Air quality study for the Yochon industrial estate

Yochon Industrial Estate is located at the Southern part of the Korean peninsula. Hazardous air pollutants (HAP), emitted by various industrial processes, are the primary source of concern in this region. The objective of this study is to identify the characteristics of HAP which could cause detrimental impacts on residents. Four major air quality studies were performed between October, 1993 and April, 1997 by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and other institutions. These studies were performed to measure volatile organic compounds (VOC), gaseous species, fine particulate and other hazardous air pollutants, including meteorological data during the intensive monitoring. The impregnated & dry filters and stainless canisters were used to collect gaseous species & particulates and VOC's, respectively. Most of these studies were composed of intensive and non-intensive periods to measure episode concentrations. The results showed that concentrations of benzene and butadiene were relatively high. The residential districts of Pyungyu-dong, Sam-dong and Chungheung-dong showed higher HAP concentrations than other areas. The concentrations of VOC vary widely, depending on the wind direction, time of day and sampling locations. The Yochon Industry Estate Area has been designated special air quality management area for the volatile organic compounds after these studies. The collected data will provide useful information for evaluating air quality impacts, planning future development, modeling and data analysis for health risk assessment.