Gumi City Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Hydrogen Fluoride-Exposed Patients Based on Major Burn Criteria After the 2012 Gumi City Chemical Leak Disaster.

This study conducted to analyze and compare the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hydrogen fluoride-exposed patients based on major burn criteria for the appropriate emergency department (ED) response to a mass casualty chemical spill. This retrospective cross-sectional study included the records of patients (n = 199) who visited the ED of Gumi City University Hospital from September 27, 2012, to October 20, 2012. Subjects were included in the major burn group (MBG) if they presented with wounds that required referral to a burn center according to the American Burn Association guidelines or in the nonmajor burn group (NMBG) if not. Males were predominant in both the MBG (n = 55, 48 males) and NMBG (n = 144, 84 males; P < .05). The most prevalent timeline for visiting the ED was the phase which included 9-32 hours post-leak of hydrogen fluoride, including 45 patients (81.8%) in the MBG and 122 patients (84.7%) in the NMBG (P < .001). The respiratory tract was the site of greatest damage in patients in both the MBG and NMBG (n = 47, 85.5% vs n = 142, 98.6%, P < .001). Regarding dispositions, all patients in the NMBG were discharged (n = 144, 100%); however, eight patients (14.5%) in the MBG underwent other dispositions (discharge against medical advice, five patients; admission, one patient; death, two patients, P < .05). Patient outcomes after major chemical contamination events should be characterized in future studies to maximize the quality of patient care.

Lessons learned from reviewing a hospital\u2019s disaster response to the hydrofluoric acid leak in Gumi city in 2012

BackgroundThis study analyzed the characteristics of hydrogen fluoride-exposed patients (HFEPs) treated in the emergency department (ED) of a local university hospital, and reviewed the hospital’s disaster response according to space, staff, supplies, and systems (4Ss).MethodsThis retrospective observational chart review and descriptive study included 199 HFEPs among 2588 total ED patients who visited a local university emergency medical center for treatment between September 27, 2012 and October 20, 2012, following a hydrofluoric acid leak at the Hube Globe factory in Gumi City, Republic of Korea. Descriptive results concerning the 4Ss were obtained by interviewing ED specialist staff physicians on duty during the study period. In accordance with American Burn Association criteria, patients requiring burn center referral were assigned to the major burn group (MBG) as severe condition.ResultsDuring the acute phase (within 8 h after leak initiation), there were 43 patients in the ED, which was staffed with 3 doctors and 3 nurses, without 4S resources. Of these 43 patients, there were 8 HFEPs (100%) in the MBG and 0 in the non-MBG (NMBG). During the subacute phase (24 h after the acute phase), there were 262 patients in the ED including 167 HFEPs, of whom 45 (26.95%) were in the MBG and 122 (73.05%) were in the NMBG. The ED was then staffed with 6 doctors (3 on day shift and 3 on night shift) and 10 nurses (3 on day shift, 4 on evening shift, and 3 on night shift), and no 4S resources were available. Throughout the study period, no 4Ss were available. First, there was no expansion of ED space or secured disaster reserve beds. Second, there was no increase in manpower with duty time adjustments or duty relocation for ED working personnel. Third, there was no logistics reinforcement (e.g., antidote or personal protective equipment). Fourth, there were no disaster-related measures for the administration department, decontamination zone setup, safety diagnostic testing, or designated disaster triage implementation.ConclusionsThe hospital’s disaster response was insufficient for all aspects of the 4Ss. Detailed guidance concerning a hospital disaster management plan is required.

Improvements of Chemicals Safety Management by the Notification System for the Public in South Korea

The South Korean government has endeavored for public safety against chemical accidents in the chemical industry. This study addresses the systematic changes in chemical safety management and a new notification system for right-to-know for the public after the hydrogen fluoride leakage accident in Gu-mi City, where 5 workers were killed and 18 were injured. Especially, the company, handling a certain amount or more of accident preparedness substances that are prone to fire and explosion, very responsive, or have high acute toxicity, shall submit a risk management plan report to the government to prevent chemical accidents. In this paper, it analyzed the huge changes in the hazardous substances safety management system and the chemical accident management laws of a national level, and the ordinance of local governments. 2,841 resident notices have been registered online system. but it was too passive system. so, this study proposed more effective methods for the this system; ① the role of business owners ② the role of government ③ Evaluation and reflux of system.

Fluoride levels and biochemical assessments in cattle accidentally exposed to hydrofluoric acid in Korea.

On September 27, 2012, an explosion from hydrofluoric acid occurred in Gumi city of Gyeongbuk province, Republic of Korea, exposing livestock animals nearby to Hydrofluoric acid (HF). This study aimed at evaluating the HF exposure among cattle raised near the accident site by determining the fluoride ion (F-1) levels and other biochemical parameters in the animals' urine and serum. The study groups included 90 cattle raised on farms near the accident site and, as controls, 21 cattle raised on a farm more than 100km away from the accident site. Urine and blood serum samples were taken from 10% to 20% of the cattle on each farm that were present 17days after the accident. The F-1 concentrations in the samples were analysed by the fluoride-ion-selective electrode method or a biochemistry analyser. The mean F-1 levels in the cattle serum samples (expressed as mg/L) were 0.23 (100m), 0.15 (500m), 0.23 (800m), 0.11 (900m), 0.07 (1.2km), 0.16 (1.5km), and 0.10 in the control group. The mean F-1 levels in the cattle urine samples (expressed as F-1mg/g creatinine) were 27.8 (100m), 24.4 (500m), 11.1 (800m), 16.3 (900m), 3.02 (1.2km), 9.16 (1.5km), and 3.58 in the control group. The mean ± SD concentrations of calcium ions in serum (expressed as mg/dL) were 9.72 ± 0.41 (100m), 9.54 ± 0.57 (500m), 8.31 ± 0.44 (800m), 9.06 ± 0.40 (900m), 8.36 ± 0.89 (1.2km), 9.13 ± 0.98 (1.5km), and 10.48 ± 1.43 in the control group. The serum and urine F-1 levels in cattle exposed to HF decreased with the distance from the accident site, suggesting that the relative F-1 levels in urine after normalization through concentration of urinary creatinine could be a more reliable biomarker for HF exposure in cattle than the urine F-1 level alone.

Increased risk to people around major hazardous installations and the necessity of land use planning in South Korea

Risk management of major hazardous installations (MHIs) is a principal concern due to chemical hazards, both in South Korea and in foreign countries where chemical plants are located. To cope with these risks, various regulatory schemes have been developed for the recognition, prevention, and control of chemical accidents. Despite these efforts, the worst major accident caused by massive (20 t) leakage of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride occurred in Gumi City in 2012. As a result, the location of MHIs associated with the chemical industry became a major concern among the public, relating to the risks to both the public and environment. In this study, the regulatory systems in South Korea are compared with global standards for controlling major hazards, and the adoption of land use planning (LUP) is discussed. Based on population statistics for the last 17 years, the EPA's ALOHA software was used to evaluate the impact of land development and population growth around MHIs through case studies of societal risk changes at five water-treatment plants using Cl2 (chlorine). The total risk at the Cl2 sites increased by up to 3.05 times from 2000 to 2017, demonstrating the necessity of introducing LUP.

A Study on the Improvement of Settlement Conditions for Young People in Gumi City

A Study on the Improvement of Settlement Conditions for Young People in Gumi City

Development of a hazardous material selection procedure for the chemical accident response manual

After the accidental hydrogen-fluoride leak in Gu-mi city, Korea, the Korean government revised its laws on chemical management. The hazardous chemical management laws were strengthened to meet the legal standards, and now the selection of Accident Precaution Chemicals (APCs) is required. This study introduces a novel hazardous material selection procedure for industrial chemical management. The proposed method consists of screening, scoring, rating, and selection procedures. Among the 4,994 hazardous chemicals in the database, 1,362 chemicals were selected through the screening process. The selected chemicals were classified as flammable, explosive/reactive, and toxic materials, and in the final step, flash point, heat of combustion, and toxicity of these chemicals were considered in chemical ratings. According to the ratings, 100 toxic materials were selected and used to modify the safety management manual development software, currently used in Korean companies that deal with hazardous chemicals. The developed algorithm and software are expected to greatly aid plants that deal with hazardous materials.

A Study on the Suggested Program Related to Building Safe Communities in Gumi City: Focusing on Measures to Mitigate Fatal Injuries

A Study on the Suggested Program Related to Building Safe Communities in Gumi City: Focusing on Measures to Mitigate Fatal Injuries

Psychological effects of a disastrous hydrogen fluoride spillage on the local community

BackgroundOn September 27, 2012, at 3:43 pm, a hydrogen fluoride spill occurred in a manufacturing plant located at the 4th complex of the Gumi National Industrial Complex in Gumi City, South Korea. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychological effects of the hydrogen fluoride spill on the members of the community and to investigate their relationships with physical symptoms and changes in psychological effects occurring as time passed after the accident.MethodsThe 1st phase involved a survey of 1359 individuals that was conducted 1 month after the spill, and the 2nd phase involved a survey of 711 individuals that was conducted 7 months after the accident. The questionnaires included items for assessing demographic characteristics, hydrogen fluoride exposure level, physical symptoms, and psychological status. Physical symptoms were assessed to determine the persistence of irritations. Psychological status was assessed to investigate the impact of event level using the Impact of Event Scale – Revised Korean version (IES-R-K), and the anxiety level was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).ResultsAs the hydrogen fluoride exposure level increased, the impact of event and anxiety levels increased significantly both 1 and 7 months after the accident (p < 0.05). The mean score of the impact of event levels decreased significantly from 33.33 ± 14.64 at 1 month after the accident to 28.68 ± 11.80 at 7 months after the accident (p < 0.05). The mean score of the anxiety levels increased significantly from 5.16 ± 6.59 at 1 month after the accident to 6.79 ± 8.41 at 7 months after the accident (p < 0.05). The risk of persistent physical symptoms at 7 months after the accident was significantly higher in females. The risk of persistent physical symptoms also increased significantly, with increasing age, hydrogen fluoride exposure, and impact of event levels (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe present study found that the impact of event level and anxiety level increased with increasing hydrogen fluoride exposure. Anxiety levels persisted even after time passed. The risk of persistent physical symptoms at 7 months after the accident was higher in females, and it increased with increasing age, hydrogen fluoride exposure level, and impact of event levels.

Improvements of safety management system in Korean chemical industry after a large chemical accident

This study addresses the systematic changes in laws, regulations, business cultures, and accident responses of organizations on a national level for chemical safety management after a large chemical release accident. The hydrogen fluoride leakage accident in Gu-mi City, in which 5 workers were killed and 18 were injured, has led the government to construct more practical plans and guidelines for managing and responding to chemical disasters. The governmental reorganization against chemical accidents such as Joint inter-agency The Chemical Emergency Preparedness Center, which is a specialized agency focused on responding to chemical disasters, has also contributed to the technology used in responses to chemical accidents, and as a result, it has become possible to cope with disasters more efficiently through cooperation among relevant agencies. Regarding relevant laws and regulations, the government has launched and clarified various acts and programs for the handling, management, and assessment of chemical substances and chemical-related accidents. Moreover, private enterprises have been also making efforts to systematically manage safety issues and expand high-level safety culture. In this paper, we discuss the changes in approaches to handle chemical accidents from various perspectives and present a case in which the relevant agencies succeeded in responding relatively efficiently to a major chemical accident because of these changes.

Occurrence and Concentrations of Toxic VOCs in the Ambient Air of Gumi, an Electronics-Industrial City in Korea.

This study was carried out to characterize the occurrence and concentrations of a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including aliphatic, aromatic, halogenated, nitrogenous, and carbonyl compounds, in the ambient air of Gumi City, where a large number of electronics industries are found. Two field monitoring campaigns were conducted for a one year period in 2003/2004 and 2010/2011 at several sampling sites in the city, representing industrial, residential and commercial areas. More than 80 individual compounds were determined in this study, and important compounds were then identified according to their abundance, ubiquity and toxicity. The monitoring data revealed toluene, trichloroethylene and acetaldehyde to be the most significant air toxics in the city, and their major sources were mainly industrial activities. On the other hand, there was no clear evidence of an industrial impact on the concentrations of benzene and formaldehyde in the ambient air of the city. Overall, seasonal variations were not as distinct as locational variations in the VOCs concentrations, whereas the within-day variations showed a typical pattern of urban air pollution, i.e., increase in the morning, decrease in the afternoon, and an increase again in the evening. Considerable decreases in the concentrations of VOCs from 2003 to 2011 were observed. The reductions in the ambient concentrations were confirmed further by the Korean PRTR data in industrial emissions within the city. Significant decreases in the concentrations of benzene and acetaldehyde were also noted, whereas formaldehyde appeared to be almost constant between the both campaigns. The decreased trends in the ambient levels were attributed not only to the stricter regulations for VOCs in Korea, but also to the voluntary agreement of major companies to reduce the use of organic solvents. In addition, a site planning project for an eco-friendly industrial complex is believed to play a contributory role in improving the air quality of the city.

수중보를 고려한 하천에서 보존성 오염물질의 이송특성 분석 - 낙동강을 중심으로

The 4major river project has caused changes in flow and water quality patterns in major rivers in Korea including the Nakdong River where several toxicant release accidents have had occurred. Three dimensional hydrodynamic model, the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC), was applied to evaluate the effect of geomorphological change of the river on the advection and dispersion patterns of a conservative toxic pollutant. A hypothetical scenario was developed using historical data by assuming a toxic release from an upstream location. If there is a toxic release at the Gumi Industrial Complex, the toxic material would be detected after 2.22 and 9.83 days at Chilgok and Gangjung weir, respectively, in the new river system. It was estimated that they took at least 12 times longer than those with the river conditions before the project. Effect of relocation of intake towers for Daegu Metro City to upstream of Gumi City was also evaluated using the developed modeling system. It was observed that hydraulic residence time would be increased due to decreased flow rate and thus due to lowered water level. However, peak concentration differences were found to be about 2% lower in both places due to increased dispersion effect after the relocation.

Analyzing the Landscape Ecological and Hydraulic Values of Inland Type Small Wetlands in the same Watershed Using Eco-Hydraulic Model

In order to compare the Landscape ecological and hydraulic values an eco-hydraulic model was built by cross-evaluating ecological landscape index and SWMM (Storm Water Management Model) based on a virtual model of the watershed management. A case study was adapted on the small reservoirs located in Mueul, Gumi city, Gyeongbuk-do, Korea. 27 small reservoirs located in Mueul area were categorized in 3 types such as single distribution (SD), equal distribution (ED), unequal distribution (UD), by the hydrogeomorphic features flowing into the main stream. At the results of simulating on the 3 types of model, unequal distribution (UD) model was realized as the highest effective reduction model of rainfall outflow. And as the reservoirs served as the landscape unit, the relationships between the ecological landscape index and virtual watershed models on small reservoirs in Mueul area were simulated. As a result, as the rainfall runoff reducing effects of small reservoirs, the more increasing the proportion of water volume to catchment area the more effective. Ecological soundness of large-scale reservoirs are higher than smaller one, but if we place several small reservoirs with same total storage volume in the same region, we can concluded that distributing several small reservoirs would be more effective on ecological soundness than single large-scale reservoirs. By utilizing distributed watershed system in urban planning, water circulation system and the species diversity and ecological soundness of watershed ecosystems would be improved.

Acute Symptoms in Firefighters who Participated in Collection Work after the Community Hydrogen Fluoride Spill Accident

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze the relationship between clinical status and work characteristics of firefighters and other public officers who engaged on collection duties in the site of the hydrogen fluoride spill that occurred on September 27, 2012, in Gumi City, South Korea.MethodsWe investigated the clinical status, personal history, and work characteristics of the study subjects and performed physical examination and several clinical examinations, including chest radiography, echocardiography, pulmonary function test, and blood testing in 348 firefighters, police officers, volunteer firefighters, and special warfare reserved force who worked at the hydrogen fluoride spill area.ResultsThe subjects who worked near the accident site more frequently experienced eye symptoms (p = 0.026), cough (p = 0.017), and headache (p = 0.003) than the subjects who worked farther from the accident site. The longer the working hours at the accident area, the more frequently the subjects experienced pulmonary (p = 0.027), sputum (p = 0.043), and vomiting symptoms (p = 0.003). The subjects who did not wear respiratory protective devices more frequently experienced dyspnea than those who wore respiratory protective devices (p = 0.013). In the pulmonary function test, the subjects who worked near the accident site had a higher decease in forced vital capacity than the subjects who worked farther from the site (p = 0.019); however, no statistical association was found between serum calcium/phosphate level, echocardiography result, chest radiographic result, and probation work characteristics.ConclusionsThe subjects who worked near the site of the hydrogen fluoride spill, worked for an extended period, or worked without wearing respiratory protective devices more frequently experienced upper/lower respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms. Further follow-up examination is needed for the workers who were exposed to hydrogen fluoride during their collection duties in the chemical plant in Gumi City.

Acute symptoms after a community hydrogen fluoride spill.

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to describe the demographic characteristics, and clinical signs and symptoms of patients who visited a general hospital because of the release of chemically hazardous hydrogen fluoride that occurred on September 27, 2012 in Gumi City, Korea.MethodsThe medical records at 1 general hospital 9 km from the accident site were reviewed using a standardized survey format. There were 1,890 non-hospitalized and 12 hospitalized patients exposed to hydrogen fluoride between September 27 and October 13 2012.ResultsAmong the 12 hospitalized patients, 11 were discharged within 1 week and the other was hospitalized for 10 days. The chief complaints were respiratory symptoms such as hemoptysis and shortness of breath, gastrointestinal symptoms, neurologic symptoms, sore throat, and lip burn.The number of non-hospitalized patients exhibited a bimodal distribution, peaking on the first and twelfth days after the accident. Their chief complaints were sore throat (24.1%), headache (19.1%), cough (13.1%), and eye irritation (9.2%); some patients were asymptomatic (6.2%). Patients who visited the hospital within 3 days (early patients) of the spill more often had shortness of breath (27.0%) and nausea (6.3%) as the chief complaints than patients who visited after 3 days (late patients) (3.5% and 2.6%, respectively). However, cough and rhinorrhea were more common in the late patients (14.0% and 3.3%, respectively) than in the early patients (5.0% and 0.0%, respectively). Patients who were closer to the accident site more often had shortness of breath and sputum as the chief complaints than patients who were farther away. The mean serum calcium concentration was 9.37 mg/dL (range: 8.4–11.0 mg/dL); none of the patients had a decreased serum calcium level. Among 48 pulmonary function test results, 4 showed decreased lung function. None of the patients had abnormal urine fluoride levels on the eighth day after exposure.ConclusionsPatients hospitalized due to chemical hazard release of hydrogen fluoride had acute respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurologic health problems. Non-hospitalized patients have acute symptoms mainly related to upper respiratory irritation.

일부 산업장 근로자의 결손치에 관한 영향요인

This study was carried out in order to offer basic data available for forming the better oral health habit by closely examining a cause for industrial workers` tooth loss. It analyzed correlation in missing teeth with general characteristics, subjective oral health recognition, habit related to oral health, and oral symptom targeting 6,976 of production workers and office workers who work at 49 industrial places where are located in Gumi city of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province from June 1, 2009 to December 31, thereby having obtained the following conclusions. 1. The higher age group led to the higher ratio of missing teeth. The ratio of missing teeth was lower in a case of having been removed plaque than having not been removed plaque. 2. The ratio of missing teeth was high in a case of having dental caries and periodontal disease. The ratio of missing teeth was high in a case of having smoked in the past or in a case of smoking now. 3. The ratio of missing teeth was high in a case of having less toothbrushing frequency and in a case of not using dental floss or interdental brush. 4. The ratio of missing teeth was high when a tooth is throbbing and when tongue and cheek are throbbing in addition to pain and bleeding in gum. 5. The ratio of missing teeth was high in a case of having unpleasant bad breath. The above results are expected to be likely conducive to offering basic data necessary for developing the oral health educational program for industrial places that can promote and maintain workers` oral health, and for improving oral health program and system available for promoting and maintaining workers` oral health hereafter.

유출저감을 위한 유역내 침투시설의 적용

Urban development of basin causes increasing runoff volume and peak flowrate and shortening in time of concentration, which may cause frequent flooding downstream. An infiltration facilities are operated as a method of reducing flood discharge of urban rivers and peak flowrate. There are various types of infiltration facilities like infiltration trench and porous pavement. In this study, runoff reduction effect due to installation of infiltration facilities are performed and focused on residential area of Ok-kye dong and industrial area of Gong-dan dong in Gumi City. The analysis is fulfilled with comparison of total runoff volume and runoff reduction volume by using the WinSLAMM and the relation equation between area ratio of infiltration facilities and ratio of runoff reduction are derived and peak flow reduction effect for installation of infiltration facilities is analyzed.

Characterization of Carbonyl Compounds in the Ambient Air of an Industrial City in Korea

The purpose of this study was to characterize spatial and temporal variations of carbonyl compounds in Gumi city, where a number of large electronic-industrial complexes are located. Carbonyl samples were collected at five sites in the Gumi area: three industrial, one commercial, and one residential area. Sampling was carried out throughout a year from December 2003 to November 2004. At one industrial site, samples were taken every six days, while those of the other sites were for seven consecutive days in every season. Each sample was collected for 150 minutes and at intervals of three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening). A total of 476 samples were analyzed to determine 15 carbonyl compounds by the USEPA TO-11A (DNPH-cartridge/HPLC) method. In general, acetaldehyde appeared to be the most abundant compound, followed by formaldehyde, and acetone+acrolein. Mean concentrations of acetaldehyde were two to three times higher in the industrial sites than in the other sites, with its maximum of 77.7 ppb. In contrast, ambient levels of formaldehyde did not show any significant difference between the industrial and non-industrial groups. Its concentrations peaked in summer probably due to the enhanced volatilization and photochemical reactivity. These results indicate significant emission sources of acetaldehyde in the Gumi industrial complexes. Mean concentrations of organic solvents (such as acetone+acrolein and methyl ethyl ketone) were also significantly high in industrial areas. In conclusion, major sources of carbonyl compounds, including acetaldehyde, are strongly associated with industrial activities in the Gumi city area.

장.노년기 여성의 운동 프로그램 시행 전.후의 신체계측치와 혈액검사치의 변화 비교- 일개 도시 보건지소를 중심으로 -

이 연구는 중 장년 여성을 대상으로 한 복합운동프로그램의 효과를 평가하기 위하여 경상북도 구미시에 거주하는 55세 이상의 여성 100명을 대상으로 체지방, 혈압, 혈당 및 혈청지질의 변화를 측정하였으며, 2007년 7월부터 12월까지 6개 월간 시행되었다. 프로그램은 24주 동안 주 3회, 1회 60분씩 제공되었으며, 유산소 운동인 댄스스포츠와 무산소 운동인 현미덤벨체조를 병행한 복합운동프로그램이다. 복합운동프로그램 실시 전 후에 대상자의 몸무게, 체지방량, 체지방률, 체질량지수 및 수축기 혈압과 이완기 혈압은 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 있었다(p<0.05). 혈당, 중성지방, 총 콜레스테롤 수치는 프로그램 시행 전과 후를 비교한 결과 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 있었다(p<0.05). 고밀도 콜레스테롤은 프로그램 시행 전에 비하여 시행후에 다소 증가하였으나 통계적으로 유의한 차이는 없었다. 복합운동프로그램 시행 전 후의 검사결과를 비교하여 볼 때 비정상이 정상으로 변화한 대상자 비율은 혈압이 21.0%, 혈당이 34.0%, 중성지방은 25.0%, 고밀도 콜레스테롤은 26.0%이었다. 유산소와 무산소 운동을 병행한 복합운동프로그램이 체지방과 혈청 지질치 등에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 생각되며, 향후 운동프로그램 뿐만 아니라 개인의 건강생활실천행태와 자발적인 추가 운동 등의 건강행태를 포괄하는 조사를 통한 연구가 수행되면 복합운동프로그램의 효과를 더욱 정확하게 측정할 수 있을 것이다. Objectives: This study was to identify the changes of body fat, blood pressure, blood glucose and serum lipid of middle and old aged women after participation in exercise program which includes aerobic(dance sports) and anaerobic(dumbbell gymnastics) exercises. Methods: One hundred women aged from 55 to 72 were surveyed before and after an exercise program. The exercise program was provided to the subjects performed during 6 months from July, 2007 to December, 2007 at a public health subcenter in Gumi City. Questionnaire survey for general characteristics, anthropometric measurement and blood test were taken before starting the program and anthropometric measurement and blood test after completing the program. Results: Body Weight, body fat and blood pressure showed significant change after the exercise program(p<0.05). Additionally in total glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride significant change was observed(p>0.05). Waite circumference decreased, however did not show statistically significant difference. Conclusions: It was effective to participate in dance sports and dumbbell gymnastics exercise regularly. All of the positive changes through the study showed that there should be the program for middle and old aged women to exercise actively and also the middle and old aged women need have a active exercise habits as regular as possible. Additional studies confirming the results of this study are needed to compare the effects of the dance sports and dumbbell gymnastics exercise on the other age groups.

Application of ground-heat-source water thermal-storage with a heat-pump cooling and heating system

Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) are attractive alternatives to conventional heating and cooling systems owing to their higher energy utilization efficiency. GSHPs, also known as geothermal heat pumps, are a promising new technology that has been used for the last few years in the Korean market. A geothermal energy system has been developed over the last two years and a ground-heat-source water thermal-storage heat-pump cooling and heating system in Gu-mi city was built. Trial performance tests were conducted on the system. The actual proof examination was accomplished and the performance of the system was investigated. The coefficient of performance of the heat pump unit was 4.29 for cooling and 3.97 for heating. Thus, the presented system is expected to be used for energy savings and active alternative energy use.