가스보일러 CO중독 위험성 예측 및 근원적 예방기술 개발

박찬일(Chan Il Park),류기윤(Kee-Youn Yoo) 한국가스학회 2021 한국가스학회지 Vol.25 No.3

본 연구에서는 가스보일러 가동 중 배기통이 이탈하는 상황이 발생했을 때, 시스템적으로 인지하고 자동으로 보일러 가동을 중지하여 일산화탄소를 포함한 유해 배기가스가 실내로 유입되는 상황을 근원적으로 차단하는 방안을 제시하였다: (1) 연소에 필요한 공기량을 제어하기 위해 설치된 풍압센서(APS : Air Pressure Sensor)의 출력전압을 측정하여 배기통의 정상상태와 이탈상태를 감시하는 기능을 추가한다. (2) 배기통이 이탈하면 APS의 출력전압이 상시 운전범위에서 일시적으로 상승하게 된다. 보일러 제어부인 PCB가 이 상태를 배기통 이탈로 간주하여 보일러 가동을 멈추면서 배기통 이탈 상태를 실내온도 조절기에 표시하도록 한다. 또한 국토교통부령으로 정한 「건축물의 설비기준 등에 관한 규칙」에서 명시한 공동주택 및 다중이용시설의 환기시설 기준에 따라, 실내공기 교환횟수에 맞는 풍량을 적용하여 실내공기를 환기하는 실험을 실시하였다. 이 실험 결과 실제 일산화탄소가 실내에 누출된 최악의 상태에서, 중독사고 예방이 가능하다는 것을 확인하였다. 다만, 동 규칙에서 정의한 시간당 실내공기 교환횟수를 기존 0.7회에서 0.5회로 2013년부터 완화하여 운영하고 있는데, 실험결과 8시간 가중평균 노출기준인 TWA 30 ppm을 초과하는 농도가 측정되어 기준을 강화할 필요성이 있다. 본 연구 결과에 기초하여 가스보일러 배기압력의 기계적 인지를 통해 배기통 이탈을 감지하는 기술과 일산화탄소 경보기와 연동된 실내공기 환기시스템 기술을 도입한다면 일산화탄소 중독사고가 크게 감소될 것으로 판단된다. 제조 및 검사단계의 문제점을 보완하고, 올바른 설치 및 수리, 사용자의 배기통 이탈에 대한 관심이 더해졌을 때, 일산화탄소 중독으로 인한 인명사고를 예방하는데 효과적인 대책이 될 것으로 사료된다. We devised the system to automatically shutdown the boiler and to fundamentally block the harmful gases, including carbon monoxide, into the indoor when the exhaust system swerves: (1) The discharge pressure of the exhaust gas decreases when the exhaust pipe is disconnected. The monitoring system of the exhaust pipe is implemented by measuring the output voltage of APS(Air Pressure Sensor) installed to control the amount of combustion air. (2) The operating software was modified so that when the system recognizes the fault condition of a flue pipe, the boiler control unit displays the fault status on the indoor regulator while shutting down the boiler. In accordance with the ventilation facility standards in the “Rules for Building Equipment Standards” by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, experiments were conducted to ventilate indoor air. When carbon monoxide leaked in worst-case scenario, it was possible to prevent poisoning accidents. However, since 2013, the number of indoor air exchange times has been mitigated from 0.7 to 0.5 times per hour. We observed the concentration exceeding TWA 30 ppm occasionally and thus recommend to reinforce this criterion. In conclusion, if the flue pipe fault detection and the indoor air ventilation system are introduced, carbon monoxide poisoning accidents are expected to decrease significantly. Also when the manufacturing and inspection steps, the correct installation and repair are supplemented with the users attention in missing flue, it will be served to prevent human casualties from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Attempted Suicide by Nitrogen Gas Asphyxiation: A Case Report

박성욱,왕일재,염석란,한상균,김형빈,조영모,배병관 대한임상독성학회 2017 대한임상독성학회지 Vol.15 No.1

Nitrogen is an inert gas that is harmless to humans under normal conditions. While it is not inherently toxic, nitrogen gas becomes dangerous when it displaces oxygen, resulting in suffocation. Herein, we report a case of a 34-yearold man who attempted suicide by nitrogen asphyxiation who presenting with decreased mental function and agitation. Lactic acidosis and hyperammonemia were observed on presentation at the emergency department, but these improved after a few hours. After 2 days, the patient regained full consciousness, and was discharged without any complications. Survival after asphyxiation due to nitrogen gas is very rare, and these patients are more likely to have poorer outcomes. There is a potential for the increasing use of nitrogen gas as a method of committing suicide because of the ease of access to this gas.

Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinales and Portomesenteric Venous Gas following Anticholinesterase Pesticide Poisoning

이숙희,이경우,정진희 대한임상독성학회 2017 대한임상독성학회지 Vol.15 No.1

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and portomesenteric venous gas are uncommon radiological findings, but are found commonly in cases of bowel ischemia, or as a result of various non-ischemic conditions. A 72-year-old man visited an emergency center with altered mental status 2 hours after ingestion of an unknown pesticide. On physical examination, he showed the characteristic hydrocarbon or garlic-like odor, miotic pupils with no response to light, rhinorrhea, shallow respiration, bronchorrhea, and sweating over his face, chest and abdomen. Laboratory results revealed decreased serum cholinesterase, as well as elevated amylase and lipase level. We made the clinical diagnosis of organophosphate poisoning in this patient based on the clinical features, duration of symptoms and signs, and level of serum cholinesterase. Activated charcoal, fluid, and antidotes were administered after gastric lavage. A computerized tomography scan of the abdomen with intravenous contrast showed acute pancreatitis, poor enhancement of the small bowel, pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, portomesenteric venous gas and ascites. Emergent laparotomy could not be performed because of his poor physical condition and refusal of treatment by his family. The possible mechanisms were believed to be direct intestinal mucosal damage by pancreatic enzymes and secondary mucosal disruption due to bowel ischemia caused by shock and the use of inotropics. Physicians should be warned about the possibility of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and portomesenteric venous gas as a complication of pancreatitis following anticholinesterase poisoning.

Effect of sulfur on the cell performance in a molten carbonate fuel cell

이기정,Samuel Koomson,이충곤 한국화학공학회 2019 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.36 No.4

This study evaluated the performance characteristics of a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) under sulfur poisoning condition. A 100 cm2 bench-scale MCFC was used for the performance test. The performance of the cell at the normal operation condition was measured at 620 oC under atmospheric pressure. To evaluate the sulfur poisoning effect, 50 ppm H2S/Balanced N2 gas mixture at a flow rate of 30 ml/min was injected into the anode. The cell performance was analyzed via steady-state polarization (SSP) and inert gas step addition (ISA) methods. The overpotential of the cell was observed to have been changed by the injection of H2S gas, and an overpotential increase of ca. 40% was recorded after about 100 hours from the point of addition of the H2S gas. A voltage reduction rate of  2.62×104 mV/s was recorded at a current density of 150mA/cm2 after about 240 hours. The steady-state polarization characteristics of the cell showed that the sulfur poisoning was relatively slow. In addition, the effect of H2S gas on the cell performance was quantitatively measured by the ISA method.

응급실로 내원한 급성 일산화탄소 중독환자에서 초기 디옥시헤모글로빈 분획의 상승이 입원기간 연장에 미치는 영향

지재구,김양원,박철호,윤유상,강지훈,박창민,장윤덕,박상현 대한임상독성학회 2023 대한임상독성학회지 Vol.21 No.1

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether deoxyhemoglobin changes were associated with admission duration in carbon monoxide (CO)-poisoned patients.Methods: This retrospective study included 181 patients who were able to breathe by themselves after CO poisoning. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed to measure their deoxyhemoglobin levels. Their baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes during hospitalization in the emergency department (ED) were collected and compared. To assess changes in deoxyhemoglobin levels, blood samples were taken immediately after patients presented to the ED and then again after 6 hours. For statistical analysis, logistic regression was utilized to determine the effect of deoxyhemoglobin changes on admission duration.Results: The incidence rates of hypocapnia and hypoxemia at presentation after acute CO poisoning were 28.7% and 43.6%, respectively. Moreover, the magnitude of increasing deoxyhemoglobin levels in patients with hypoxemia (2.1 [1.7–3.1], p<0.001) and changes in deoxyhemoglobin levels appeared to have an impact on the length of hospitalization in the ED (odds ratio, 1.722; 95% confidence interval, 0.547–0.952; p<0.001).Conclusion: In patients with acute CO poisoning, deoxyhemoglobin levels appeared to increase in those with hypoxemia, which in turn was associated with prolonged hospitalization.

청대(淸代) 후기(後期) 일본(日本) 다시마 소비(所費)

민경준 ( Min Kyong Joon ),김동철 ( Kim Dong Chul ) 중국사학회 2017 中國史硏究 Vol.107 No.-

China imported about 2 million geun(斤) of sea tangles from Japan per year in 18th and 19th centuries. Why did China suddenly import a lot of sea tangles on which had been set a poor value as trade goods for low price? Japanese reports were written after the Opening of a Port revealed that sea tangles were widely used as ingredients of the lower classes because they had high salt and used less fuel in cooking. That was the common account. However, in results of my survey on consumption of sea tangles before the Opening of a Port, sea tangles were used as medicines to prevent and cure Thyroid Tumor and coal gas poisoning. In particular, they were very popular as drug treatments for coal gas poisoning. As using coal for fuel increased in China, the consumption of sea tangles increased rapidly and their price also rose. It is the reason why imports of sea tangle increased in late Ching Dynasty.

Carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas water heaters in Korea

배종현,손창환,김윤정,유승목,안신,서동우,김원영 대한응급의학회 2020 大韓應急醫學會誌 Vol.31 No.6

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the characteristics and outcomes of patients who were diagnosed with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning after using a gas water heater and to describe similar CO poisoning incidents involving gas water heaters in Korea. Methods: We reviewed gas water heater-related CO poisoning affected patients who visited our emergency department (ED) from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2019, and the CO poisoning incidents due to gas water heaters reported by the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS) from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2019. Results: During the study period, a total of eight patients visited our ED as a result of five incidents. All five incidents occurred while using a gas water heater in an enclosed space. Five patients were poisoned by CO while taking a shower, and the other three were poisoned by CO while washing their hair. Most patients complained of a transient loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, and general weakness. The mean value of the initial CO-hemoglobin level was 27.2± 14.2% with a range of 7.2-45.7%. All the patients admitted survived after being given hyperbaric oxygen therapy and subsequently discharged from hospital. A total of 32 incidents that involved 71 victims were identified from the KGS. Of these victims, 24 were already dead at the scene, with an estimated case-fatality rate of 33.8%. Most incidents occurred while the victims were showering using a gas water heater installed in a bathroom with poor ventilation. Conclusion: The present study showed that CO poisoning can occur even in a short time, such as taking a shower or shampooing hair, due to the use of a gas water heater installed in a closed space with poor ventilation. Also, it highlights the fact that the prehospital case-fatality rate of such CO poisoning is high.

건축물내 일산화탄소 경보기 설치기준에 관한 연구

강승규(Kang Seung Kyu),최경석(Choi Kyung Suhk) 한국가스학회 2008 한국가스학회지 Vol.12 No.4

최근 5년간 국내 가스사고 중 CO중독사고는 사망 36명, 부상 79명이 발생하였으며, 전체 가스 사고에 비해 인명피해율이 8배나 높게 나타나고 있다. 이러한 CO중독사고의 대부분이 노후 가스보일러 및 다중가스 사용시설의 배기통 불량에 의한 가스누출사고로 조사되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 실험을 통해 건축물내 보일러실의 배기통 불량에 의한 CO가스의 누출확산 메커니즘을 해석하였다. 배기통에서 누출된 CO가스는 건축물 내부의 천정부근에서 가장 높은 농도분포를 보인다. 또한 CO경보기 설치 실험을 통해서 천정부근의 CO경보기가 가장먼저 작동하고, 30~40분 경과한 후에 바닥 및 중간에 설치된 경보기가 작동하는 것을 확인하였다. 본 연구를 통해 CO경보기의 적정 설치위치를 확인하였으며, 이 결과를 토대로 건출물내 CO경보기 설치위치를 제안하였다. In the last five years, 36 people died and 79 were wounded because of carbon monoxide poisoning accident. A CO poisoning accident is higher than any other gas accident in the rate of deaths/incidents. Most of these CO poisoning accidents were caused by defective exhaust tube in the old gas boiler and multi-use facility. In this study, the spread mechanism of CO gas released from leakage hole of exhaust tube was analyzed by concentration measuring test. A CO gas leaked form exhaust tube in a building was the highest concentrated near the ceiling. CO alarm sets installation test confirmed that the alarm sets near the ceiling operated first, and the bottom and middle sets operated after 30~40 minutes. Through these experiments, the reasonable installation location of CO alarm was made certain and suggested.

가정용 보일러의 불완전연소가스 누출확산 메커니즘 해석

강승규(Seung-Kyu Kang),최경석(Kyung-Suhk Choi),윤준용(Joon-Yong Yoon) 대한기계학회 2008 대한기계학회 춘추학술대회 Vol.2008 No.11

Carbon Monoxide(CO) poisoning accident is higher than any other gas accident in the rate of deaths/incidents. In the last five years, 36 people died and 104 were wounded because of carbon monoxide poisoning accident. Most of these CO poisoning accidents were caused by defective exhaust tube in the old gas boiler and multi-use facility. In this study, the spread of incomplete combustion gas(CO) released from leakage hole of exhaust tube was analyzed by computational flow modeling and concentration measuring test. CO gas leaked form exhaust tube in a building was highest concentrated near the ceiling and formed the circular currents along the walls. Through these experiments and simulation, the reasonable installation location of carbon monoxide alarm was made certain and suggested.

Trends of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in Korea, 1951-2018

Jong-Hun Kim,Ah-Young Lim,Hae-Kwan Cheong 한국역학회 2020 Epidemiology and Health Vol.42 No.-

OBJECTIVES: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from coal briquette combustion has been a major public health problem in Korea. In this study, we estimated the time trends of the consumption of anthracite coal and the number of CO poisoning victims over the past 7 decades, in the context of changes in heating facilities. METHODS: Using Population and Housing Census data and energy statistics, we estimated the number of houses using briquettes as heating fuel between 1951 and 2018. After estimating the incidence of CO poisoning in housing units by heating facility type, we determined the ratio of the number of household members who experienced CO poisoning to the overall number of household members. Finally, we estimated the distribution of the victims according to poisoning severity, excluding victims of intentional exposure. RESULTS: We estimated that, overall, over 26 million people experienced CO poisoning between 1951 and 2018 in Korea. The household consumption of anthracite peaked in 1986, but the number of victims of CO poisoning peaked at approximately 1 million people in 1980. From 1951 to 2018, the cumulative number of CO poisoning victims comprised approximately 22,830,000 mild cases, 3,570,000 severe cases, and 65,000 deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The peak in the number of CO poisoning victims occurred 6 years earlier than the peak in the number of people using briquettes for heating. This gap resulted from improvements in briquette heating systems. This finding provides a quantitative basis for epidemiological studies on the health outcomes of CO poisoning in the Korean population.