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Real-Time Assessment of Black Carbon Peaks Among Workers Exposed to Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions

2026-04-13T00:25:26Z

Title: Real-Time Assessment of Black Carbon Peaks Among Workers Exposed to Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions Authors: Park, Ju-Hyun; Choi, Sangjun; Zoh, Kyung Ehi; Kim, Seung Won; Koh, Dong-Hee; Kim, Won; Park, Dong-Uk Abstract: Background: Workers are commonly exposed to diesel engine exhaust (DEE) from diesel-powered engines and vehicles (DEVs), which contain harmful particulates such as black carbon (BC). This study aimed to characterize the peak BC exposures of workers operating or working near DEVs. Methods: BC levels were recorded every minute from workers driving or working near DEVs using a portable aethalometer and were categorized by job type and activity. Peak BC levels were characterized using the occupational exposure limits for DEE (measured as elemental carbon) of 10 & micro;g/m(3) and 50 & micro;g/m(3) as cut-off values. Results: Forklift operators, garbage collectors, and machine operators showed peak BC exposure levels surpassing 20 & micro;g/m(3) , with average levels above 10 & micro;g/m(3) . Despite their short exposure durations (<1 hour), these peaks contributed significantly (>60%) to the daily average BC exposure. The daily contribution rate of peak exposures above 10 & micro;g/m(3) to the average daily BC exposure often exceeded 50%. The ratio of peak levels above 10 & micro;g/m(3) and 50 & micro;g/m(3) to the arithmetic mean was negatively correlated with exposure duration, the proportion of exposure duration, and the daily contribution of peak levels. Conclusion: Drivers of diesel-engine vehicles often experienced significant spikes in BC exposure, highlighting the need for real-time monitoring, which is recommended as a best-practice approach to identify and mitigate short-term peak exposures. (c) 2026 Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Institute, Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Occupational exposure to nickel and cobalt and health symptoms among lithium-ion battery workers in Korea

2025-12-26T03:06:46Z

Title: Occupational exposure to nickel and cobalt and health symptoms among lithium-ion battery workers in Korea Authors: Won, Yong Lim; Lee, Hwa-Yeon; Choi, Junhyeok; Koh, Dong-Hee Abstract: ObjectiveThe manufacture of lithium-ion batteries involves hazardous substances such as nickel and cobalt, which may adversely affect the respiratory and dermatological health of workers. With the rapid growth of the electric vehicle and energy storage system industries, the production of lithium-ion batteries-and consequently the use of nickel and cobalt-has been steadily increasing. This study aims to assess occupational exposure to nickel and cobalt and to evaluate their potential health effects among male workers in the lithium-ion battery industry.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study to analyze urinary nickel and cobalt concentrations in 1298 male workers from 22 workplaces across nine industry types in Korea's lithium-ion battery sector. Work history and symptom data were collected via questionnaires, and the odds ratios for respiratory and skin symptoms were calculated relative to the reference value exceedances.ResultsUrinary nickel concentrations were highest in lithium manufacturing and recycling industries (maximum: 753.84 mu g/L), while cobalt concentrations were elevated in cathode active material manufacturing and recycling industries (maximum: 378.58 mu g/L). Exceeding reference values for nickel and cobalt were significantly associated with respiratory symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 2.06-3.97) and skin symptoms (OR 1.70-2.28).ConclusionsElevated urinary concentrations of Ni and Co were closely associated with respiratory and skin symptoms among workers in the lithium-ion battery industry. As the structure of the industry evolves, it is crucial to conduct continuous exposure assessments and establish comprehensive health management systems to better protect worker health.

Development of Evaluation Criteria for Occupational Health Management Systems: Delphi Study

2026-01-22T02:31:00Z

Title: Development of Evaluation Criteria for Occupational Health Management Systems: Delphi Study Authors: Song, Hansoo; Lee, Jaehoo; Sim, Bohyun; Lee, Yu Min; Kim, Hyoung-Ryoul Abstract: Background: This study aimed to develop evaluation criteria for assessing a large-scale enterprise's occupational health management system (OHMS). Methods: A literature review was conducted, and the OHMS evaluation criteria were selected. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted with 20 panelists in the fields of occupational and environmental medicine and industrial hygiene. The evaluation items were formulated based on the results of the first-round Delphi survey, written opinions submitted by experts, and focus group interviews with company health management managers. If the content validity ratio (CVR) of each evaluation item was less than 0.42, the item was rejected. Results: The first Delphi survey questionnaire consisted of 36 evaluation criteria in 5 areas according to the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle based on the literature review. These areas included 5 plan items, 6 do items, 4 check items, 3 action items, and 12 occupational health service items. From the first Delphi survey, out of the 36 evaluation items, 10 exhibited excellent content validity with a score of 0.7 or higher, and 25 demonstrated good content validity with a score lower than 0.7, but higher than 0.474. The evaluation items underwent significant revisions by incorporating written opinions from experts and feedback obtained from focus group interviews with health managers. The second Delphi survey questionnaire presented 31 evaluation criteria across four domains. Three criteria did not meet the CVR standards, and 28 items in four domains were finally selected. Conclusion: Using this evaluation tool, the company's health management director will be able to continuously monitor and improve the system by evaluating the system that produces performance rather than evaluating performance.

Development of Korean CARcinogen EXposure: 2020 update on IARC group 1 carcinogens

2025-12-23T06:04:05Z

Title: Development of Korean CARcinogen EXposure: 2020 update on IARC group 1 carcinogens Authors: Koh, Dong-Hee; Choi, Sangjun; Park, Ju-Hyun; Lee, Sang-Gil; Kim, Hwan-Cheol; Kim, Inah; Min, Jeehee; Kim, Yujin; Lee, Jihye; Park, Dong-Uk Abstract: Objectives The Korean CARcinogen EXposure (K-CAREX) project previously assessed occupational exposure to 20 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Group 1 carcinogens in 2010. This study updated K-CAREX to reflect exposure data from 2020.Methods We selected 20 IARC Group 1 carcinogens for this update. Reference exposure prevalence estimates were calculated using 3 nationwide occupational databases: the Work Environment Measurement Database (WEMD), the Special Health Examination Database (SHED), and the Work Environment Condition Survey (WECS). Among 37 industrial hygienists from the previous study, 26 participated again, providing exposure estimates after reviewing reference estimates from the 3 data sources. The median of their estimates was used as the final exposure prevalence. The number of exposed workers was calculated by multiplying the final exposure prevalence by the 2020 national census data for each carcinogen and industry. Exposure intensity ratings were also estimated using the WEMD.Results Exposure prevalence and the number of exposed workers were estimated for 20 carcinogens across 232 industries. For example, in the "manufacture of basic chemicals" industry, benzene exposure prevalence was estimated at 9%, with 3,833 workers exposed and an exposure intensity rating of 2. The largest exposed population was to welding fumes (266,965 workers), followed by crystalline silica (246,807 workers), nickel (191,258 workers), and mineral oil mist (179,305 workers).Conclusions This updated data offers valuable insights into occupational carcinogen exposure, supporting cancer prevention efforts and future epidemiological studies.