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A study on the characteristics of pollutant release and transfer registers (PRTRs) and cancer incidence rates in Korea

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Abstract

This study aims to identify the past decade’s trend of harmful chemical emissions, which have been disclosed on the website as open information. During the past 10 years, the number of places of business, examined for their harmful chemical emissions, increased about 1.3× and their emissions went up 1.1×. More than 50% of total emissions have occurred in the top three areas, and the largest emissions were from xylene and toluene for the past 10 years. Among the total emissions, the group 1 carcinogen decreased from 5.3 to 2.1%, and among group 1 in particular, trichloroethylene and benzene accounted for more than 80%. Although it was impossible to find out any relationship between major cancers’ development and the results of carcinogen emissions, considering the features of carcinogens emitted in specific areas, more research is needed to find out relationship. And, it is necessary to come up with proactive policies to reduce harmful chemical substances which can affect human health through environmental pollution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Chemical Safety, Ministry of Environment, Daejeon, Republic of Korea

    Jiyoung Im, Hyunji Kim, Bokyeong Kim, Jeonghyeon Yun, Jiho Lee & Chungsoo Lee

Authors
  1. Jiyoung Im
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  2. Hyunji Kim
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  3. Bokyeong Kim
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  4. Jeonghyeon Yun
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  5. Jiho Lee
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  6. Chungsoo Lee
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Chungsoo Lee.

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Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

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Highlights

• This study aims to identify the past decade’s trend of harmful chemical emissions.

• Hazardous pollutant emissions increased by1.1× over the past decade, and the circulation amount of chemicals was 15% compared to the previous year. PM10 concentrations showed a tendency to decrease, but emissions have not declined.

• Among the group 1 carcinogens, the top two substances (trichloroethylene, benzene) accounted for more than 80% of the emissions, and trichloroethylene took up the most.

• As a result of the comparison of emission results and cancer incidence rates, carcinogen pollutant emissions showed a tendency to decrease continuously.

• The results indicate hazardous pollutant emissions have continued to increase. However, no association between emissions and health effects was shown and more research is needed.

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Im, J., Kim, H., Kim, B. et al. A study on the characteristics of pollutant release and transfer registers (PRTRs) and cancer incidence rates in Korea. Environ Sci Pollut Res 26, 17080–17090 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-04868-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-04868-x

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