Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Investigation of Exposure Status to Humidifier Disinfectant in Hospitals: An On-site Investigation of 23 Hospitals

가습기살균제 사용 의료기관 노출 현황 연구: 23개 노출 현장 실지 조사를 중심으로

  • Han, Kyunghee (Department of Preventive Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine) ;
  • Jo, Eun-Kyung (Korean Society of Environmental Health) ;
  • Seo, Young-Joon (Department of Health Administration, Yonsei University) ;
  • Kwak, Jung Hyun (Department of Food and Nutrition, Eulji University) ;
  • Yang, Wonho (Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University) ;
  • Kim, Pan-Gyi (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Yongin University) ;
  • Choi, Yoon-Hyeong (Department of Preventive Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine)
  • 한경희 (가천대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실) ;
  • 조은경 (한국환경보건학회) ;
  • 서영준 (연세대학교 보건행정학과) ;
  • 곽정현 (을지대학교 식품영양학과) ;
  • 양원호 (대구가톨릭대학교 산업보건학과) ;
  • 김판기 (용인대학교 산업환경보건학과) ;
  • 최윤형 (가천대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실)
  • Received : 2020.07.31
  • Accepted : 2020.08.20
  • Published : 2020.08.31
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Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to introduce the use of humidifier disinfectant (HD) in hospitals based on an on-site investigation. Methods: A preliminary survey and on-site investigation of HD use were conducted in 23 hospitals. Among them, one hospital without previous information on HD use was selected for a pilot investigation; 22 hospitals were selected based on previous documents and exposure statements from parliamentary investigation and exposure assessment regarding HD. Descriptive statistics were used to present distribution and characteristics of HD purchase and HD use in hospitals. Also, details on interviews from the on-site investigation were described. Results: Among the 23 hospitals, a total of ten were confirmed to have purchased and used an HD (nine hospitals) or HD-like product (one hospital). For the purchased HD products, four hospitals reported 'Aekyung Gaseupgi Mate', two hospitals reported 'Oxy Ssakssak New Gaseupgi Dangbun', and one hospital reported 'Homeplus Gaseupgi Chungjungje' (one hospital used three kinds of HD products). One hospital reported an HD-like product and four hospitals were 'Unknown'. For the number of HD products purchased, five hospitals reported '100 or less', two hospitals reported 'More than 100', and three hospitals were 'Unknown'. For each of the ten hospitals, we described detailed characteristics of HD purchase and its exposure status obtained through on-site investigation, including the purchase volume (i.e., number of products), exposure space (i.e., patient's room, staff space), and exposure period. Additionally, a comparison of on-site investigation and parliamentary investigation or exposure assessment regarding HD was reported. Conclusion: This study introduced detailed cases of HD purchase and HD use in hospitals based on an on-site investigation, and our findings revealed a possibility of a considerable volume of HD exposure in various multiuse facilities, including hospitals.

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References

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