This study investigated surface polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in fire stations using 121 wipe samples collected from indoor spaces, vehicles, and personal protective equipment (PPE) surfaces in three fire stations in South Korea, and identified key exposure sources in vehicles and PPE. Fire station surfaces exhibited significantly higher PAH concentrations than commercial office controls, with median total PAH (Σ17 PAHs) levels 69 times higher in fire vehicles (p < 0.001), 26 times higher in vehicle bays and PPE cabinets (both p = 0.044), and 24 times higher in fire offices (p = 0.003). Among vehicles, fire survey vehicles showed the highest surface Σ17 PAHs contamination, particularly on floors, where concentrations were significantly higher than those on seats (p = 0.021) and ceilings (p = 0.012). PPE contamination was highest on the outer ankle areas of boots, followed by gloves and boot soles. Notably, the inner surfaces of turnout pants and face shields had PAH levels comparable to those on their respective outer surfaces (p > 0.05), suggesting possible contaminant transfer, although inward contaminant infiltration could not be excluded. High-molecular-weight PAHs were more prevalent on vehicle floors and boot surfaces, indicating significant surface-associated exposure potential. These findings support the need for improved contamination control measures, including routine decontamination of vehicles and PPE, enhanced PPE design to minimize pollutant ingress, and targeted policy interventions to safeguard firefighter health.

BACKGROUND:Although most countries maintain occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation to prevent occupational diseases, the legal codification and integration of occupational health risk assessment (HRA), exposure monitoring, and medical surveillance vary substantially across jurisdictions; therefore, this study compared the legal frameworks of Korea, the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union (EU), and the United States (US) to examine the linkage among these elements, assess whether they support estimation of individual cumulative past exposure, and derive implications for improving occupational disease prevention in Korea. METHODS:This qualitative comparative legal analysis examined employer obligations related to quantitative exposure monitoring, HRA, and medical surveillance under the OSH systems of the UK, the EU, the US, and Korea. Primary statutes and subordinate regulations were systematically reviewed to assess how these elements are mandated, linked, and supported by record-keeping provisions enabling cumulative exposure estimation. RESULTS:The UK and the EU explicitly require HRA as a regulatory starting point and link exposure monitoring and medical surveillance to the outcomes of risk assessment, with targeted hazard-based provisions for intrinsically high-risk agents. The US adopts a hybrid approach, imposing mandatory monitoring and medical surveillance for high-hazard substances under 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910 Subpart Z while relying on general statutory duties elsewhere. Korea applies broad list-based requirements for exposure monitoring and medical surveillance that are largely independent of HRA outcomes and do not include legally mandated variables necessary for systematic cumulative exposure estimation. In contrast, the UK, the EU, and partially the US provide legal mechanisms, including long-term record-keeping provisions, that enable reconstruction of individual cumulative occupational exposure. CONCLUSIONS:Strengthening the integration of HRA, exposure monitoring, and medical surveillance-together with improved record-keeping structures that support cumulative exposure reconstruction-may contribute to more effective occupational disease prevention and long-term medical surveillance in Korea.

Despite global restrictions like the Minamata Convention, heavy metal contamination in cosmetics remains a critical public health concern, with limited cross-country comparative data on heavy metal concentrations in cosmetics across Asian markets. We measured Hg, Pb, As, Cd, Sb, Cr, and Ni contents in 189 cosmetic products purchased in 2022 in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Samples were screened by handheld X-ray fluorescence; Hg was quantified by a direct mercury analyzer and As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Sb were quantified by ICP-OES. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to characterize metal co-occurrence patterns, and Monte Carlo simulation was applied to estimate dermal systemic exposure dose, hazard quotients (HQ), and lifetime cancer risk (LCR). Mercury in face creams exhibited extreme heterogeneity (range: ND-67,000 mg/kg), while eye cosmetics contained elevated Arsenic levels (median 4.13 mg/kg). PCA distinctively separated Hg (PC2) from geogenic metals (As/Cr/Ni on PC1), suggesting intentional adulteration. Probabilistic risk estimates indicated upper-tail non-cancer risk for Hg in facial creams (95th percentile HQ 6.32; P[HQ>1] = 24.4%). As produced the highest LCR estimates (facial cream 95th percentile 2.60 × 10−4). These findings indicate product-type-specific metal patterns and highlight a subset of facial products with extreme Hg levels that can drive substantial upper-percentile risk, supporting the need for targeted market surveillance and enforcement.

Background: Maintenance workers in the electronics manufacturing industry are exposed to a diverse combination of gaseous and particulate substances, yet specific guidance for assessing their chemical health risks remains limited. The aims of this study are to develop a stepwise framework approach for qualitatively assessing hazard severity, exposure probability, and chemical health risks for maintenance workers at electronic manufacturing facilities, and to propose a method for categorizing these factors through occupational health risk assessment (OHRA). Methods: We developed a stepwise framework for qualitatively assessing the health risks posed by chemicals to maintenance workers in electronics facilities. This framework employs a semiquantitative approach using ordinal scores to evaluate the severity of chemical hazards and the likelihood of exposure, particularly in situations where representative measurement data for multiple chemicals are unavailable. Results: The framework assesses hazard severity qualitatively by considering the number of chemicals and the presence of carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic substances or sensitizing hazards. A qualitative approach to estimating the likelihood of exposure is recommended, focusing on the effectiveness of engineering controls, the frequency and duration of maintenance works and tasks (MW), and the use of air jets. Two examples of a qualitative chemical OHRA for maintenance workers are given, one for a moderate hazard chemical integrating several exposure factors, and the second for MW on an ion implanter. Conclusion: Further research is needed to validate this method and to develop additional practical guidance for the assessment of chemical health risks associated with MW.

본 연구는 실제 화재현장에서 소방활동대원에게 노출되는 미세먼지의 수준을 측정하고 건강위험성을 분석평가하는데 목적이 있다. 실제 건물에 화재를 모사한 실험현장 2개소와 실제 출동한 화재현장 2개소에서 미세먼지 PM10, PM2.5, PM1에 대해서 광산란방식의 직독식 측정과 중량식 측정을 통해 현장대원 개인 시료와 활동영역의 지역 시료를 채취하여 소방활동대원에게 노출되는 미세먼지 수준을 평가하였다. PM2.5에 대해 개인 노출을 측정한 결과 평균 3,306.9 ㎍/㎥ 그리고 최고 11,670.0 ㎍/㎥의 농도에 노출되고 있었다. 화재현장에서 발생한 분진 중에서 PM1과 PM2.5가 차지하는 비중이 60-70% 수준이었다. PM2.5에 대한 개인노출 기준이 설정되어 있지는 않지만 이와 유사한 호흡성 분진에 대한 노출기준 등을 고려했을 때 소방대원들이 현저히 높은 수준의 미세먼지 농도가 형성된 화재 현장에서 진압작업을 수행하고 있음을 확인할 수 있었다. 이에 화재현장에서 활동하는 소방대원을 유해물질 노출로부터 보호하기 위해 직무별 및 진압 단계별 호흡보호 프로그램을 개발하고 적용해야 할 것이다.

ABSTRACTWorkers in the semiconductor fabrication process may be exposed to higher levels of hazardous materials, such as arsenic, during preventive maintenance (PM) tasks than during the regular operation of the fabrication process. This study investigates the exposure to arsenic and other metals during PM tasks in the ion implantation process. Airborne arsenic samples and bulk samples were obtained during various ion implanter PM tasks in a semiconductor fabrication factory. The arithmetic mean (AM) and standard deviation (SD) of airborne arsenic in personal samples were 0.64 µg m–3 ± 0.92 µg m–3 (n = 9), and the highest level was 2.39 µg m–3 during medium-current ion implanter PM tasks. For area samples, the AM and SD were 0.42 µg m–3 ± 0.69 µg m–3 (n = 5) and the highest level was 1.79 µg m–3 during medium-current ion implanter PM tasks. Arsenic was also found in the bulk samples of debris produced during PM tasks. Other metals (Ag, Al, Cu, Pb, Cr, Sn, Mn, Ti, Fe, and W) were found, but at low levels, prompting few health concerns compared with those of arsenic. This study found that PM workers were exposed to airborne arsenic levels that differed significantly according to the type of ion implanter used.

This study aimed to evaluate the variation in PM10 concentration and identify the factors influencing it in Korean subways during the past decade. The PM10 measured internally by subway companies according to legal requirements was categorized by the subway's characteristics, which were statistically examined using a mixed effects model to identify the relevant parameters. The average levels monitored near or on the platforms and in the waiting rooms ranged from 53.9 to 92.4 µg m−3, remaining below the Indoor Air Quality Control Act regulatory standard of 150 µg m−3. However, the levels monitored on the platforms far exceeded the average yearly atmospheric environmental standard (50 µg m−3). Based on both univariate and multiple analyses, several subway characteristics, including the presence of a platform screen door (PSD), were found to significantly correlate with the concentration, although slight differences in the significant factors were detected between the cities. Particularly, the absence of transfer lines and the presence of a PSD reduced the platform concentration, except at Busan and during specific years.

We assessed the exposure of semiconductor workers to extremely low frequency-magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and identified job characteristics affecting ELF-MF exposure. These were demonstrated by assessing the exposure of 117 workers involved in wafer fabrication (fab) and chip packaging wearing personal dosimeters for a full shift. A portable device was used to monitor ELF-MF in high temporal resolution. All measurements were categorized by operation, job and working activity during working time. ELF-MF exposure of workers were classified based on the quartiles of ELF-MF distribution. The average levels of ELF-MF exposure were 0.56 µT for fab workers, 0.59 µT for chip packaging workers and 0.89 µT for electrical engineers, respectively. Exposure to ELF-MF differed among types of factory, operation, job and activity. Workers engaged in the diffusion and chip testing activities showed the highest ELF-MF exposure. The ELF-MF exposures of process operators were found to be higher than those of maintenance engineers, although peak exposure and/or patterns varied. The groups with the highest quartile ELF-MF exposure level are operators in diffusion, ion implantation, module and testing operations, and maintenance engineers in diffusion, module and testing operations. In conclusion, ELF-MF exposure among workers can be substantially affected by the type of operation and job, and the activity or location.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Bioaerosols exist in almost every environment and are known to be risk factors for a variety of diseases. Agricultural work involves high exposure to bioaerosols and its workplace concentrations affect the surrounding areas. The study evaluates bioaerosol concentrations in agricultural workplaces and residential areas according to farm type.MATERIAL AND METHODS:In 2013-2015, a total of 381 samples were collected for endotoxin and microbial testing from three farm types: open field, greenhouse, and livestock facilities. Endotoxins were measured using a 37-mm glass fire filter connected to an air pump calibrated to 2 LPM. Microorganisms were measured using a gelatin filter and impaction (single-stage Andersen sampler).RESULTS:The concentration of endotoxins and microorganisms at the livestock facilities was significantly higher than in the open fields and greenhouses (p<0.05). Among the livestock farms, the concentrations of endotoxins and gram-negative bacteria were highest at hog farms, and the concentrations of total bacteria and fungi were the highest in poultry houses. In both greenhouses and livestock facilities, the concentrations of bioaerosols were higher in the workplace than in a nearby residential area, and the difference in concentration was significantly greater in the case of livestock facilities.CONCLUSIONS:The concentrations of bioaerosols in agricultural workplaces and nearby residential areas were higher than in the control and general areas. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent exposure to bioaerosols at agricultural workplaces and their vicinities.

We report the discovery of a new species of the genus Pycnogonum Brünnich, 1764 found in the shallow waters of Green Island, Taiwan. Pycnogonum (Nulloviger) granulatum sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of the granular integument, a dorsal tubercle on the proboscis, the transverse ridges on the dorsal surface of the trunk, and the spines on the ventral surface of the tibia, tarsus, and propodus having cleft tips. Because the male gonopores are present and ovigers are absent, the present species belongs to the subgenus Nulloviger. The present species has been compared with P. (N.) moolenbeeki Stock, 1992, P. (N.) lobipes Stock, 1991, P. (N.) tuberculatum Clark, 1963, P. nodulosum Döhrn, 1881, and P. spatium Takahashi, Dick Mawatari, 2007. Among the congeners, P. spatium is geographically the closest congener, of which type locality is Amami Island, Japan. The holotype of P. spatium was loaned from Hokkaido University Museum (ICHUM) and re-examined. To determine the exact gender of the holotype of P. spatium, additional investigations of the coxal pellicula and gonopores are required.

Whale-associated barnacles are intriguing in terms of their planktonic food sources, mating habits, and mechanisms of host attachment. We present observations of the whale-associated barnacles Coronula diadema (Linnaeus, 1767) and Conchoderma auritum (Linnaeus, 1767) obtained from dead humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781)) collected in Korea. Shell bases of Coronula diadema are inflected and sharp-edged with hollow coring tubes at the periphery. The coring tubes are filled with whale skin, supporting the model that shell accretion into the whale skin is achieved by basal constriction to achieve strong attachment. Conchoderma auritum attaches to the shell surfaces of Coronula and has a pair of tubular ear-shaped structures on the capitulum. Both species have short and thick-segmented cirri that allow feeding in strong currents. The distal ends of the cirri in both species are often equipped with sharp, large claw-like setae, which are likely used to capture large zooplankton for food. Coronula diadema and Conchoderma auritum are simultaneous hermaphrodites. Coronula diadema can mate up to nine surrounding individuals. Conchoderma auritum lives in clumps and mating group size can up to 26 individuals.

Zooplankton communities are useful bioindicators that can provide information on the changes occurring in marine ecosystems. Therefore, investigation of zooplankton communities in marine and coastal national parks is essential. However, the surveys of zooplankton communities using morphological identification require considerable time and labor. Metabarcoding is a practical alternative that can detect various taxa simultaneously. In this study, metabarcoding was newly applied along with the traditional morphological identification to establish a method for zooplankton community survey in the Marine and Coastal National Park areas of Korea. By comparing the results of these two identification methods, the strengths and limitations of metabarcoding were verified with the zooplankton communities appearing in these areas. The sensitive detection capability of metabarcoding enabled the identification of potential bioindicator taxa associated with external factors (e.g., water temperature, salinity, topography, and chlorophyll a concentration) in these national parks. We propose the use of metabarcoding for efficient surveys of mesozooplankton communities in the Marine and Coastal National Parks to establish monitoring of bioindicator taxa. It is also necessary to continuously search for taxa with high research value in these national parks using metabarcoding. Establishing an ongoing monitoring system that employs this approach can provide an effective tool for managing marine ecosystems in the Marine and Coastal National Parks.

The coastline of the Korean Peninsula is influenced by three major oceanographic ecoregions, including the estuarine Yellow Sea ecoregion on the west coast, the warmer and saline East China Sea ecoregion on the south coast, and the cold East Sea ecoregion on the east coast. The influence of these marine ecoregions on the distribution of intertidal barnacles has not been extensively studied. The present study examines the biogeography of thoracican barnacles from intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, along the coasts of Korea. Twenty-one species in seven families were identified, including three species of coral-associated barnacles. Species composition varied significantly in the three marine ecoregions. Multivariate analysis showed barnacle assemblages were significant among the three ecoregions, although there are large overlaps of clusters between the Yellow Sea and East China Sea ecoregions. The estuarine species, Fistulobalanus albicostatus, occurred mainly in the Yellow Sea ecoregion; warm-water species, Tetraclita japonica, and sponge inhabiting barnacles Euacasta dofleini were observed in the East China Sea ecoregion; and cold-water species, Balanus rostratus and Perforatus perforatus, were found in the East Sea ecoregion. Four invasive barnacle species were recorded and the European barnacle Perforatus perforatus expanded its range northward from its recorded distribution nine years earlier. The cold-water species, Chthamalus dalli and Semibalanus cariosus, previously recorded in the East Sea ecoregion, were absent in the present survey. A trend of increasing seawater temperatures in Korean waters may have a significant impact on the distribution of cold-water species and enhance the northward invasion of P. perforatus.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Chionoecetes opilio is a 16,067 bp long, circular molecule which contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). Its gene contents and organization are generally similar to other majoid mitogenomes. However, the mitogenome shows unique characteristics; long terminal amino acids, loss or addition of 3 PCGs, a 1216 bp long putative D-loop region, and peculiar secondary structures of 5 tRNAs. The concatenated amino acid sequences of 13 PCGs were used to analyze the phylogenetic tree, which well supported the monophyly of brachyuran clades of Majoidea, Heterotremata, Thoracotremata, and Eubrachyura.

Two species of the family Majidae, Sakaija japonica (Rathbun, 1932) and Schizophroida simodaensis Sakai, 1933, are herein newly reported from Korean waters. These are also the first records of Sakaija Ng & Richer de Forges, 2015 and Schizophroida Griffin & Tranter, 1986 in Korea. There are currently 14 majoid species from nine genera in Korea. Herein, diagnoses of Sakaija japonica and Schizophroida simodaensis are provided together with illustrations.

In this study, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of 17 individuals from six Korean diogenid species (i.e., 2 Areopaguristes japonicus, 4 A. nigroapiculus, 3 Paguristes digitalis, 4 P. ortmanni, 3 Diogenes edwardsii, and 1 Ciliopagurus kempfi) were determined and analyzed. The DNA barcoding results of this study were consistent with the morphological identification of these six species. Interspecific variations of COI sequences within six Korean diogenid species exceeded the minimum interspecific variation of diogenid hermit crabs in previous studies. Little intraspecific variation exists except for P. digitalis. This study should facilitate further molecular taxonomy of East Asian diogenids.

The Stomatopoda of Korea have, in general, been poorly studied, with eight species recorded to date. A recent study of stomatopods collected by SCUBA diving and commercial fishing trawlers from Korean waters, however, resulted in the discovery of first records of six species from the study area. Among them, four belong to the superfamily Squilloidea Latreille, 1802 [Levisquilla inermis (Manning, 1965), Levisquilla jurichi (Makarov, 1979), Anchisquilla fasciata (De Haan, 1844), and Cloridopsis scorpio (Latreille, 1828)], and two belong to the Lysiosquilloidea Giesbrecht, 1910, one each in Tetrasquillidae Manning & Camp, 1993 [Acaenosquilla latifrons (De Haan, 1844)] and Nannosquillidae Manning, 1980 [Acanthosquilla multifasciata (Wood-Mason, 1895)]. Thus, fourteen species of Stomatopoda are now known from Korea. The superfamily Lysiosquilloidea is reported for the first time from Korean waters. A key to the species of Korean mantis shrimps is provided.