Environmental Health Research Department
- Development and operation of a national environmental health monitoring system
The KoNEHS was conducted to determine the exposure levels to environmentally hazardous factors in the human body. Based on basic statistical data,
we analyzed big data and discovered new environmental health indicators, raising the public’s environmental health level. In the fifth survey (2021-2023), 5,850
participants were selected through the sample design of the first year to analyze the exposure levels of 64 environmentally hazardous substances such as heavy
metals in biological samples. We are also collaborating with international organizations, including publishing educational materials for children through the operation of
the WHO Collaborating Centre for Vulnerable Population and Environment Health. Moreover, with statistical data published by local governments, we calculated the
environmental health levels of local governments nationwide as cumulative impact scores and utilized these results to assess the environmental health in each region.
Based on medical usage data from the National Health Insurance Service, we analyzed the spatiotemporal trends and hot-spot regions of environmental health monitoring
diseases (respiratory diseases, conjunctivitis, and dermatitis).
- Research on the health effects on residents in areas vulnerable to environmental pollution
We conducted preemptive monitoring of environmental exposure levels and health effects on residents in areas vulnerable to environmental pollution,
including national industrial complexes, abandoned metal mines, and poorly developed regions. In 2021, we conducted Phase 3, Year 4 of the Health Impact
Survey on nine national industrial complexes, including Ulsan and Pohang, and devised a two-stage environmental health assessment plan by reassessing
environmental health assessment priorities for general industrial complexes. In 84 abandoned mine areas with concern for soil pollution, we identified the
environmental pollution and health status of residents and performed post-management for those with high exposure to environmentally hazardous
substances. The survey was completed for coal-fired power plants, a First Priority area, and an environmental health assessment was conducted in the area
around the Yeongheung Thermal Power Plant, a Second Priority area. From 2021 to 2024, we plan to survey the health effects of residents in 100 locations
of Grades 1 and 2 with concern for poor development. Additionally, in response to petitions related to environmentally hazardous substances, we are
reinforcing communication with residents and experts and providing support for health damage identification and follow-up measures.
- Children’s environmental health research and biobank establishment
To accurately assess the occurrence of diseases due to environmental exposure, we periodically conducted follow-up surveys on the relationship between
environmental exposure and health effects from early childhood (including the fetal period) to adolescence. In connection with the national health
information database, we have stored blood and urine samples of each growth phase and examined the effects of hazardous environmental factors on
allergies, neurocognitive development, and growth development through surveys and environmental measurements. We are constructing a National Biobank
for Environmental Health to store these biological samples stably over long periods and utilize them for basic research on environmental health effects. The
National Environmental Health Sample Bank will begin operation in the second half of 2022 and provide scientific data for establishing environmental health
policies in the future. We have also conducted a sequential risk assessment of children’s activity spaces and children’s products (e.g., playgrounds and
daycare facilities) since 2020. By 2021, we completely assessed a total of 45 types and devised environmental safety management standards.
- Expansion of chemical risk assessment and establishment of on-site exposure assessment method
An amendment to the Act on Registration, Evaluation, etc. of Chemicals introduced an initial risk assessment for chemicals with simple uses and low
exposure potential to enable rapid and efficient risk assessment following the large increase in the number of chemicals subject to registration. As a result,
we conducted a risk assessment on 16 initial assessment substances, including benzoyl chloride, along with five priority substances, including chloroform,
and presented risk management measures for a total of 21 substances. Further, to systematize the exposure assessment methods according to diverse on-
site exposure situations, we classified the exposure assessment methods according to exposure targets, exposure routes, and scenarios and established a
mid-to-long-term research roadmap to develop detailed exposure assessment guidelines. We also prepared a standard protocol (draft) for each experimental
method by exposure routes through case studies.
- Inhalation toxicity assessment of quaternary ammonium compounds and revision of chemical test methods
Of the quaternary ammonium compounds used in household chemical products such as COVID-19 disinfectants and humidifier disinfectants, we assessed
the inhalation toxicity effects of chemicals with a high risk of respiratory exposure but having insufficient inhalation toxicity data. We also conducted a toxicity
assessment study on quaternary ammonium compounds using non-animal test methods, such as the in vitro aerosol exposure system* and recontructed
human airway mucosa model**. Further, reflecting the revisions to OECD test guidelines, a collection of testing methods for identifying chemicals hazards, we
updated 6 test items in the field of health effects, including 3 items of alternatives to animal test methods (e.g., skin sensitivity and androgen receptor
transcriptional activation test), and amended the Regulations on Test Methods for Chemicals (NIER Public Notice).
* An air-liquid interface exposure method that reflects a more realistic exposure scenarios
** A 3D airway epithelium model reconstructed with tissue engineering technology based on non-mucosal epithelial cells derived from human
- Research on genotoxicity assessment method applying evidence assessment matrix to non-test data
To minimize animal testing required to implement the Act on Registration, Evaluation, etc., of Chemicals and safely manage chemicals, we conducted a hazard assessment
study using non-test data. We conducted a case study on the genotoxicity of 20 chemicals by applying the evidence assessment matrix to non-test data. Based on the
results, we selected evidence assessment items and standards (e.g., test methods) according to the data. Based on genotoxicity prediction results using the OECD QSAR
application toolbox, we provided a foundation for consistent quantitative chemical assessments by applying the evidence assessment matrix optimized for genotoxicity
assessment to numerous non-test data, such as literature data.
- Management of biocides/ consumer chemical products and the establishment of a safety system
To verify the sterilization efficacy of each disinfectant, we selected products according to 14 types, including liquid and solid, and assessed the effects and efficacy through
suspension and simulated surface tests (porous, non-porous). For most products, the efficacy against mold at the used concentration was not pronounced, whereas that
against bacteria and yeast at the used concentration was observed. To evaluate the effect and efficacy required for the biocide approval system, we developed and enabled
the use of specific test methods divided into the suspension and simulated surface test methods. Meanwhile, we examined approximately 1,000 disinfectants and
disinfestants being distributed and categorized their major uses (e.g., indoor sterilization, daily necessities, and eliminating mosquitos) and formulations (e.g., spray, liquid,
and powder). Further, we classified them into general and professional consumer use by product type, selected exposure factors, and performed a human exposure risk
assessment. Moreover, by establishing product assessment methods and approval procedures, we provided a basis for systematically and effectively managing various
biocides for preventive purposes.
- Research on the behavioral characteristics of persistent organic pollutants in the environment
To assess the implementation and effectiveness of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), we identified the distribution characteristics of each
substance through monthly monitoring of airborne POPs in major domestic backgrounds and urban areas.
These included Jeju, the domestic site of the Global Monitoring Program (GMP)* in East Asia.
According to monitoring results over 12 years (2009 2021), the concentration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) at the domestic GMP site (Gosan, Jeju) generally tended
to decrease, and the concentration was similar to or slightly higher than the Japanese GMP branch (Hedo, Okinawa).
Among polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), at all sites, decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) had the highest ratio. Among polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs),
monochlorinated naphthalene (mono-CN) was most predominantly distributed, while perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were detected at higher
concentrations in urban areas than background areas. A review of PCNs and PFAS through assessment indicators for tracing pollutants that move over long distances
demonstrated the feasibility of using a hybrid-receptor model as an assessment indicator of long-distance transport impact.
* A global monitoring program led by the UNEP for assessing the concentration distribution and movement of POPs in environmental media
- Research on identifying epidemiologic correlations between humidifier disinfectant exposure and major diseases
To provide a scientific basis for relieving damage and proving health damage when victims sue (e.g., investigation and judgment of humidifier disinfectant health damage),
we are verifying the epidemiologic correlations* between the exposure of humidifier disinfectant and diseases.
Therefore, besides short-term, acute, and respiratory diseases, we are promoting multidisciplinary investigations and research, such as epidemiologic and toxicological
research, clinical medicine, and environmental health reviews on diverse health damage cases that can occur due to the exposure of humidifier disinfectants.
* Epidemiologic correlation: Confirming that the group exposed to the risk factor (humidifier disinfectant) has a greater risk of disease than the group not exposed
In particular, to enhance capabilities for customized toxicity testing for humidifier disinfectants victims, the Korea University Ansan Hospital and Korea Institute of
Toxicology(Inhalation Toxicology Center for Airborne Risk Factors) were designated. Centers are plans to continuously derive research results that can identify diverse
health effects, including long-term and chronic diseases, utilize these results to determine toxicological correlation, and review various research findings to publish
chemical-specific disease reports.
Moreover, the Humidifier Disinfectant Physical and Mental Health Monitoring Project has been continuously run since 2018 to provide victims with medical support and
counseling. In 2021, we developed a respiratory rehabilitation program to help humidifier disinfectant victims improve their breathing and relieve symptoms and have
distributed a related guide and video.
We also provide support services for victims, such as the “Mindful Walking Together” program that allows participants to experience the campus, career path, and
parenting education of young people together.
