Early snapshot on exposure to environmental chemicals among Korean adults-results of the first Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2009-2011).

BACKGROUND

Chemical exposure may cause serious adverse health effects. Under the Environmental Health Act in Korea, the first national survey, Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNHES), was conducted, and dozens of major environmental chemicals were measured among Korean adults between 2009 and 2011.

OBJECTIVES

To understand the levels of exposure to environmental chemicals among general Korean adults population, and to identify factors that may influence the levels of exposure.

METHODS

The blood and urine samples were collected from Korean adults with 19 years of age and older (n=6311), and were analyzed for a number of environmental chemicals including metals, bisphenol A (BPA), and metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, a pyrethroid insecticide (3-PBA) and several volatile organic carbons (VOCs). Demographic and other behavioral factors were asked through questionnaire.

RESULTS

Among general Korean adults, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and metabolite of DBP (MnBP) were higher than those reported in other nationwide surveys of Canada, Germany, and USA. Most target chemicals except for MEOHP and 3-PBA showed significant differences on the exposure levels by sex

CONCLUSION

This is the first nationwide reconnaissance on exposure to environmental chemicals among general Korean population. Chemicals with high occurrence level will be further investigated to identify exposure sources and possible health outcomes, and eventually to develop measures to mitigate exposure.