{"id":2204093,"date":"2024-03-06T14:40:23","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T05:40:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2204093"},"modified":"2024-03-07T17:12:37","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T08:12:37","slug":"environmental-woes-mount-as-south-korea-pushes-industrial-expansion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/03\/environmental-woes-mount-as-south-korea-pushes-industrial-expansion\/","title":{"rendered":"Environmental woes mount as South Korea pushes industrial expansion"},"content":{"rendered":"
Residents living near industrial zones in South Korea face severe health risks due to exposure to environmental hazards. However, ROK authorities prioritize industrial development, exacerbating the risk of continued exposure to harmful substances and jeopardizing the well-being of those residing in areas adjacent to industrial facilities.<\/span><\/p>\n South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol\u2019s pledge last month to <\/span>relax greenbelt regulations<\/span><\/a>, aimed at stimulating job growth and expanding industrial areas, has raised concerns among experts and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).<\/span><\/p>\n They told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> that administrative efforts to mitigate environmental hazards affecting residents near industrial zones must intensify before any expansion drive.<\/span><\/p>\n PREVIOUS ASSESSMENTS<\/b><\/p>\n Environmental hazards have severely impacted residential areas near industrial zones and landfills outside Seoul. Under the environment ministry\u2019s auspices, the <\/span>National Institute of Environmental Research<\/span><\/a> conducted a health assessment in Sawol Village, Incheon, in Nov. 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n The village, located about 17 miles west of Seoul, houses over 160 industrial facilities and a mass landfill, with 52 residential households in proximity.<\/span><\/p>\n The assessment deemed 37 households unsuitable for residency due to exposure to environmental hazards. Fourteen households were classified as \u201csuitable for residency with proper regulation and management,\u201d while only one required no additional measures.<\/span><\/p>\n Regarding residents\u2019 health, 15 individuals were diagnosed with various cancers, including lung cancer, lymphoma and liver cancer. However, the assessment concluded that the cancer incidence rate was not significantly higher than the national average or other regions at the time, though it varied across types.<\/span><\/p>\n The findings indicated that some residents had higher levels of harmful substances like heavy metals and hydrocarbons than the national average, but the ministry stated these remained below reference values.<\/span><\/p>\n