Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Development and Prospects of Environmental Health Indicators in Korea

우리나라 환경보건지표 개발현황과 전망

  • Lee, Young-Mee (National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Health Research Division) ;
  • Jung, Soon-Won (National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Health Research Division) ;
  • Choi, Wookhee (National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Health Research Division) ;
  • Park, Kyung-Hwa (National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Health Research Division) ;
  • Lee, Chul-Woo (National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Health Research Division) ;
  • Yu, Seung-Do (National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Health Research Division) ;
  • Park, Choong-Hee (National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Health Research Division)
  • 이영미 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과) ;
  • 정순원 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과) ;
  • 최욱희 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과) ;
  • 박경화 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과) ;
  • 이철우 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과) ;
  • 유승도 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과) ;
  • 박충희 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과)
  • Received : 2016.09.30
  • Accepted : 2016.10.19
  • Published : 2016.10.31
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Abstract

Objectives: This paper presents the current development progress of environmental health indicators (EHIs) in the Republic of Korea and discusses the utilization, limitations and prospects of EHIs. Methods: The development process and assessment criteria of EHIs were established based on the DPSEEA (Driving force-Pressure-State-Exposure-Effect-Action) framework with reference to that of the World Health Organization-Europe. In order to explore the applicability of EHIs, a case study was performed to compare the atmospheric environmental health status between the Republic of Korea and European region countries using six indicators. Results: Through the development process, 23 indicators in five areas including air quality, indoor air quality, climate change, chemicals, and water quality were developed, mostly using national statistical data. As a result of the case study comparing environmental health indicators in air quality between the Republic of Korea and Europe, it could be useful to understand the different situation of air pollution source, emission, exposure and health effects. Conclusion: In order for EHIs to compare environmental health status and be used as an environmental health policy development tool for vulnerable areas and related factors, it is necessary to develop further indicators for various issues other than air quality and conduct additional research on their interpretation and related implications, such as policy implementation effects.

Keywords

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