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HOME > Korean J Prev Med > Volume 32(4); 1999 > Article
Original Article Health Effects from Odor Pollution in Sihwa Industrial Complex.
Soo Hun Cho, Seong Woo Choi, Sun Mean Kim, Young Su Ju, Jae Yong Kim
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 1999;32(4):473-481
DOI: https://doi.org/
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1Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine & Institute of Environmental Medicine SNUMRC, Korea.
2Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Korea.
3Department of Occupational Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Korea.

OBJECTIVES
In recent days, the problem of odor pollution in community near Sihwa Industrial complex, Kynuggi Province is becoming of significant public concern. We have investigated the health effects of the Sihwa residents from odor pollution comparing with other less polluted areas. METHODS: The Ansan and Kuri Cities were selected as control areas. The parents of the elementary and middle school students in these three areas were surveyed with structured questionnaire twice, Nov 1997 and June 1998 each. As a exposure index, the ambient air concentrations of five major air pollutants(particulates, O3, SO2, NO2, CO) and subjective odor perception were used. We have focused health outcomes such as the prevalence of nonspecific irritant symptoms, respiratory disease among family members and the score of quality of life(QOL). RESULTS: Although the mean concentrations of major air pollutants except particulates were similar or lower in Sihwa than other areas, the odor perception rate and the monthly odor perception days were significantly higher. It suggested that odor producing chemical compounds are the major source of environmental pollution problem. There were higher prevalence rates of nonspecific irritant symptoms and respiratory disease among family members in Sihwa than other control areas. The QOL score was also lower in Sihwa. The odor perception proved to be a most important factor in reporting adverse health effects and lowering the QOL score. CONCLUSION: The residents living near Sihwa industrial complex were suffering from more adverse health symptoms and poorer QOL status than control areas. And it may be due to environmental odor pollution from industrial complex. Therefore, further research will be needed for monitoring of the responsible chemicals emitted from industries.

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