• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.29
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• pp.13.1-13.11
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• 2014

Objectives This study examined variations in the perceptions of dioxin risk among social groups defined by geographical living location, environmental education, and occupation. Dioxin risk perceptions were analyzed according to values, risk awareness, knowledge, and behavioral preferences. Methods A quasi-experimental survey was designed and conducted on individuals from seven experimental groups in Jeonju city, South Korea, including: people living near incineration facilities; people living far from incineration facilities; governmental experts; non-governmental organization members; office workers in developmental institutes or banks; students who were enrolled in environmental-related classes; and students who were enrolled in business-related classes. Results The results show variations among groups in values, awareness and behavioral preferences. Particular attention should be given to the result that groups with higher connectedness-to-nature values show higher willingness-to-act (WTA) for risk reduction. Result s can be summarized as follows. First, awareness is associated with one's geographical setting. Second, values and WTA behaviors are related to one's environmental-related education and occupation. Third, values are significantly related to WTA behaviors. Conclusions Different cultures, in terms of values or worldview, among groups influence their perceptions of dioxin risk and choices of risk reduction behaviors. It is important to consider values in communicating complicated long-term risk management involving public participation. Further research should be continuously conducted on the effects of multiple dimensions of values on one's WTA for risk reduction behaviors.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2003.04a
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• pp.118.1-118.1
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• 2003

A growing body of scientific research indicates that man-made chemicals (xenobiotics) may interfere with the normal functioning of endocrine, or hormone systems. These endocrine disruptors may cause a variety of problems with development, behavior, and reproduction. Amongst the xenobiotics the World Health Organization classed 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD as a "known" human carcinogen. (omitted)

• Toxicological Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 2012

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent and bioaccumulative environmental pollutants. Recently, it is suggested that neurotoxic effects such as motor dysfunction and impairment in memory and learning have been associated with PCB exposure. However, structure relationship of PCB congeners with neurotoxic effects remains unknown. Since PKC signaling pathway is implicated in the modulation of motor behavior as well as learning and memory and the role of PKC are subspecies-specific, we attempted to study the effects of structurally distinct PCBs on the total PKC activity as well as subspecies of PKC in cerebellar granule cell culture model. Cells were exposed to 0, 25 and 50 ${\mu}M$ of PCB-126, PCB-169, PCB-114, PCB-157, PCB-52 and PCB-4 for 15 min. Cells were subsequently analyzed by [$^3H$] phorbol ester binding assay or immunoblotted against PKC-${\alpha}$ and -${\varepsilon}$ monoclonal antibodies. While non-dioxin-like-PCB (PCB-52 and PCB-4) induced a translocation of PKC-${\alpha}$ and -${\varepsilon}$ from cytosol to membrane fraction, dioxin-like PCBs (PCB-126, -169, -114, -157) had no effects. [$^3H$] Phorbol ester binding assay also revealed structure-dependent increase similar to translocation of PKC isozymes. While PCB-4 induced translocation of PKC-${\alpha}$ and -${\varepsilon}$ was inhibited by ROS inhibitor, the pattern of translocation was not affected in presence of AhR inhibitor. It is suggested that PCB-4-induced PKC activity may not be mediated via AhR-dependent pathway. Taken together, our findings suggest that chlorination of ortho-position in PCB may be a critical structural moiety associated with neurotoxic effects, which may be preferentially mediated via non-AhR-dependent pathway. Therefore, the present study may contribute to understanding the neurotoxic mechanism of PCBs as well as providing a basis for establishing a better neurotoxic assessment.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.22 no.1 s.63
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• pp.1-16
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• 2007

The incineration process has commonly used for wastes amount reduction and thermal treatments of pollutants as the technologies accumulated. However, the process is getting negative public images owing to matter of hazardous pollutants emission. Specially dioxins became a main issue and is mostly emitted from municipal solid wastes incineration. In this reason, pyrolysis/gasfication/melting process is presented as a alternative of incineration process. The pyrolysis/gasfication/melting process, a novel technology, is middle of verification of commercial plant and development of technologies in Korea. But the survey about the pollutant emission from the process, and background data in these facilities is necessary. So in this survey, it Is investigated that the behavior of dioxins in three pyrolysis/gasfication/melting plant (S, T, P) of pilot scale. In case of S plant, concentration of dioxins shows high at latter part of cogenerated boiler and stack which are operate on low temperature conditions than a latter parts of pyrolysis and melting furnace which are operate on high temperature condition. Concentration of gas phage dioxins had increased after combusted gas passed cogenerated boiler and this is attributed to react of precursor materials such as chlorobenzene and chlorophenol. Concentration of dioxins in T plant showed lower levels at latter part of cooling equipment which are operate with water spray type on low temperature conditions than a latter parts of gasfied melting furnace which are operate on high temperature condition. Removal efficiency of dioxins at gas treatment equipment was 78.8 %. Concentration of dioxins in P plant was low at latter part of SDA/BF which is operate at low temperature conditions than a latter parts of pyrolysis gasfied chamber which are operate at high temperature condition. Removal efficiency of dioxins of SDA/BF was 85.9 % and therefore, it showed high efficiency at those of stoker type incineration facility. However, concentration of dioxins which emitted at high temperature condition were low in three facilities and satisfied present standard emission level of dioxins. To consider the distribution ratio of dioxins, Particulate phase dioxins at S and P plants showed similar ratio with which shows in current stoker type for middle scale domestic waste incineration facility. It is necessary to continuos monitoring the ratio of distribution of dioxins in T plant in because ratio of gas phage dioxins showed high.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.9-20
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• 2007

The incineration process has commonly used for wastes amount reduction and thermal treatments of pollutants as the technologies accumulated. However, the process is getting negative public images owing to matter of hazardous pollutants emission. Specially dioxins became a main issue and were mostly emitted from municipal solid wastes incineration. In this reason, pyrolysis/gasification/melting process is presented as an alternative of incineration process. The pyrolysis/gasification/melting process, a novel technology, is middle of verification of commercial plant and development of technologies in Korea. But the survey about the pollutant emission from the process, and background data in these facilities is necessary. So in this survey, t is investigated that the behavior of chlorobenzenes and chlorophenols in plasma type pyrolysis/gasification/melting plant of pilot scale. We investigated discharging behavior of each phase of chlorobenzene through each process in the plsasma type pyrolysis/gasification/melting process. From this result, it was found that about 99 percent of particle-phase chlorobenzene was removed, but on the other hand gas-phase chlorobenzene was increased by about 600 percent through heat exchanger, flue gas cooling, system and semi dry absorption bag filter(SDA/BF). Also, this investigation presented that di-chlorobenzene(DCB) tri-chlorobenzene(TCB), tetra-chlorobenzene(TeCB), penta-chlorobenzene (PCB), except mono-chlorobenzene(MCB) and hexa-chlorobenzene(HCB) were increased through the flue gas cooling system and the semi dry absorption bag filter(SDA/BF). It was investigated that concentration of particle-phase chlorophenol was decreased by about 66 percent, but on the other hand, concentration of gas-phase chlorophenol was increased by about 170 percent through heat exchanger, flue gas cooling system, and semi dry absorption bag filter(SDA/BF). Also, it was found that di-chlorophenol(DCP), tri-chlorophenol(TCP), and penta-chlorophenol(PCP) were increased through the flue gas cooling system, and the semi dry absorption bag filter(SDA/BF). It can be considered that small-scale pilot facility and short investigation period might cause the concentration increase through the flue gas cooling system and the semi dry absorption bag filter(SDA/BF). A further study on real-scale pilot facility and accurate investigation may be required.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.205-212
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• 2006

Objectives: In spite of the recent increased concern for Asian dust storms, there are few studies concerning how dangerous the general public recognizes these dust storms to be. This study examined the public's perceptions of the risk of the Asian dust storms and also the source of the information concerning the risk. Methods: A telephone interview survey using a standardized questionnaire was done for the adults living in Seoul and its metropolitan area from May 15th, 2003 to May 16th, 2003. The contents of the questionnaire were the sociodemographic characteristics, the perceptions of risk to the Asian dust storms, and the coping strategy of the study participants. Results: The study participants get their information on Asian dust storms mainly from TV newscasts and they have a good knowledge of them. They regard it as one of the most dangerous health risks, along with dioxin. They think that it is associated with allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma, etc. Of the 500 study participants, 201 (40.2%) persons suffered bodily discomforts during the Asian dust storm period. Conclusions: Although there are uncertainties about the health risks of Asian dust storms, the public thinks these dust storms are very dangerous to health in many ways This negative perception will not disappear easily. To fill the gap of the public's perceptions of the risk and the objective evidence of its health effects, more studies about its health effects and the methods to reduce exposure are required.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.192-203
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• 2020

Objectives: The concentration distributions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenlys (dl-PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fine particles were investigated to provide basic data on POP behavior and composition analysis. Methods: The concentrations of PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs, and PAHs by particle size were evaluated for TSP, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5. Also, fine dust component analysis and factor analysis were performed to identify the source of PCDD/Fs. Results: The particle size distribution was found to account for 24.3% of >10 ㎛, 14.5% of 2.5-10 ㎛, and 61.2% of <2.5 ㎛. The average contributions of coarse particles (>2.5 ㎛) and fine particles (<2.5 ㎛) were PCDD/Fs 67%, dl-PCBs 66%, benzo (a) pyrene 83% and PAHs 84%, and the contributions of fine particles (<2.5 ㎛) were higher than coarse particles (>2.5 ㎛). However, the contributions of coarse particles increased in April to September with higher temperatures, while those of fine particles increased in February to March with lower temperatures. Conclusions: Low chlorinated (4Cl-5Cl) PCDD/Fs were more adsorbed compared to coarse particles due to the influence of pollutant migration from particulate to gas phase according to temperature rise, whereas high chlorinated (6Cl-8Cl) PCDD/Fs were more adsorbed compared to fine particles. PCDD/Fs sources were assessed to be major sources of emissions, such as incineration facilities and/or open burning.