• >Contact us
  • >Journal
  • >
Exposure Assessment of Black Carbon among Tollbooth Worker at a University
Writer 관리자 Date 2021-04-14 11:11 Hit 193

Exposure Assessment of Black Carbon among Tollbooth Worker at a University 


Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the exposure levels of tollbooth workers to diesel particulate matter using black carbon (BC) and to find the correlations among variables associated with BC using the motor vehicle management act regulated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Methods: This study was performed over 14 days at a university in Seoul. BC levels were monitored using an aethalometer and were conducted around the breathing zones of the workers. There were three sampling

locations: inside the tollbooth (front gate and rear gate) and an office as a control group. T-test, correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed using SPSS.
Results: The geometric mean (GM) of BC30min concentrations in the exposure group was 2.44 ㎍/㎥, approximately 1.4 times higher than the control group (1.75 ㎍/㎥). The GM of BC30min concentrations was 2.75 ㎍/㎥ during the heavy traffic time (9-10 am) and 2.30 ㎍/㎥ during non-heavy traffic times (p<0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis shows that the number of all types of vehicles and PM2.5 concentrations in the atmosphere were factors increasing the GM of BC(ln(BC30min)) concentrations (adjusted R2=0.42, p<0.001). The workers were constantly exposed to low concentrations (GM of BC30min=2.44 ㎍/㎥), but they were exposed to peak concentrations instantly (BC10sec=3545.04 ㎍/㎥). When the GM of BC30min concentrations was momentarily represented as high, it was identified that a vehicle mainly using diesel fuel or an aging vehicle had passed.
Conclusions: A ventilation system should be installed in the closed tollbooth or aging vehicles should be controlled so as not to pass tollbooths.


Key words: black carbon, diesel engine exhaust, exposure assessment, peak exposure, tollbooth worker

 

▶Sources : Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 2019: 29(4)