Phthalate is an endocrine disruptor that interferes with homeostasis and developmental regulation. It is highly toxic to the environment and is associated with various diseases of the human body. Using biological samples from 140 adult subjects, to evaluate the influencing factors which are related to contaminant concentration levels, we used correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Lastly, in order to analyze the health effects related to exposure to phthalates, we conducted a risk assessment by estimating acceptable daily intake exposure according to the influential factors. When we compared the concentration level according to influential factors, in general, the subjects who had engaged in home remodeling work had higher urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations levels than the subjects who had not engaged in home remodeling work. We can confirm statistically significant differences in DBP metabolites. In addition, we can confirm the concentration appeared higher in the categories such as using air freshener, sofa and foods. Through conducting a risk assessment of DEHP, BBzP, DiBP, and DnBP by using data on phthalate metabolite concentration in urine, it was found that the average concentration of all metabolites did not exceed TDI.

This study was conducted to evaluate the quality of indoor air and health-related parameters (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis) of subject of study (control group and sensitive group) in two schools. The schools were categorized into two groups of newly-built school and the school older than 5 years. Removal of indoor pollutant was investigated according to volume rates (0%, 1.5%, 3%) of indoor plants inside 3 classrooms respectively. The chemicals of indoor environmental research were PM10, Volatile organic compounds (toluene and benzene), formaldehyde, temperature and humidity. ARIA (Allergic rhinitis impacts on Asthma) test was used to assess health effect for 151 students. Also, The variation of SBS symptoms for students in classroom was measured by intervention. With increasing volume ratio of classrooms, there were positive and significant results between the indoor pollutant and student's health score. Students showed improvement health score during the period of putting indoor plants, which was facilitated by the placement of indoor plants at newly-built school classroom of indoor plants volume ratio 3%. From the results above, it could be tentatively effective newly-built school classroom of indoor plants volume ratio 3% improve indoor air quality and student's health score.

Generally, because individual agricultural product possesses its own distinctive characteristics and shows different characteristics at each stage of the agricultural supply chain, it is necessary to develop a proper enterprise architecture for managing information system. In this paper, we propose an enterprise architecture based on RFID/USN technology that can be used as a reference enterprise architecture for u-IT application in the agriculture sectors, which is called the u-Farm enterprise architecture with taking heterogeneous characteristics of agricultural products into account for. In addition, we also developed the RFID/USN middleware platform as a core infrastructure technology. Fo evaluation of the performance of the proposed u-Farm architecture and the RFID/USN middleware platform, the field-trial evaluation at the apple Agricultural Processing Center (APC) has been executed and the results shows that the proposed architecture and platform perform well in terms of information integration over the whole SCM process from the farming stage to delivering statge to the customers. It is expected that the proposed u-Farm enterprise architecture can be utilized as a standard information architecture, and the RFID/USN middleware platform can be a infrastructure platform for future u-IT based information technology applications and services in the agricultural environment.

The objective of the present study was to estimate the health risk level for children exposed to phthalate and identify the pathways including indoor floor dust, surface wipe and hand wipe in elementary-schools and institutes. The samples of indoor place were collected at children's facilities (50 elementary-schools and 46 academies) in summer (Aug ~ Sept, 2008), winter (Dec 2008 ~ Feb, 2009) and Spring (Mar ~ Apr, 2009) periods. Hazard Index (HI) were estimated for the non-carcinogens and the examined phthalate were diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP). Risk analysis indicates that did not exceed 0.01 (HI) for all subjects in all facilities it's 50^th % and 95^th % value. For DEHP, DnBP and BBzP their detection rates through multi-pathways were high and their risk based on health risk assessment was also observed to be acceptable.

The aim of this study was to calculate the health risks which children were exposed to trace metals through several pathways including air, floor dust, wipe and hand wipes in elementary-schools and academies. The samples were collected at children's facilities (50 elementary-schools and 46 academies) in summer (Aug ~ Sept, 2008), winter (Dec 2008 ~ Feb, 2009) and Spring (Mar ~ Apr, 2009) periods. The lifetime Excess Cancer Risks (ECRs) were estimated for carcinogen trace elements such as As, Cd, and Cr. For carcinogens, the Excess Cancer Risk (ECR) was calculated by considering the process of deciding Cancer Potency Factor (CPF) and Age Dependent Adjust Factor (ADAF) of the data of adults. Hazard Quotients (HQs) were estimated for the non-carcinogens trace metals like Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb. The average ECRs for young children were 1×10^-9~1×10^-8 (50%th percentile) level in all facilities. Non-carcinogens did not exceed 0.1 for all subjects in all facilities. For trace metals their risk based on health risk assessment was also observed to be acceptable.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the health risk and management of childhood exposure to indoor aldehydes in elementary-schools and academies. The samples were collected at children's facilities (50 elementary-schools and 46 academies) in summer (Aug ~ Sept, 2008), winter (Dec 2008 ~ Feb, 2009) and Spring (Mar ~ Apr, 2009) periods. The overall mean concentration of formaldehyde was 68.3 ㎍ /m³ and 27.2% of exceeded the 100 ㎍/m³ by the school health guideline. The concentration ratio of Indoor air and outdoor air (I/O) of aldehydes exceeds 1.0. The level of indoor air contamination did appear to be high, and 24.6% of the academies evaluated had exceeded the formaldehyde level specified by the public health act (120㎍ /m³). We estimated the lifetime excess cancer risks (ECRs) of formaldehyde, and the hazard quotients (HQs) of non-carcinogens (acetaldehyde and benzaldehyde). In addition, for carcinogens, the excess cancer risk (ECR) was calculated by considering the process of deciding cancer potency factor (CPF) and age dependent adjust Factor (ADAF) of the data of adults. The average ECRs of formaldehyde for young children were 1×10^-6~1×10^-5 level in all facilities. HQs of formaldehyde did exceed 0.1 for all subjects in elementary school.

This study was to assess the lifetime cancer and non-cancer risk on exposure to volatile organic compounds This study was assessed the lifetime cancer and non-cancer risk of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exposure in young children at elementary-schools and academies in Korea. The samples were collected at children's facilities (50 elementary-schools and 42 academies) in summer (Aug ~ Sept, 2008), winter (Dec 2008 ~ Feb, 2009) and Spring (Mar ~ Apr, 2009) periods, and analyzed by GC-MSD. We estimated the lifetime excess cancer risks (ECRs) of benzene and the hazard quotients (HQs) of non-carcinogens toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and styrene. In addition, for carcinogens, the excess cancer risk (ECR) was calculated by considering the process of deciding cancer potency factor (CPF) and age dependent adjust Factor (ADAF) from the data in adults. The average ECRs of benzene for young children were 1×10^-7~1×10^-9 level in all facilities. HQs of four non-carcinogens did not exceed 1.0 for all subjects in all facilities.

This study was to assess the lifetime cancer and non-cancer risk on exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde of worker and user at public facilities in Korea. We measured the concentrations of formaldehyde and VOCs in indoor air at 160 public buildings that 5 kinds of public facilities (30 hotel, 30 fitness center, 25 gosiwon, 30 reading-room and 45 video-room) all over the country. There were estimated the human exposure dose and risks with averages of the using-time and frequency for facility users and office workers, respectively. Carcinogens (benzene and formaldehyde) were estimated the lifetime excess cancer risks (ECRs). Non-carcinogens (toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene) were estimated the hazard quotients (HQs). HQs of four non-carcinogens did not exceed 1.0 for all subjects in all facilities. Higher HQs of toluene were observed at the reading-room. The average ECRs of formaldehyde and benzene for facility worker and user were 1×10^-4~1×10^-6 level in all facilities. The estimated ECRs for reading-room were the highest and the fitness center and gosiwon were the next higher facilities. Because lifetime ECRs of carcinogens exceeded 1×10^-4 for facility worker in the most facilities, risk management of formaldehyde and benzene in the facilities was necessary. IAQ guidelines should be determined strictly to prevent occurrence of disease caused by poor IAQ beforehand.

This study assessed the health risk of trace elements in indoor children-facilities by multi-pathway measurements (Air, Dust, Wipe, Hand washing). The samples of indoor place were collected at various children's facilities (40 day-care houses, 42 child-care centers, 44 kindergartens, and 42 indoor playgrounds) in summer (Jul~Sep, 2007) and winter (Jan~Feb, 2008) periods, and analyzed by ICP-MS. The lifetime Excess Cancer Risks (ECRs) were estimated for carcinogen trace elements such as As, Cd, Cr and Ni. For carcinogens, the Excess Cancer Risk (ECR) was calculated by considering the process of deciding Cancer Potency Factor (CPF) and Age Dependent Adjust Factor (ADAF) of the data of adults. Both Hazard Quotients (HQs) and Hazard Index (HI) were estimated for the non-carcinogens and children sensitivity trace elements like Cd, Cu, and Cr. The average ECRs for young children were 1×10^-10~1×10^-6 (50%th percentile) level in all facilities. Non-carcinogens and Children's sensitivity materials did not exceed 1.0 (HQs, HI) for all subjects in all facilities. For trace elements their detection rates through multi-pathways were not high and their risk based on health risk assessment was also observed to be acceptable. In addition, through education on the risk of multi-pathway exposure of trace elements for managers of facilities as well as for users the risk control of exposure of children.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential exposure of chemicals from the working environment of nail shops and determine health-related symptoms from the nail shop workers by self-reporting questionnaire. A total of 54 nail shop workers from 15 different locations were asked to conduct a survey concerning their working environment. VOCs (including toluene and nine other substances) and aldehyde(including formaldehyde and four other substances) detected. We studied on the relationship between the environmental concentration of chemical substances and the self-reported symptoms of nail shop workers. There was a significant relationship between the neck pain and substances such as 2- propanol, benzene, toluene, n-buthylacetate, ethylbenzene, and xylene (p<0.01). Furthermore, symptoms in the nose irritation, neck irritation and recurrent coughs had significant relationship with benzene (p<0.05), whereas, toluene showed significant relationship with neck irritation and symptoms such as coughs and fatigue (p<0.05).

This study was performed to investigate the concentration of indoor aldehydes in children’s facilities. The samples were collected from various children's facilities (40 playrooms, 42 day-care centers, 44 kindergartens, and 42 indoor playgrounds) in summer (Jul~Sep, 2007), winter (Jan~Feb, 2008) and spring (Mar~Apr, 2008). The ratio of Indoor and outdoor (I/O) of aldehydes exceeds 1.0 and the formaldehyde levels in each child-care facilities were significantly different. We evaluated the lifetime cancer and non-cancer risk of young children due to indoor aldehyde exposure. We estimated the lifetime excess cancer risks (ECRs) of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and the hazard quotients (HQs) of non-carcinogens (benzaldehyde and formaldehyde). Formaldehyde was evaluated for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk. The average ECRs of formaldehyde for young children were 1×10^-4~1×10^-5 level in all facilities. HQs of four non-carcinogens did not exceed 1.0 for all subjects in all facilities.

The indoor level of phthalates in children-facilities was assessed in this study. The samples of house dust were collected at various children's facilities (40 day-care houses, 42 child-care centers, 44 kindergartens, and 42 indoor playgrounds) in summer (Jul~Sep, 2007) and winter (Jan~Feb, 2008) periods, and analyzed by GC-MS. The DEHP was detected in almost every sample (detection rate : 99%) and the detection rate of DnBP and BBzP was more than 80%. The average concentrations of DEHP, DEP, DnBP, and BBzP in house dust were 388 ㎍/g dust, 37㎍/g dust, 108㎍/g dust and 349㎍/g dust, respectively. The relationship between construction period and DEHP level was statistically significant. But, other factors such as flooring material, construction period and water leakage were not statistically significant relationship with phthalates levels. The Phthalate levels were similar or more higher than other the European country.

In this study, we attempted to estimate the association between asthma oriented by indoor air sources and personal exposure by comparing the case (asthma-patient) and control (non-asthma-patient) groups. We selected 27 participants who showed positive response on lung function and methacholin provocation test. We performed environmental survey with 15 and 10 cases during May and June 2007, respectively. There was no significant difference between the case and control groups in the level of formaldehyde and TBC (Total Bacterial Count). In the dust allergen test, the case concentration was higher than the control's, without signifiant difference. In the personal exposure assessment of VOCs using OVM (Organic Vapor Monitor) badge, the case concentrations of Benzene, Toluene, and Ethylbenzene were higher than the control's, but there was no significant difference. The personal exposure of Xylene case study was significantly higher than the control's

This study was followed up asthma incidence rate in primary schools indoor air quality. To investigate the history and prevalence rate of allergic diseases(asthma, atopy dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis), the standardized and generally used International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood(ISAAC) questionnaire was used to conduct the symptom survey for all participating subjects. The concentrations of major indoor air pollutants(dust mite allergen, aldehydes , VOCs, TBC, phthalate) were observed from April to May 2007. Sampling was undertaken at 19 primary schools. The sampling sites of air pollutants are classroom’s indoor and hallway. Dust mite allergen part it was detected from the case classroom and infirmary. The exposure quality of aldehyde and the place pollution level was indoor>outdoor>hallway, which whole is disease incidence rate high group appears more highly the low group than. The partially result of formaldehy and VOCs, the concentration of high environmental disease incidence rate showed also high. However, house dust allergen, TBC and phthalate measurement school was not the effect where the comparison of difference.

This study was performed to investigate airborne volatile organic compounds(VOCs), formaldehyde, respiratory particulate for concentration in primary schools. The concentrations of major indoor air pollutants(VOCs , benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, styrene, formaldehyde, PM-10) were observed from November to December 2006. Sampling was undertaken at 81 primary schools. The sampling sites of air pollutants are classroom and hallway. VOCs with distribution of most of general environmental contamination material will be able to confirm that it shows the log-normal distribution which is similar exposure distribution. The exposure quality of VOCs and the place pollution level was indoor> hallway>outdoor, which whole is located in the metropolis and the industrial areas is higher than farm village area. It tried to observe the I/O ratio, it appeared highly from the interior of the material of most. The mean concentrations of formaldehyde, respiratory particulate were 22.07㎍/㎥, 88.06㎍/㎥ respectively. Indoor and outdoor ratios(I/O) of formaldehyde and respiratory particulate were 3.6 and 1.4, respectively. The concentration of respiratory particulate is 27.2% higher than guideline for school hygiene(100㎍/㎥). From the comparison in the construction year, the highest concentration of formaldehyde is showed under one year. However, as time passed by the concentrations of formaldehyde become lower.

This study was carried out to assess the improvement of treatment by the house-plant. For the purpose of this study, 17 asthma-patients residing in Seoul were selected as participants during January to March 2007. We measured VOCs and conducted clinical survey during April to September 2007. In this study, 6 species of houseplants known to be eco-friendly were investigated for the health effect along with 12 other plants. The research focused on peak expiratory flow rate(PEFR) and disease specific quality of life. When the results were compared to the non-intervention households, the intervention households had reduced levels of acetaldehyde, benzene, ethylbenzene, xylene and styrene. The reduction rate estimated from this comparative study was statistically significant(p<0.05). There was however no association between the intervention and the estimated PEFR between morning and evening data in asthma-patients.

This study was to assess the health risk of VOCs in indoor air under uncontrolled Korean-IAQ regulation. We measured the concentrations of formaldehyde and 5 VOCs (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene) in indoor air at 232 public buildings for four kinds of public facility (32 wedding halls, 17 Gymnasiums, 20 Galleries, and 166 Welfare facilities) around the country. There were estimated the human exposure dose and health risk used average time and frequencies of questionaries for subjects such as facility users and office workers. There were estimated the lifetime excess cancer risk (ECR) for carcinogens (formaldehyde and benzene) and hazard quotient (HQ) for non-carcinogens (toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and styrene). For the facility user, the average levels of ECRs were 10-4∼10-5 and 10-5 ∼10-6, respectively, for formaldehyde and benzene in all facilities. HQs of four non-carcinogens were not exceeded 1.0 in all facilities and subjects. In addition, there was showed the highest ECR in the smoking facility.

The objective of the present study was to assess the health effect of houseplant. we selected 22 households of newly-built apartments and 17 asthma patients. Before intervention in the households, we conducted clinical survey investigations during April and October, 2006. In this study, 6 species of houseplants known to be eco-friendly and 14 other plants were recruited. While the clinical research items were lung function, erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), white blood cell count(WBC), total eosinophil count(TEC) and total-immunoglobulin E(T-IgE). There was no association between the intervention and the estimated inflammation reaction and allergic reaction. However, peak expiratory flow rate(PEFR) of evening data were positive effect in the intervention asthma-patients households compared with the nonintervention.

For indoor air quality at a newly built apartment before move-in, we monitored formaldehyde and VOCs and assessed human exposure and probabilistic health risk. We selected 801 newly built apartments all over the country. The results of the research on the condition show the mean concentrations of formaldehyde 294 ㎍/㎥, 210(median) 1497㎍/㎥(maximum), benzene 6㎍/㎥, (4 and 92㎍/㎥), toluene 1003㎍/㎥(773 and 5013 ㎍/㎥), ethylbenzene 120㎍/㎥, (62 and 1192㎍/㎥), xylene 287㎍/㎥(138 and 2723㎍/㎥) and styrene 64㎍/㎥, (42 and 531㎍/㎥). Formaldehyde from carcinogen and toluene and xylene from non-carcinogen were assessed the risk for human health. The excess cancer risk of formaldehyde for human beings between carcinogens is per 1.36 of average 1000 persons. This implies that it is over a level per 1.00 of 1000 persons demanding active risk reduction. Hence, we strongly need the active reduction plan and accurate source assumption. Among a variety of factors affecting indoor air quality for householders, closing construction or density of indoor air processing additional interior construction and indoor area, indoor air quality with a variety of districts show significant. The excess cancer risk for human beings of formaldehyde between carcinogens is per 1.36 of average 1000 persons. Non-carcinogen toxicity rate for human-beings with toluene and xylene among non-carcinogens is over HQ 1 from Seoul to local area.

The ultra-fine particles emitted by automobile are emerging issue because it is known to have adverse human health effect. Particles emitted from automobile and other engines are a complex mixture of elementary and organic carbons and other chemicals. Especially diesel particles are mainly composed of elemental carbon (soot) and volatile compounds derived from unburned and partially burned fuel, and lubricating oil and sulfate. More than 90% of particle number is usually in the ultra-fine particle size range. Ultra-fine particles are known to have increased ability to cause pulmonary inflammation. Adverse health effect may be explained by the greater surface area of the ultra-fine material, which delivered oxidative stress because of a greater surface for the generation of free radicals by as yet unknown mechanisms, or for release of redox-active transition metals and organics. In conclusion, over the past decade attention has been paid on physical/chemical characteristic, mechanism, toxicity, health effects, however, we do not have enough information about ultra-fine particles. So we need to conduct continuous research and management on ultra-fine particles.