 우분이 가장 많은 에너지잠재량을 지니고 있으나, 바이오가스화에 대한 연구는 제한적으로 진행되었다. 특히, 우분이 저장 중에 일어나는 유기물의 분해 및 톱밥의 첨가량이 메탄잠재량에 영향을 미치는영향에 대한 연구는 전무하다. 본 연구에서는 신선한 두 종류의 우분(한우분뇨, 젖소분뇨)을 저장 시 온도와 기간에따른 우분내 유기물 함량의 변화, 그리고 그 과정 중에 발생하는 온실가스와 악취를 조사하였고, 저장 후 우분의 메탄잠재량과 톱밥 함유량에 따른 메탄잠재량도 알아보았다. 우분의 저장 온도에 따른 성상(VS, COD) 변화를 90일간 관찰한 결과, 20℃ 조건에서는 초기 우분 대비 약 10% 감소한 반면에 30℃ 조건에서는 약 30% 감소하였다. 유기물의 분해에 따라메탄전환율 측면에서 한우분뇨의 경우 30℃, 90일 조건에서 메탄전환율이 약 10-13% 감소하였고 젖소분뇨의 경우 동일조건에서 약 24% 정도 메탄전환율이 감소한 것으로 나타났다. 한편, 저장 기간 중 30℃에서의 온실가스 배출량이 20℃조건에 비해 약 3.3-3.8 배나 높게 나타났고, 악취 발생량은 29배 더 많았다. 전체 톱밥한우분의 전체 중량대비 톱밥 함유량이25%만 되더라도 메탄전환율은 61% 감소하였으며 톱밥 함유량이 45%와 55%로 증가하면 저감 비율은 각각 69%, 75%으로나타났다. 이는 톱밥의 첨가가 우분에서 전환될 수 있는 메탄잠재량값도 낮추는 즉 저해 작용 때문으로 판단된다.

양액재배는 기존 비닐하우스 안의 토양재배 방식에서 물이나 배지에 작물을 심고 생육에 필요한 양분(비료)을녹인 양액을 공급하여 재배하는 방식으로 기존 시설재배 방식에서 영농기술이 발전하여 양액재배는 작물의 생산성을극대화할 수 있는 큰 장점을 가지고 있다. 본 연구는 폐양액이 다량의 비료 물질을 함유하고 있기에 하천으로 유입되면인근 하천을 오염시키며, 양액재배에 사용되고 폐기되는 폐배지, 폐작물의 처리에 대한 문제점을 제시하고 있다. 또한, 처리시 처리비용의 발생과 현재 국내 양액재배 농장의 대부분이 비순환식 양액재배 시스템을 사용하여 배출되는양액의 잔여비료로 인한 환경오염 및 비료의 불필요한 과다 사용 문제점을 지적하는 선행연구를 바탕으로 사전조사와실험을 진행하였다. 현재 양약재배 비순환식 시스템 재배방식 농장에서 발생하는 폐양액, 폐배지, 폐작물이 농장주변 환경에 미치는 영향을 수질, 토양분석 결과 수치를 통해 규명하고자 현장자료 연구를 진행하였다. 현장 수질, 토양분석을 위해서 지역별 양액재배 5개 농가의 작형, 양액재배 시스템를 확인하였으며, 강원 C지역 토경재배 3개농장의 작형, 양액재배 시스템 농장 현장을 방문하여 농장의 시설내⋅외부 수질, 토양 샘플을 채취하였다. 추가적으로폐작물 야적지에서 발생되는 침출수 및 토양샘플을 채취하여 수질, 토양분석을 하였다. 연구 결과 비순환식 시스템재배방식 농장에서 발생되는 폐양액의 평균 total nitrogen(TN) 농도는 402 mg/L 이였고, total phosphate(TP)의 경우77.4mg/L 이였으며, 이는 환경정책기본법 시행령상 하천의 생활환경 TP기준 993.7배 초과한 수치였다. 또한, 물환경보전법의 산업폐수 배출기준 TN기준 6~19배, TP기준 2~27배 초과한 수치결과를 확인하였다. 폐작물 야적지에서 발생된침출수의 경우 환경정책기본법 시행령상 하천의 생활환경 COD 기준 11,828배 초과, TP기준 395~2663배 초과한수치이며, 물환경보전법의 산업폐수 배출기준 TN기준 788배, TP기준 5배 초과한 수치결과를 확인하였다. 비순환식양액재배에서 발생하는 폐양액, 폐배지, 폐작물이 환경에 미치는 영향에 대한 더 정밀한 연구를 위해 전국 양액재배농가수(호), 재배면적(ha)를 기준으로 하여 양액재배면적이 넓은 지역 도출해내어야 한다. 이를 통해 넓을 지역의양액재배 시설 주변 소하천을 중심으로 계절적 요인, 기후 요인, 날씨 요인, 재배면적, 재배지역, 농가 재배특성등의 다양한 요인을 고려한 수질 및 토양 샘플링 채취와 분석에 관한 추가 연구가 필요할 것으로 판단된다.

본 연구는 유기성 자원 중 가축분퇴비(LMC), 가공계분(CPM), 음식물류폐기물건조분말(FWP) 및 아미노산발효부산액(ABF)등과 혼합유기질비료(MOF)의 혼합물의 이화학적 특성의 변화와 작물에 대한 생육을 조사하였다. LMC, FWP 및 MOF의 혼합물(MLF)의 질소, 인산 및 칼륨의 함량은 각각 3.6~3.9%, 2.1~2.2% 및 1.3~1.4%의 범위를나타내었다. MLF3 처리구(60% MOF + 10% LMC + 30% FWP)는 대조구(MOF)보다 약 29% 상추의 건물중이 증가하였다. CPM, FWP, ABF 및 MOF의 혼합물인 MCFA의 질소, 인산, 칼륨의 함량은 각각 4.5~4.7%, 1.7~1.9% 및 1.3~1.4%의범위를 나타내었다. MCFA를 상추와 배추에 처리하였을 경우 MOF와 통계적으로 유의적인 차이를 나타내지 않았다. 이러한 결과는 유기성 자원과 혼합유기질비료의 혼합물인 MLFs와 MCFAs의 시비는 상추와 배추 재배에서 혼합유기질비료(MOF)와 유사한 작물생육특성을 나타내어 LMC와 ABF는 유기질비료의 원료로 가능성을 나타내었다.

Objectives: This study evaluated the odor around an industrial complex area (#1-#5) and the operational effects of the Odor Monitoring System in Seo-gu in Daegu City. Methods: Samples were collected from November 2012 to December 2018 and were analyzed for complex odor. The odor occurrence rate and the odor reduction rate were calculated. Results: In 2018, the mean concentration of complex odor decreased 20.9% and the odor occurrence rate decreased from 65.0 to 27.5% around the industrial complex area (#1-#5) in Seo-gu compared to 2013. After the operation of the Odor Monitoring System, the standard excess rate (3.0%→40.8%) and the excess concentration of complex odor (1,442→4,304) increased at odor-emitting workplaces. In addition, the mean concentration of complex odor (15.9%) and the odor occurrence rate (60.6%→32.9%) around the industrial complex area (#1-#5) and the number of odor complaints (23.4%) in Seo-gu decreased. Conclusion: In order to reduce the odor around the industrial complex area, it is important to improve the odor emitting facilities. The Odor Monitoring System uses scientific and systematic monitoring methods that can help control and manage the odor emission facilities.

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to investigate the installation rates and status of indoor smoking rooms in public facilities and to determine the level of compliance level with smoke-free policies in accordance with the National Health Promotion Act. Methods: A visiting survey was conducted on 1,206 public facilities in the Seoul Metropolitan Area and the Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province area. Researchers selected public facilities such as bars, coffee houses, and internet cafes using convenient sampling. They visited without prior notice, checked the existence of indoor smoking rooms, and recorded their status. Results: Internet cafes (110/116) had the highest installation rate of indoor smoking rooms, followed by bowling clubs (17/19) and billiard rooms (87/100). Depending on the type of business, 50-88% of smoking rooms were not completely enclosed. Coin karaoke rooms showed the least inadequacy in this regard. In addition, out of 512 smoking rooms, in 33% (n = 169) smoking indoors was observed in non-smoking areas. Only 9% of public facilities were in full compliance with the indoor smoke-free regulation. Conclusions: It was found that most of the public facilities with indoor smoking rooms did not comply with the smoke-free policy, and smoking was still observed inside some facilities. Therefore, there is a need for a policy that prohibits indoor smoking rooms completely.

Objectives: Phthalates, which are widely used as plasticizers, have been recognized as endocrine disruptors. In the present study, we provided information on the regulation of these chemicals and summarized the information available on their detection and toxicity in children’s products and those of their alternatives. Methods: The regulatory frameworks related to phthalates in children’s products in Korea, the United States (US), and the European Union (EU) were compared. Data on the detection concentration of 16 phthalates and seven phthalate alternatives that could be used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic products for children as well as on their toxicity classification and endocrine disruption toxicity were collected from the literature. Results: Korea adopted US and EU chemical standards for six phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP), but not others (e.g., DIBP, DPP, DHP, and DCHP). Among the ten phthalates and seven substitutes for which regulatory standards were not determined, DIBP, DHP, DEHA, DIBA, DINA, and DEHT were detected in children’s products made from PVC plastic. DIBP and DHP, which have a reproductive toxicity classification of 1B, were frequently detected in PVC toys. The reproductive toxicity, estrogenicity, and anti-androgenic activity of the unregulated phthalates and their alternatives have been reported in diverse in vitro and in vivo assays. Conclusion: The use of unregulated phthalates and their substitutes in children’s products is increasing. Further monitoring and toxicological information on phthalate alternatives is required to develop proper management plans.

Objectives: The study aims to examine the variation over roughly the past 10 years (from 2008 to 2018) in the estimated daily dietary Pb intake (Pb-D) based on the variations of daily intake amount and Pb content in respective food groups. The following factors were considered: (1) variation of estimated value of Pb-D, (2) Pb contents in each food group and (3) the most influential food group for dietary Pb intake. Methods: Estimated values of Pb-D were taken from food consumption by the food groups reported in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey and the Pb content of each food group as reported in 19 previous publications. Variation from 2008 to 2018 of Pb intake was calculated from daily intake amount and Pb content in each food group. Results: The survey showed that main Pb intake sources were the food groups ‘meats and poultry’ and ‘fish and shellfish’. These food groups showed gradually increased Pb exposure from 2008 to 2018. Estimated daily Pb intake was 42.18 to 57.68 µg/day for men and 30.97 to 42.54 µg/day for women. Both men and women showed slightly increased dietary Pb intake from 2008 to 2018. The food groups ‘meats and poultry’ and ‘fish and shellfish’ proved the highest Pb intake food groups. Estimated Pb intake from ‘meats and poultry’ was 8.47 to 12.98 µg/day and that of ‘fish and shellfish’ was 5.63 to 10.10 µg/day. Conclusion: Over the past ten years, daily Pb intake has slightly increased in men and women. The food groups ‘meats and poultry’ and ‘fish and shellfish’ might be the main variation factors of Pb intake.