The Characteristics of the Appearance and Health Risks of Volatile Organic Compounds in Industrial (Pohang, Ulsan) and Non-Industrial (Gyeongju) Areas

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify the health and environmental risk factors of air contaminants that influence environmental and respiratory diseases in Gyeongju, Pohang and Ulsan in South Korea, with a focus on volatile organic compounds (VOCs). METHODS: Samples were collected by instantaneous negative pressure by opening the injection valve in the canister at a fixed height of 1 to 1.5 m. The sample that was condensed in -150degrees C was heated to 180degrees C in sample pre-concentration trap using a 6-port switching valve and it was injected to a gas chromatography column. The injection quantity of samples was precisely controlled using an electronic flow controller equipped in the gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. RESULTS: The quantity of the VOC emissions in the industrial area was 1.5 to 2 times higher than that in the non-industrial area. With regards to the aromatic hydrocarbons, toluene was detected at the highest level of 22.01 ppb in Ulsan, and chloroform was the halogenated hydrocarbons with the highest level of 10.19 ppb in Pohang. The emission of toluene was shown to be very important, as it accounted for more than 30% of the total aromatic hydrocarbon concentration. CONCLUSIONS: It was considered that benzene in terms of the cancer-causing grade standard, toluene in terms of the emission quantity, and chloroform and styrene in terms of their grades and emission quantities should be selected for priority measurement substances.

Comparison of Plain X-rays and OMU (Osteo-Meatal-Unit) CT Scans in Children with Chronic Sinusitis / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: In general, sinusitis in children is diagnosed by clinical symptom and paranasal sinus x-ray. Sinus plain x-rays in children is simple, inexpensive, and speedy. However, it requires proper interpretative techniques, because different development of each sinus, soft tissues overlying sinuses and bony structure require precise diagnosis. This study was conducted to compare plain x-rays with OMU CT scans. METHODS: From September 1996 through August 1997, thirty nine patients who were diagnosed as sinusitis based on clinical symptoms and plain x-rays at the pediatric department of Seoul Adventist Hospital were studied. Water's view, Caldwell's view and lateral view were taken for the plain x-rays with concurrent OMU CT scans prior to treatments. RESULTS: Ten cases (25.6%) out of 39 patients showed posterior nasal drip and fourteen cases (35.9%) showed nasal obstruction. Twelve cases (30.8%) were related to allergic diseases and seven cases (58.3%) among these 12 cases were bronchial asthma. Sensitivity of plain x-ray were 88.5+/-12.9% for maxillary sinuses, and 59.9+/-13.65% for ethmoidal sinuses. CONCLUSION: When maxillary sinusitis is suspected, plain X-ray for maxillary sinuses is enough to diagnose sinusitis, but for ethmoidal sinuses it may be underestimated or overestimated in comparison with OMU CT scan. Ethmoidal sinusitis requires careful diagnosis and follow-up because it plays important roll for chronic sinusitis due to its structure. Therefore, we recommends OMU CT scan to diagnose paranasal sinusitis of children with plain X-ray.