Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Health Risk Assessment by Exposure to Heavy Metals in PM2.5 in Ulsan Industrial Complex Area

울산 산단지역 PM2.5 중 중금속 노출에 의한 건강위해성평가

  • Ji-Yun Jung (Department of Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Seokyeong University) ;
  • Hye-Won Lee (Institute of Environment & Health) ;
  • Si-Hyun Park (Department of Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Seokyeong University) ;
  • Jeong-Il Lee (Climate Change Action Center, Korea Testing & Research Institute) ;
  • Dan-Ki Yoon (Department of Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Seokyeong University) ;
  • Cheol-Min Lee (Department of Nano Chemical & Biological Engineering, Seokyeong University)
  • 정지윤 (서경대학교 환경화학공학과) ;
  • 이혜원 ((주)환경보건연구소) ;
  • 박시현 (서경대학교 환경화학공학과) ;
  • 이정일 (한국화학융합시험연구원 기후기술센터) ;
  • 윤단기 (서경대학교 환경화학공학과) ;
  • 이철민 (서경대학교 나노화학생명공학과)
  • Received : 2023.04.03
  • Accepted : 2023.04.20
  • Published : 2023.04.30
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Abstract

Background: When particles are absorbed into the human body, they penetrate deep into the lungs and interact with the tissues of the body. Heavy metals in PM2.5 can cause various diseases. The main source of PM2.5 emissions in South Korea's atmosphere has been surveyed to be places of business. Objectives: The concentration of heavy metals in PM2.5 near the Ulsan Industrial Complex was measured and a health risk assessment was performed for residents near the industrial complex for exposure to heavy metals in PM2.5. Methods: Concentrations of heavy metals in PM2.5 were measured at four measurement sites (Ulsan, Mipo, Onsan, Maegok) near the industrial complexes. Heavy metals were analyzed according to the Air Pollution Monitoring Network Installation and Operation Guidelines presented by the National Institute of Environmental Research. Among them, only five substances (Mn, Ni, As, Cd, Cr6+) were targeted. The risk assessment was conducted on inhalation exposure for five age groups, and the excess cancer risk and hazard quotient were calculated. Results: In the risk assessment of exposure to heavy metals in PM2.5, As, Cd, and Cr6+ exceeded the risk tolerance standard of 10-6 for carcinogenic hazards. The highest hazard levels were observed in Onsan and Mipo industrial complexes. In the case of non-carcinogenic hazards, Mn was identified as exceeding the hazard tolerance of 1, and it showed the highest hazard in the Ulsan Industrial Complex. Conclusions: This study presented a detailed health risk from exposure to heavy metals in PM2.5 by industrial complexes located in Ulsan among five age groups. It is expected to be utilized as the basis for preparing damage control and industrial emission reduction measures against PM2.5 exposure at the Ulsan Industrial Complex.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구는 2023년 환경부 지원과제(과제번호: 202301440001)의 일환으로 수행되었으며, 2023년도 환경부 주관 「화학물질 안전관리 전문 인력 양성 사업」의 화학물질 특성화 대학원 지원 사업을 통한 성과물임을 밝힙니다.

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