Objectives: In order to investigate the relation between environmental pollution and its effect on human health in large-scale industrial complex regions, monitoring studies have been conducted since 2003. The main purpose of this Gangneung study is to produce background data which can be compared with several large-scale industrial complex regions such as Ulsan, Sihwa, Banwol, Gwangyang, Yeosu, Pohang and Cheongju·Daesan industrial complexes. Methods: In this Gangneung study, 1,007 local residents were recruited and the framework of this study was designed to evaluate and monitor health effects associated with low-level but long-term exposure to environmental pollutants. A survey was performed based on personal questionnaires, medical check-ups, and allergy skin prick tests for twelve common allergens. The authors reviewed the prevalence rate of skin allergens in Gangneung compared with in large-scale industrial areas. The results are summarized as follows. Results: The diagnosis prevalence and medical treatment prevalence of asthma were lower than in industrial complex regions, but allergic rhinitis was higher. The allergy skin test prevalence was 26.0% and the most common allergens were dust mites (D. pteronysinus 16.7% and D. farinae 16.3%). Conclusions: The positive findings of the skin prick test were similar with large-scale industrial complex regions in Korea. Further study is required to find the cause of the regional differences in skin prick prevalence.
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