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KMID : 0895420070170030254
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Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Enviromental Hygiene
2007 Volume.17 No. 3 p.254 ~ p.260
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A Survey on the status of using trichloroethylene(TCE) in Korea
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Cho Hyung-Yoel
Cho Sung-Hyun
Ryoo Jang-Jin
Kim Byung-Gyu
Park Seung-Hyun
Kang Seong-Kyu
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Abstract
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Trichloroethylene(TCE) is widely used as a degreasing solvent in workplaces. TCE is primarily toxic to the nervous system, however, systemic disorder like Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been recently reported in small-scale factories, where the government has had limited information of chemical use. A survey was performed to investigate the actual condition of using TCE and to provide practical information to occupational health service agencies and professionals. This survey was carried out on 103 factories out of 430 factories which were conducted periodic work environment measurement for TCE. Degreasing was the most popular reason for using TCE in Korea, which reached to 94%. TCE was also used as a solvent for rubber in the coating or molding process, and adhesives in the bonding process. Metal fabrication was the most common as 23%, followed by assembling automobile parts (17%), and machinery (12%). Workers exposed to TCE during full-shift were 52% while 48% were exposed during short period of the shift or intermittently. Manual or semiautomatic work occupied 87% while automatic work was just 13%. Though automatic work by a closed system was generally lower exposed to TCE, compared to manual work, it can cause a high exposure when the maintenance system is improper. Semi-automatic work especially like open-top degreasing process can cause a high exposure when local exhaust system with condensing and refrigerating coils in the degreaser does not work well. In conclusion, the survey showed nationwide status of TCE exposure in various aspects. It can be used to monitor workplaces and workers exposed to TCE to prevent occupational diseases.
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KEYWORD
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trichloroethylene, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, survey, degreasing, occupational disease
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