A Comparison of Health Risks from PM2.5 and Heavy Metal Exposure in Industrial Complexes in Dangjin and Yeosu·Gwangyang

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) can cause illness, including respiratory diseases, and PM2.5 compositions are likely to vary according to the emission profiles of industrial complexes. This study analyzed and compared the concentrations and distributions of PM2.5 and heavy metals in two regions of Republic of Korea: Yeosu·Gwangyang, which houses a massive national industrial complex, and Dangjin, which houses power plants. Further, we conducted a health risk assessment on the residents of the areas near these industrial complexes. Measurements were taken at five different points in each setting over a two-year period from August 2020 to August 2022. We found differences in PM2.5 concentrations and heavy metal composition ratios across the sites. Specifically, PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the standard of 1 at all measurement sites, while the specific heavy metals exceeding the standard varied across the sites. Ultimately, we observed regional differences in PM2.5 composition across measurement sites across and within the two regions and variations in health risks and according health effects due to the absence of PM2.5 toxicity values, and compared the health risks of two industrial complexes with different characteristics. These findings underscore the importance of considering not only PM2.5 but also its composition in exposure and health risk assessments.