Background: Environmental risk factors contribute to approximately 12% of the global disease burden, with ambient air pollution linked to an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths annually. Among air pollutants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are of particular concern due to their potential health effects, including carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. Objectives: This study aimed to identify potential sources of VOC emissions by integrating real-time measurements with civil complaint data, focusing on locations and time periods with frequent odor-related grievances. Additionally, inhalation exposure and associated health risks were assessed across different age groups. Methods: A pollutant release and transfer register (PRTR) was utilized to combine data on industrial complex locations, major industries, and chemical emissions and transfers with civil complaint data. Measurements were conducted based on the residential areas of nearby community members. VOCs were classified into noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic substances, and inhalation exposure and risk assessments were conducted. Results: The average concentration of airborne VOCs was highest for acetaldehyde (9.35 μg/m3) and lowest for styrene (0.22 μg/m3). Airborne VOCs showed no potential health risks for the four non-carcinogenic substances across all age groups, while the four carcinogenic substances posed potential health risks, excluding the 13~18 age group exposed to acetaldehyde. The correlation analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and principal component analysis (PCA) results identified three distinct clusters. Conclusions: This study analyzed airborne VOCs in Dalseong-gun, Daegu in order to assess the health risks of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic substances and identified their primary sources. The source tracking method presented in this study can identify major emission sources in specific areas, allowing effective mitigation strategies and tailored environmental management plans.
I. 서 론
II. 재료 및 방법
III. 결 과
IV. 고 찰
V. 결 론
감사의 글
Conflict of Interest
Supplementary Materials
References