A Study on the Characteristics of Hazardous Pollutant Emissions in Korea from 2007 to 2016

In this study, trends in hazardous pollution emissions in South Korea for the last decade were investigated to protect people’s health and contribute to the prevention of environmental risks by reducing emissions. It was found that hazardous pollution emissions increased from 47,688,000 kg in 2007 to 57,247,000 kg in 2016. Among them, Xylene and Toluene exhibited the highest proportions. 99% of hazardous pollution were emitted to the atmosphere. 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. Carcinogen emissions also increased, and emissions from major industrial complexes represented approximately 30% of the total chemical emissions from all industrial complexes. Chemical emissions exhibited no significant relationship with particulate matter, cancers, and allergic diseases. It can be said, however, that the use of various chemicals has chemical accident risks. Owing to the nature of chemical accidents, an accident may lead to secondary damage. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare measures for the management of various chemicals and to perform continuous monitoring for reducing chemical emissions.