Viable Alternatives to in vivo Tests for Evaluating the Toxicity of Engineered Carbon Nanotubes

Kwon, Soon-Jo,Eo, Soo-Mi Korean Society of Environmental Health 2012 한국환경보건학회지 Vol.38 No.1

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) stand at the frontier of nanotechnology and are destined to stimulate the next industrial revolution. Rapid increase in their production and use in the technology industry have led to concerns over the effects of CNT on human health and the environment. The prominent use of CNTs in biomedical applications also increases the possibility of human exposure, while properties such as their high aspect ratio (fiber-like shape) and large surface area raise safety concerns for human health if exposure does occur. It is crucial to develop viable alternatives to in vivo tests in order to evaluate the toxicity of engineered CNTs and develop validated experimental models capable of identifying CNTs' toxic effects and predicting their level of toxicity in the human respiratory system. Human lung epithelial cells serve as a barrier at the interface between the surrounding air and lung tissues in response to exogenous particles such as air-pollutants, including CNTs. Monolayer culture of the key individual cell types has provided abundant fundamental information on the response of these cells to external perturbations. However, such systems are limited by the absence of cell-cell interactions and their dynamic nature, which are both present in vivo. In this review, we suggested two viable alternatives to in vivo tests to evaluate the health risk of human exposure to CNTs.

Endocrine Disruption Induced by Some Sulfa Drugs and Tetracyclines on Oryzias latipes

Kang Hee-Joo,Choi Kyung-Ho,Kim Min-Young,Kim Pan-Gyi Korean Society of Environmental Health 2006 한국환경보건학회지 Vol.32 No.3

There has been increasing concern in recent years about the occurrence, fate and toxicity of pharmaceutical products in aquatic environment. Although these compounds have been detected in a wide variety of environmental samples including sewage effluent, surface waters, ground water and drinking water, their concentrations generally range from the low ppt to ppb levels. It is therefore often thought to be unlikely that pharmaceuticals will have a detrimental effect on the environment. This study was conducted to determine the endocrine disruption effects of the several pharmaceutical residues in water using adult Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). The common antibiotics were used sulfa durgs (sulfamethoxazole and sulfamethazine) and tetracycline drugs (oxytetracycline and tetracycline). Positive control that was induced Vtg (vitellogenin) in male fish was used $17\beta$-estradiol. Vtg was qualified and quantified through Western blotting and ELISA. After SDS gel electrophoresis, the dominant protein band was identified to molecular weight approximately 205 kDa in whole body samples of vitellogenic female. In female medaka exposed to $17\beta$estradiol, there was no significant difference in total protein induction. In contrast, three to five day exposure of male fish to $17\beta$-estradiol resulted in more than 60.0% increase of total protein compared to that of control males (p<0.01). In case of antibiotics, female fish didn't show significant difference, but male fish was showed significant difference. In addition, Vtg induction in male fish was observed with all the test chemicals. On concentrations greater than 0.1 ppm of sulfamethoxazole, 1 ppm of sulfamethazine, 1 ppm of oxytetracycline and 20 ppm of tetracycline, Vtg induction was increased in a dose response manner. This study is one of the early reports suggesting potential endocrine disruption mechanism of antibiotic pharmaceutical products in aquatic ecosystem. Although the effect concentrations obtained from this study were high as unrealistically as in environments, it is endocrine disruption that we should be considered as one of the important consequences of pharmaceutical contamination at water environment, and warrants due attention in future researches.

Critical Review on Evaporative Loss of Semivolatile Aerosols during Sampling

Kim, Seung-Won Korean Society of Environmental Health 2010 한국환경보건학회지 Vol.36 No.3

Semivolatile aerosols exist as vapor and particles at the same time in room temperature and each phase has different intake and uptake mechanisms. This characteristic requires substantial consideration during exposure assessment of semivolatile aerosol. Some sampling methods for solid particles pose high possibility of evaporative loss during sampling. Therefore, when establishing sampling strategy for them, the factors affecting the phase distribution of semivolatile aerosol should be counted including semivolatile aerosol of interest and sampling methods used. Evaluation for phase distributions of semivolatile aerosols is also recommended. Metalworking fluids, pesticides, asphalt fumes, diesel exhaust, and environmental tobacco smoke are common health-related semivolatile aerosols in workplaces.

Microbe Hunting: A Curious Case of Cryptococcus

Bartlett Karen H.,Kidd Sarah,Duncan Colleen,Chow Yat,Bach Paxton,Mak Sunny,MacDougall Laura,Fyfe Murray Korean Society of Environmental Health 2005 한국환경보건학회지 Vol.31 No.3

C. neoformans-associated cryptococcosis is primarily a disease of immunocompromised persons, has a world-wide distribution, and is often spread by pigeons in the urban environment. In contrast, C. gattii causes infection in normal hosts, has only been described in tropical and semi-tropical areas of the world, and has a unique niche in river gum Eucalyptus trees. Cryptococcosis is acquired through inhalation of the yeast propagules from the environment. C. gattii has been identified as the cause of an emerging infectious disease centered on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. No cases of C. gattii-disease were diagnosed prior to 1999; the current incidence rate is 36 cases per million population. A search was initiated in 2001 to find the ecological niche of this basidiomycetous yeast. C. gattii was found in the environment in treed areas of Vancouver Island. The highest percentage of colonized-tree clusters were found around central Vancouver Island, with decreasing rates of colonization to the north and south. Climate, soil and vegetation cover of this area, called the Coastal Douglas fir biogeoclimatic zone, is unique to British Columbia and Canada. The concentration of airborne C. gattii was highest in the dry summer months, and lowest during late fall, winter, and early spring, months which have heavy rainfall. The study of the emerging colonization of this organism and subsequent cases of environmentally acquired disease will be informative in planning public health management of new routes of exposure to exotic agents in areas impacted by changing climate and land use patterns.

Effects of Local Cooling on Heat Strain in the Hot Environment -On the Trunk Region-

Hwang, Kyoung-Sook,Choi, Jeong-Wha,Lee, Kyung-Suk Korean Society of Environmental Health 2007 한국환경보건학회지 Vol.33 No.3

This study was to determine the effect of cooling part of the trunk without harm for the health. The results provide basic data for the development of clothing which could increase work efficiency and reduce body strain in hot environment. Eight males took part in the study. The experiment was conducted in a climate-chamber controlled with $37{\pm}1^{\circ}C,\;50{\pm}5%R.H$. The trunk was divided into six areas to be cooled: head, neck, chest, abdomen, the upper back, the lower back. According to preceding studies, permissible safety cooling limits of skin temperature, of each part of the trunk for four hours cooling were $25^{\circ}C$ on the head, $20^{\circ}C$ on the neck, $27^{\circ}C$ on the chest, $25^{\circ}C$ on the abdomen, $20^{\circ}C$ on the upper back, $20^{\circ}C$ on the lower back. So cooling temperatures of each region set up temperatures above mentioned. In conclusion, the head, the neck and the upper back cooling could reduce sweating amount, rectal temperature and heart rates and reduce the heat stress of workers exposing in the hot environment by decreased subjective sensations of heat and comfort. Thus, it was concluded that effectiveness of cooling among the trunk was best on the head and the neck.

Characteristics of Nano-Particles Exhausted from Diesel Passenger Vehicle with DPF

Park, Yong-Hee,Shin, Dae-Yewn Korean Society of Environmental Health 2006 한국환경보건학회지 Vol.32 No.6

The nano-particles are known to influence the environmental protection and human health. The relationships between transient vehicle operation and nano-particle emissions are not well-known, especially for diesel passenger vehicles with DPF(Diesel Particulate Filter). In this study, two diesel passenger vehicles were measured on a chassis dynamometer test bench. The particulate matter (PM) emission of these vehicles was investigated by number and mass measurement. The mass of the total PM was evaluated using the standard gravimetric measurement method, and the total number concentrations were measured on a ECE15+EUDC driving cycle using Condensation Particle Counter (CPC). According to the investigation results, total number concentration was $1.14{\times}10^{11}$M and mass concentration was 0.71mg/km. About 99% of total number concentration was emitted during the $0{\sim}400s$ because of engine cold condition. In high temperature and high speed duration, the particulate matter was increased but particle concentration was emitted not yet except initial engine cold condition According to DPF performance deterioration, the particulate matter was emitted 2 times and particle concentration was emitted 32 times. Thus DPF performance deterioration affects particle concentration more than PM.

Survey on Public Responses to Odor Produced at Jangrim-Sinpyoeng Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant in Busan

손현근,윤영훈,Son, Hyun-Keun,Sivakumar, Subpiramaniyam,Yoon, Young-Hun Korean Society of Environmental Health 2011 한국환경보건학회지 Vol.37 No.3

Objective: Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial wastewater are often overlooked as sources of exposure to toxic chemicals. VOCs from such sources evaporate readily into the air and may have significantly adverse impacts on public health. The present study aimed to establish the concentration of VOCs released from Jangrim-sinpyoeng Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Treatment plant (JWTP) in Busan, South Korea and assess the causes of the odor/stench in the surrounding residential facilities. Stench intensity, frequency and release time, and wind direction were also monitored. Methods: Onsite data were collected on a daily basis from a laboratory located on the JWTP premises through a period spanning 2006 to 2010. A second set of data was obtained in 2006 by conducting a questionnaire survey with 210 respondents living near JWTP. The experimental and survey data were analysed statistically using the SPSS package. Results: The survey results showed that people residing around JWTP strongly perceive a stench from the plant. The intensity of the stench was influenced significantly by wind direction and the location of the apartments facing the JWTP. Public participation formed a significant step in determining the quality of the study environment. Conclusion: Onsite data and survey data obtained in 2006 indicate that the nature of the odor experienced by residents is due to the intensity of total VOCs released by JWTP. However, additional research is needed to determine the effects of the VOC pollution on public health and quality of life.

Reduction of Particulate Matters Levels in Railway Cabins in Korea

Park, Duck-Shin,Kwon, Soon-Bark,Cho, Young-Min,Park, Eun-Young,Jeong, Woo-Tae,Lee, Ki-Young Korean Society of Environmental Health 2012 한국환경보건학회지 Vol.38 No.1

Objectives: High concentrations of airborne particulate matters (PM) can affect the health of passengers using public transportation. The objectives of this research were to develop a PM control system for a railway cabin and to evaluate the performance of the device under conditions of an actual journey. Methods: This study measured the concentrations of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ simultaneously in a reference cabin and a cabin with the PM control device. Results: The average $PM_{10}$ concentration in the reference cabin was 100 ${\mu}g/m^3$, and the $PM_{10}$ concentration in the cabin with the control device was 79 ${\mu}g/m^3$. While the overall control efficiency of the control device was 15.4%, reduction was more effective for peak $PM_{10}$ concentration. However, $PM_{2.5}$ levels did not differ greatly between the reference cabin and the cabin with the control device. The ratio of $PM_{2.5}$ to $PM_{10}$ was 0.37. $PM_{10}$ concentrations in cabins were not associated with ambient concentrations, indicating that the main sources of $PM_{10}$ were present in cabins. Additionally, average $CO_2$ concentration in the cabins was 1,359 ppm, less than the maximum of 2,000 ppm set out by the Korean Ministry of Environment's guideline. The $CO_2$ concentration in cabins was significantly associated with the number of passengers: the in-cabin concentration = $23.4{\times}N+460.2$, where N is the number of passengers. Conclusions: Application of the PM control device can improve $PM_{10}$ concentration, especially at peak levels but not $PM_{2.5}$ concentration.

Study on Characteristics of Ecology of Fishes and Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Namgang Dam Reservoir, Korea

Lim, Dohun,Lee, Yoonjin Korean Society of Environmental Health 2018 한국환경보건학회지 Vol.44 No.6

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the species composition of fish and benthic macroinvertebrates in the Namgang Dam reservoir and assess the reservoir's ecological quality. Methods: Fish and benthic macroinvertebrates were seasonally sampled around the Namgang Dam reservoir from October 2013 to September 2014. Results: A total of 970 fish specimens were collected for this survey, including 4 orders, 14 families, and 25 species. Fourteen endemic species were observed, including Coreoleuciscus splendidus. The most observed among the endemic species caught was Zacco koreanus (14.4%). A total of 9,093 benthic macroinvertebrates, including 51 families and 92 species, were also found. The predominant species in the study area was Chironomidae sp. 1. Diplonychus esakii, whose habitat is distribution-specific as designated by the Korean National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), were also observed. A total of 386 specimens were collected of the invasive alien species Lepomis macrochirus, and the percentage of Lepomis macrochirus and Micropterus salmoides made up 42.0% of all specimens collected in the area. Conclusion: The mean ecological score of the benthic macroinvertebrate community (ESB) ranged between 24 and 40, which indicates that the environmental condition of the target sites is somewhat poor. Based on the results of this research, building habitats for benthic macroinvertebrates should be considered, and extermination plans for invasive alien fish species should be prepared.

Evaluation of Water Quality Characteristics and Ecosystem Health of Yongpung Reservoir, Korea

Lim, Dohun,Lee, Yoonjin,Kim, Kyung Korean Society of Environmental Health 2019 한국환경보건학회지 Vol.45 No.1

Objectives: The Yongpung reservoir in Korea is a crucial facility that supplies water to farms in its surrounding $2km^2$ area. However, its water quality is not suited to the needs of current residents who wish for the availability of environmentally friendly agricultural products and desire to use the waterfront area. The aim of this research was to evaluate the reservoir's fish and benthic macroinvertebrate distributions and determine its water quality and the heavy metal content in its sediment. This basic data can be used to establish environmentally protective plans for the Yongpung reservoir. Methods: Six sites were selected for analysis in this investigation. Three points (YP-1, YP-2, and YP-3) were evaluated for water quality and metal content in sediments; they were located upstream, midstream, and downstream of the reservoir. Samplings of the fish and benthic macroinvertebrate populations were performed at three other sites: St. 1, St. 2, and St. 3. Results: Based on chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total nitrogen (T-N) data, the quality of the Yongpung reservoir water corresponds to Class VI (very poor) according to Korea's lake environmental standards. The lead levels measured in the sediment at the midstream and downstream points of the reservoir were 76.7 and 72.7 mg/kg, respectively, while 8 orders, 15 families, and 16 species of benthic macroinvertebrates were identified in the reservoir. The ecological score of the benthic macroinvertebrate community (ESB) was between 8 and 23, denoting poor to very poor environmental conditions. Further, 4 families and 7 species of fish were identified in the reservoir, with Cyprinidae accounting for 94.3% of all observed freshwater fish. Conclusion: Based on these findings, we conclude that management plans, including the removal of lead from the sediment, are necessary to improve the quality of the agricultural water in this reservoir. The T. japonica, which cover almost 30% of the water area, must also be removed.