Exposure to Hazardous Substances and Their Health Effects Among Residents Living Near Three Industrial Waste Incinerators in Korea

Abstract

Background This study aimed to evaluate exposure to various hazardous substances emitted by incineration facilities and their likely effect on the health for residents of Bugi-myeon, Cheongju, Korea, which has three incineration facilities. Methods Heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and dioxin concentrations in the air and soil of exposed and control areas were measured. Moreover, the exposure levels to harmful substances and its effects on health were investigated in 1,124 exposed and 232 control adults. Results PAHs and dioxin concentrations in the air in the exposed area were significantly higher than in the control area. Urinary cadmium and PAHs metabolite concentrations were significantly higher in the exposed group than in the control group. The exposure group also had a higher prevalence of depression and self-reported allergic symptoms than the control group. Conclusion The possibility of residents in Bugi-myeon being exposed to hazardous substances at incineration facilities cannot be ruled out. To prevent them from further exposure to hazardous substances, it is necessary to prohibit the expansion of additional incineration facilities in this area and to implement continuous monitoring projects for residents.

Association between urinary metals and prostate-specific antigen in aging population with depression: a cross-sectional study

“…In the field of environmental and occupational medicine, exposure to toxic and carcinogenic metals can be traced back to 2,400 years ago ( 10 ). Metals become persistent environmental pollutants due to their resistance to microbial degradation, unlike organic pollutants ( 11 – 13 ).…”