Environmental asbestos exposure sources in Korea. (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kang, Dong-Mug; Kim, Jong-Eun; Kim, Ju-Young; Lee, Hyun-Hee; Hwang, Young-Sik; Kim, Young-Ki; Lee, Yong-Jin
• Is Part Of: International journal of occupational and environmental health. Volume 22:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 307
• Page End: 314
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Modeling -- Spatial -- Temporal -- GIS -- Mapping -- Reconstruction -- Past; Industrial hygiene -- Periodicals; Industrial toxicology -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Consumer goods -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2016.1231948
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-3525

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Because of the long asbestos-related disease latencies (10–50 years), detection, diagnosis, and epidemiologic studies require asbestos exposure history. However, environmental asbestos exposure source (EAES) data are lacking. Objectives: To survey the available data for past EAES and supplement these data with interviews. Methods: We constructed an EAES database using a literature review and interviews of experts, former traders, and workers. Exposure sources by time period and type were visualized using a geographic information system (ArcGIS), web-based mapping (Google Maps), and OpenWeatherMap. The data were mounted in the GIS to show the exposure source location and trend. Results: The majority of asbestos mines, factories, and consumption was located in Chungnam; Gyeonggi, Busan, and Gyeongnam; and Gyeonggi, Daejeon, and Busan, respectively. Shipbuilding and repair companies were mostly located in Busan and Gyeongnam. Conclusions: These tools might help evaluate past exposure from EAES and estimate the future asbestos burden in Korea.