Exposure Level and Distribution Characteristics of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi in Seoul Metropolitan Subway Stations

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  • KIM Ki Youn
    Institute of Industrial and Environmental Medicine, Hanyang University
  • KIM Yoon Shin
    Institute of Industrial and Environmental Medicine, Hanyang University
  • KIM Daekeun
    Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Technology
  • KIM Hyeon Tae
    Department of Bio-Industrial Machinery Engineering, Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University

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Abstract

The exposure level and distribution characteristics of airborne bacteria and fungi were assessed in the workers’ activity areas (station office, bedroom, ticket office and driver’s seat) and passengers’ activity areas (station precinct, inside the passenger carriage, and platform) of the Seoul metropolitan subway. Among investigated areas, the levels of airborne bacteria and fungi in the workers’ bedroom and station precincts were relatively high. No significant difference was found in the concentration of airborne bacteria and fungi between the underground and above ground activity areas of the subway. The genera identified in all subway activity areas with a 5% or greater detection rate were Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Bacillus and Corynebacterium for airborne bacteria and Penicillium, Cladosporium, Chrysosporium, Aspergillus for airborne fungi. Staphylococcus and Micrococcus comprised over 50% of the total airborne bacteria and Penicillium and Cladosporium comprised over 60% of the total airborne fungi, thus these four genera are the predominant genera in the subway station.<br>

Journal

  • Industrial Health

    Industrial Health 49 (2), 242-248, 2011

    National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

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