Gyeonggi-do, Air and Soil Dioxin Levels 'Below Environmental Standards'

A survey found that the concentration of dioxins in the air within Gyeonggi-do is very low, at about 3.6% of the domestic environmental standard.

The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment announced on the 28th that last year, the average dioxin concentration measured in six areas including Pyeongtaek, Gimpo, Pocheon, Icheon, Ansan, and Dongducheon was 0.022 pg I-TEQ/m³.

This is about 3.6% of the domestic dioxin air quality standard (annual average 0.6 pg I-TEQ/m³) and has consistently remained low since 2020.

The institute analyzed that continuous strengthening of dioxin emission source management and environmental policies such as the ban on illegal open-air burning contributed to the reduction of dioxin concentration.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

In addition to the air, the average dioxin concentration in soil at 13 sites including industrial complexes, factory areas, and waste treatment and recycling-related areas within the province was 0.651 pg I-TEQ/g. This is about 0.4% of the soil pollution remediation standard (160 pg I-TEQ/g), which is very low.

Dioxins are colorless and odorless highly toxic chemicals, mainly environmental hormones generated from waste incineration plants. In 1992, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated them as a genetically transmissible Group 1 carcinogen, and they are also known to cause birth defects, requiring thorough management.

The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment has been conducting the "Persistent Organic Pollutants and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Survey" since 2001, and detailed data from this survey can be accessed in the data room on the Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment website (gg.go.kr/gg_health).

Hwang Chan-won, head of the Climate and Air Research Department at the institute, said, "Through the persistent organic pollutants survey, we continuously analyze the impact of harmful air emission sources," adding, "We will continue thorough monitoring and investigation to protect residents' health and create a safer environment."