dzȯ ȸ
13 2ȣ, June 2014
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ISSN : 2288-9167 (Print)
ISSN : 2288-923X (Online)
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An investigation of dust mite allergen and bacterial endotoxin concentration
in some subway cabin seats in Seoul, Korea
ؽġڴ*輺̡̿켮š
Abstracts
This study was conducted to analyze dust mite allergen and bacterial endotoxin concentrations in the subway
cabins. For this aim, we sampled dust using a vacuum cleaner on cabin seats of subway trains operating in three
Seoul Metro Lines from April to May in 2011. The concentration of dust mite allergen and endotoxin were
1,137.51 806.26 ng/g and 5,742.1 (4.68) EU/g, respectively. While, the concentration of dust mite allergen was
higher on cabin seats of subway trains in Line B (1,487.61 930.59 ng/g) than on those of trains in Lines A and
C (641.9 398.3 and 1,344.9 822.4 ng/g). All measurements did not exceed the National Workshop Guideline
of 2,000 ng/g. While, bacterial endotoxin concentration [GM (GSD)] was higher on cabin seats of subway trains
in Line A [12,373.21 (4.97 EU/g)] than on those of trains in Line B and C8,520.77 (3.98) and 1,631.43 (1.88) EU/
g. Dust mite allergen concentrations were strongly influenced by the portion of underground (on the subway line)
and endotoxin concentrations were significantly correlated with the number of passengers using the subway lines.
Seats for seniors and the week showed relatively higher concentrations compared to seats for general passengers.
But, no significant difference of dust mite allergen and endotoxin concentrations in the subway cabins was found
relating to seat type (p = 0.451, p = 0.564). There was no correlation between the dust mite allergen levels and
endotoxin levels in the subway cabins (p = 0.439).
Keywords : Dust mite allergen concentration, Bacterial endotoxin concentration, Subway cabin seat