Korean J Prev Med.  1994 Jun;27(2):326-336.

Health Risk of Organic Pollutants in the Suspended Particulates in a Traffic Area of Seoul

• Shin DC
• Chung Y
• Kim JM
• Park SE
• Lim YW

Abstract

Due to rapid industrialization and economic development since 1970's, Seoul has become known as one of the most heavily polluted cities in the world. This is especially because of its air pollution. This study was conducted to characterize the cancer risk from organic pollutants in the suspended particulates of Seoul. Extractable organic matter(EOM)and PAHs in Shinchon, a major traffic area, were measured monthly in two periods of Aug. 1987-Sep. 1988, and Sep. 1990-Aug. 1991. While the differences both of EOM and benzo(a)pyrene concentrations between these two periods were not significant(P>0.05), the differences between heating and non-heating seasons were significant(P<0.01). The estimated mean concentrations of EOM and benzo(a)pyrene in fine particles in non-heating season were 3.98 microgram/m3 and 0.51ng/m3 respectively, and in heating season were 6.75 microgram/m3 and 2.96 ng/m3 respectively, in these two periods combined. The calculated risk from EOM was compared with that from benzo(a)pyrene and also these values were compared with the level of acceptable risk.

Keyword

health risk; air pollution; organic pollutants

MeSH Terms

Air Pollution
Benzo(a)pyrene
Economic Development
Heating
Hot Temperature
Seasons
Seoul*
Industrial Development
Benzo(a)pyrene