불산 누출사고에 따른 지역사회 구성원들의 노출평가

초록

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to propose an indirect exposure assessment method using aquestionnaire survey at a time when direct exposure assessment would be impossible after a chemical accident. Methods: About two weeks after an accident, a questionnaire survey was performed with 1,264 persons fromthe local community. Variables related to exposure were extracted from the survey contents, weighted and thengraded for comparison with subjective symptoms in order to evaluate the extent of exposure. Survey itemssuitable for reflecting the previous exposure level during the accident were extracted, weighted and divided intoquartile ranges. Subjective symptoms showed an increasing tendency with higher exposure level when comparedwith final exposure level (p<0.01). Results: For the relationship between the final exposure grade and subjective symptoms, as the exposure gradewas increasing the rates complaining of symptom also showed an increasing tendency. However, when adjustedfor demographic characteristics, there was a tendency for the eye irritation symptom to appear higher in women,and respiratory organ irritation appeared higher in smokers. Conclusions: When the problem of recall bias is considered, this study may not have completely unraveledexposure and the characteristics of the participants can affect subjective symptoms. Nevertheless, the exposurerating method of using a questionnaire showed a significant relationship with symptom level. It can be deemedthat assessment of past exposure may be successfully evaluated by questionnaire in cases such as chemicalaccidents.

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