Jung JH  Phee YG  Cho SW  Ok G  Shon BH  Lee K  Lim HS

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs Industrial complex Area Environmental contaminants

The purpose of this study was to investigate the concentration levels, distribution characteristics and blood concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) at ambient air in Industrial Complex Area. The samples were collected at 4 sites in Industrial Complex Area and its vicinities. The result indicated that there was the difference of PAHs concentration as followed local characteristics. The level of average concentration of PAHs in the air in Industrial Complex Area was 14.52-193.48 ng/m3. The level of average concentration of six materials with possibility of cancer creation was 1.65-13.44 ng/m3. The concentrations of PAHs were generally low, but Jechul-dong is considered an area where consistent monitoring of PAHs is required. In addition, benzo(a)pyrene was detected in every atmospheric sample, however the concentration was not high. The level of concentration of benzo(a)pyrene in the air in the Jechul-dong was 2.89 ng/m3. But, the concentration of the PAHs in Jechul-dong showed that the Benzo(a)pyrene concentration is above 1 ng/m3 of air quality standard(EU). The results of the concentration level of PAHs in the blood from 240 persons who were exposed directly were surveyed, it was 1.12~11.45 ng/m3 for man and 1.20~26.89 ng/m3 for woman. It was indicated that the difference between the genders was very little. The accumulation inside human was anticipated as the PAHs concentration in the blood for the aged was very high. Industrial Complex Area and its vicinities are an area which has been greatly influenced by PAHs and environmental contaminants. It is necessary to control the emission sources of PAHs and to construct an observation system at Industrial Complex Area from now on. It is time to reduce the risk factors for health and environmental disease to protect the health of resident in Industrial Complex Area and its vicinities.