Ex) Article Title, Author, Keywords
Ex) Article Title, Author, Keywords
Invited article / Perspectives |
2021-10-31
2021-10-31
0
499
174
https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2021.47.5.379
This paper discussed environmental health policies for the past and coming decade by reviewing the First Comprehensive Environmental Health Plan (2011~2020) and introducing the Second Comprehensive Environmental Health Plan (2021~2030). The major achievement of the First Comprehensive Environmental Health Plan was the establishment of receptor-oriented environmental health policies. However, the main limitations were insufficient policy support for relief and/or recovery from environmental pollution damage and low public awareness of environmental health policies. The Second Comprehensive Environmental Health Plan presents the following major policy tasks: establish an omnidirectional environment health investigation and monitoring system, provide customized environmental health services, improve the environmental health damage relief and recovery system, and promote regional environmental health policies. The Second Plan has a clear distinction from the First Plan in that it expands the field of environmental health from the prevention and management of environmental risk factors to proactive damage response and recovery, which will effectively contribute to alleviating the burden of environmental disease.
Original Article |
2021-10-31
2021-10-31
0
450
117
Inhye Lee1 , Sujin Lee2
, Kyunghee Ji2*
https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2021.47.5.462
Background: The number of synthesized chemicals has rapidly increased over the past decade. For many chemicals, there is a lack of information on toxicity. With the current movement toward reducing animal testing, the use of toxicity big data and deep learning could be a promising tool to screen potential toxicants.
Objectives: This study identified potential chemicals related to reproductive and estrogen receptor (ER)- mediated toxicities for 1135 cleaning products and 886 laundry products.
Methods: We listed chemicals contained in cleaning and laundry products from a publicly available database. Then, chemicals that potentially exhibited reproductive and ER-mediated toxicities were identified using the European Union Classification, Labeling and Packaging classification and ToxCast database, respectively. For chemicals absent from the ToxCast database, ER activity was predicted using deep learning models.
Results: Among the 783 listed chemicals, there were 53 with potential reproductive toxicity and 310 with potential ER-mediated toxicity. Among the 473 chemicals not tested with ToxCast assays, deep learning models indicated that 42 chemicals exhibited ER-mediated toxicity. A total of 13 chemicals were identified as causing reproductive toxicity by reacting with the ER.
Conclusions: We demonstrated a screening method to identify potential chemicals related to reproductive and ER-mediated toxicities utilizing chemical toxicity big data and deep learning. Integrating toxicity data from in vivo , in vitro , and deep learning models may contribute to screening chemicals in consumer products.
Original Article |
2021-10-31
2021-10-31
0
440
128
Jin-Sung Ra , Moon Hwan Song
, Eun Kyung Choe*
https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2021.47.5.432
Background: The European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals’ Targeted Risk Assessment (ECETOC TRA) tool has been recognized by EU REACH as a preferred approach for calculating worker health risks from chemicals.
Objectives: The applicability of the ECETOC TRA to occupational exposure estimation from industrial uses of methanol was studied by inputting surveyed and varied parameters for TRA estimation as well as through comparison with measured data.
Methods: Information on uses of methanol was collected from seven working environment monitoring reports along with the measured exposure data. Input parameters for TRA estimation such as operating conditions (OCs), risk management measures (RMMs) and process categories (PROCs) were surveyed. To compare with measured exposures, parameters from the surveyed conditions of ventilation but no use of respiratory protection were applied.
Results: PROCs 4, 5, 8a, 10, and 15 were assigned to ten uses of methanol. The uses include as a solvent for manufacturing sun cream, surfactants, dyestuffs, films and adhesives. Methanol was also used as a component in a release agent, hardening media and mold wash for cast products as well as a component of hard-coating solution and a viscosity-controlling agent for manufacturing glass lenses. PROC 8a and PROC 10 of a cast product manufacturer without LEV (local exhaust ventilation) and general ventilation as well as no respiratory protection resulted in the highest exposure to methanol. Assuming the identical worst OCs and RMMs for all uses, exposures from PROC 5, 8a, and 10 were the same and the highest followed by PROC 4 and 15. The estimation resulted in higher exposures in nine uses except one use where measured exposure approximated exposures without RMMs.
Conclusions: The role of ECETOC TRA as a conservative exposure assessment tool was confirmed by comparison with measured data. Moreover, it can guide which RMMs should be applied for the safe use of methanol.
Original Article |
2021-10-31
2021-10-31
0
440
146
Seung-Mi Kwon1,2 , Yu-Ri Choi2
, Myoung-Kyu Park2
, Ho-Joon Lee2
, Gwang-Rae Kim2
, Seung-Sung Yoo2
, Seog-Ju Cho2
, Jin-Ho Shin2
, Yong-Seung Shin2
, Cheolmin Lee1*
https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2021.47.5.384
Background: With volatile organic compounds (VOCs) containing aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene that can adversely affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems when a certain concentration is reached, it is important to accurately evaluate the source and the corresponding health risk effects.
Objectives: The purpose of this study is to provide scientific evidence for the city of Seoul’s VOC reduction measures by confirming the risk of each VOC emission source.
Methods: In 2020, 56 VOCs were measured and analyzed at one-hour intervals using an online flame ionization detector system (GC-FID) at two measuring stations in Seoul (Gangseo: GS, Bukhansan: BHS). The dominant emission source was identified using the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model, and health risk assessment was performed on the main components of VOCs related to the emission source.
Results: Gasoline vapor and vehicle combustion gas are the main sources of emissions in GS, a residential area in the city center, and the main sources are solvent usage and aged VOCs in BHS, a greenbelt area. The risk index ranged from 0.01 to 0.02, which is lower than the standard of 1 for both GS and BHS, and was an acceptable level of 5.71×10–7 to 2.58×10–6 for carcinogenic risk.
Conclusions: In order to reduce the level of carcinogenic risk to an acceptable safe level, it is necessary to improve and reduce the emission sources of vehicle combustion and solvent usage, and eco-car policies are judged to contribute to the reduction of combustion gas as well as providing a response to climate change.
Review Article |
2021-12-31
2021-12-31
3
425
123
Jiwon Kim1† , Kyung Ehi Zoh2†
, Hana Kim3
, Dong-Uk Park4*
https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2021.47.6.513
Background: Benzalkonium chloride (BKC) has been extensively used as a preservative in industrial products and in hygiene, medical, and cosmetic applications. Humidifier disinfectant (HD) products containing BKC have been used in South Korea. Objectives: This study was aimed to review types of products containing BKC, to summarize the regulations in the US, EU, Japan, and South Korea, and to review the health effects associated with the use of HD.
Methods: We reviewed and summarized documents which were searched through PubMed and Google Scholar with the key words: BKC and asthma/contact dermatitis, humidifier disinfectant-associated lung injury (HDLI), and more.
Results: Regulations in most countries including South Korea do not allow its use as disinfectants in spraytype of products for medicine, cosmetics, and household products. Two types of HD containing BKC (800~1,270 ppm) were marketed in South Korea from 1996~2003. Health effects reported from people who used products containing BKC were allergic contact dermatitis, erythema, and respiratory disease, including asthma. Two people who responded as HD users containing BKC only were confirmed to have developed asthma. HD-associated lung injury (HDLI) was reported by consumers who used both HD containing polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) and HD containing BKC.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the use of BKC as a biocide has to be controlled considering the route and pattern of exposure. Products containing BKC as preservatives were reviewed with exposure routes and sites in the human body such as skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. HD containing BKC was clinically evaluated to be associated with asthma.
Original Article |
2021-12-31
2021-12-31
0
390
98
Seog-Jong Lee1* , Byoung-Ug Kim1
, Young-Kyun Hong1, Yeong-Seob Lee1
, Young-Hun Go1
, Seung-Pyo Yang1
, Geun-Woo Hyun1
, Geon-Ho Yi1, Jea-Chul Kim2, Dae-Yeoal Kim3
https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2021.47.6.548
Background: Due to the emergence of new diseases such as COVID-19, an increasing number of people are struggling with stress and depression. Interest is growing in forest-based recreation for physical and mental relief.
Objectives: A prediction model equation using meteorological factors and data was developed to predict the quantities of medicinal substances generated in forests (monoterpenes) in real-time.
Methods: The concentration of phytoncide and meteorological factors in the forests near Chuncheon in South Korea were measured for nearly two years. Meteorological factors affecting the observation data were acquired through a multiple regression analysis. A model equation was developed by applying a linear regression equation with the main factors.
Results: The linear regression analysis revealed a high explanatory power for the coefficients of determination of temperature and humidity in the coniferous forest (R2=0.7028 and R2=0.5859). With a temperature increase of 1°C, the phytoncide concentration increased by 31.7 ng/Sm3. A humidity increase of 1% led to an increase in the coniferous forest by 21.9 ng/Sm3. In the deciduous forest, the coefficients of determination of temperature and humidity had approximately 60% explanatory power (R2=0.6611 and R2=0.5893). A temperature increase of 1°C led to an increase of approximately 9.6 ng/Sm3, and 1% humidity resulted in a change of approximately 6.9 ng/Sm3. A prediction model equation was suggested based on such meteorological factors and related equations that showed a 30% error with statistical verification.
Conclusions: Follow-up research is required to reduce the prediction error. In addition, phytoncide data for each region can be acquired by applying actual regional phytoncide data and the prediction technique proposed in this study.
Original Article |
2021-10-31
2021-10-31
0
328
137
Jaewon Lee1 , Seungwoo Lee1
, Minkyu Choi2
, Hunjoo Lee1*
https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2021.47.5.454
Background: Fish and fishery products (FFPs) unintentionally contaminated with various environmental pollutants are major exposure pathways for humans. To protect human health from the consumption of contaminated FFPs, it is essential to develop a systematic tool for evaluating exposure and risks.
Objectives: To regularly, accurately, and quickly evaluate adverse health outcomes due to FFPs contamination, we developed an automated dietary exposure and risk assessment system called HERA (the Human Exposure and Risk Assessment system for chemicals in FFPs). The aim of this study was to develop an overall architecture design and demonstrate the major features of the HERA system.
Methods: For the HERA system, the architecture framework consisted of multi-layer stacks from infrastructure to fish exposure and risk assessment layers. To compile different contamination levels and types of seafood consumption datasets, the data models were designed for the classification codes of FFP items, contaminants, and health-based guidance values (HBGVs). A systematic data pipeline for summarizing exposure factors was constructed through down-scaling and preprocessing the 24-hour dietary recalls raw dataset from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNAHES).
Results: According to the designed data models for the classification codes, we standardized 167 seafood items and 2,741 contaminants. Subsequently, we implemented two major functional workflows: 1) preparation and 2) main process. The HERA system was developed to enable risk assessors to accumulate the concentration databases sustainably and estimate exposure levels for several populations linked to seafood consumption data in KNAHES in a user-friendly manner and in a local PC environment.
Conclusions: The HERA system will support policy-makers in making risk management decisions based on a nation-wide risk assessment for FFPs.
Original Article |
2021-10-31
2021-10-31
1
304
102
Hyungjin Hong1 , Jiwon Choi1
, Sungwon Yoon2
, Heechun Kim3
, Cheolmin Lee2*
https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2021.47.5.425
Background: This study evaluated the radon contribution rate through an evaluation of the exhalation rate of radon from building materials.
Objectives: This study compared and evaluated the computation of the radon contribution rate based on each different exhalation rate in a building.
Methods: The six demonstration houses that are the subject of this study are wall structures or Rahmen structures, and include demonstration houses similar to general residential environments and non-finishing houses with some walls exposed.
Results: The highest exhalation rate was found at 62.98 Bq/m2 per day from the non–finishing floor, and the second highest exhalation rate was from stone materials at 58.76 Bq/m2 per day. Based on this result, investigating the contribution rate of building materials derived from building materials among indoor radon concentrations, house three was the highest at 81.7%, and house one was confirmed to be 33.96%.
Conclusions: It can be judged that the effect of exposed concrete and stone is high, and that it is possible to reduce radon emitted from indoor building structures by controlling the indoor materials.
Original Article |
2021-10-31
2021-10-31
0
300
135
Garam Byun1 , Yongsoo Choi2
, Junsu Gil3
, Junil Cha3
, Meehye Lee3
, Jong-Tae Lee1,2,4*
https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2021.47.5.486
Background: Particulate matter (PM) is one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide. Previous studies in South Korea have applied a relative risk calculated from Western populations when estimating the disease burden attributable to PM. However, the relative risk of PM on health outcomes may not be the same across different countries or regions.
Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the premature deaths and socioeconomic costs attributable to longterm exposure to PM in South Korea. We considered not only the difference in PM concentration between regions, but also the difference in relative risk.
Methods: National monitoring data of PM concentrations was obtained, and missing values were imputed using the AERMOD model and linear regression model. As a surrogate for relative risk, hazard ratios (HRs) of PM for cardiovascular and respiratory mortality were estimated using the National Health Insurance Service- National Sample Cohort. The nation was divided into five areas (metropolitan, central, southern, southeastern, and Gangwon-do Province regions). The number of PM attributable deaths in 2018 was calculated at the district level. The socioeconomic cost was derived by multiplying the number of deaths and the statistical value of life.
Results: The average PM10 concentration for 2014~2018 was 45.2 μg/m3. The association between long-term exposure to PM10 and mortality was heterogeneous between areas. When applying area-specific HRs, 23,811 premature deaths from cardiovascular and respiratory disease in 2018 were attributable to PM10 (reference level 20 μg/m3). The corresponding socioeconomic cost was about 31 trillion won. These estimated values were higher than that when applying nationwide HRs.
Conclusions: This study is the first research to estimate the premature mortality caused by long-term exposure to PM using relative risks derived from the national population. This study will help precisely identify the national and regional health burden attributed to PM and establish the priorities of air quality policy.
Invited article / Review |
2021-12-31
2021-12-31
0
298
162
https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2021.47.6.505
Background: The occurrence of environmental disease is known to be associated with chronic exposure to toxic chemicals, including waterborne contaminants, air/indoor pollutants, asbestos, ingredients in humidifier disinfectants, etc.
Objectives: In this study, we reviewed toxicological studies related to environmental disease as defined by the Environmental Health Act in Korea and toxic chemicals. We also suggested a direction for future toxicological research necessary for the prevention and management of environmental disease.
Methods: Trends in previous studies related to environmental disease were investigated through PubMed and Web of Science. A detailed review was provided on toxicological studies related to the humidifier disinfectants. We identified adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) that can be linked to the induction of environmental diseases, and proposed a chemical screening system that uses AOP, chemical toxicity big data, and deep learning models to select chemicals that induce environmental disease.
Results: Research on chemical toxicity is increasing every year, but there is a limitation to revealing a clear causal relationship between exposure to chemicals and the occurrence of environmental disease. It is necessary to develop various exposure- and effect-biomarkers related to disease occurrence and to conduct toxicokinetic studies. A novel chemical screening system that uses AOP and chemical toxicity big data could be useful for selecting chemicals that cause environmental diseases.
Conclusions: From a toxicological point of view, developing AOP related to environmental diseases and a deep learning-based chemical screening system will contribute to the prevention of environmental diseases in advance.
pISSN 1738-4087
eISSN 2233-8616
Frequency: Bimonthly
Inhye Lee1 , Sujin Lee2
, Kyunghee Ji2*
Jin-Sung Ra , Moon Hwan Song
, Eun Kyung Choe*
Seung-Mi Kwon1,2 , Yu-Ri Choi2
, Myoung-Kyu Park2
, Ho-Joon Lee2
, Gwang-Rae Kim2
, Seung-Sung Yoo2
, Seog-Ju Cho2
, Jin-Ho Shin2
, Yong-Seung Shin2
, Cheolmin Lee1*