수영장 활동공간 내 유해인자 노출특성 연구

Characteristics of Exposure Distribution to Hazard Factors in Indoor Swimming Pool Activity Areas in Gwangju

Objective: This study is designed to measure the concentration of DBPs (disinfection by-products) in pool water and in air and to estimate the carcinogenic potential through the evaluation of inhalation exposure. Methods: The subjects were six indoor swimming pools with many users in Gwangju. Samples of pool water and indoor air were taken every one month from August 2018 to August 2019 and analyzed for eight swimming pool standards. Three-liter air samples were collected and the VOCs were analyzed using GC/MS directly connected to thermal desorption. Results: pH was 6.8-7.5 and the concentration of free residual chlorine in pool water was 0.40-0.96 ?/ℓ. Physicochemical test items such as KMnO₄ consumption and heavy metal items such as Aluminum met existing pool hygiene standards. No VOC materials were detected except for the DBPs. The concentration of THMs in the pool water was 11.05-41.77 µg/L and the THMs mainly consist of Chloroform (63-97%) and BDCM (3- 31%). The concentration of indoor air THMs is 13.24-32.48 µg/m³ and consists of Chloroform. The results of carcinogenic assessment of chloroform in the indoor swimming pool via inhalation exposure were 2.0 to 6.4 times higher than the ‘acceptable risk level’ suggested by the US EPA. Conclusions: The concentration of THMs in the pool water is 11.05-41.77 µg/L, most of which is chloroform. In addition, the concentration of indoor air THMs is 13.24-32.48 µg/㎥ . The result of carcinogenic assessment of chloroform was 2.0 to 6.4 times higher than the ‘acceptable risk level’ suggested by the US EPA.