Silent Despite Surge in Heavy Metal Levels... Criticism Over Withholding Information
Calls for Long-Term Health Studies and Thorough Management of Soil and Groundwater
The Gwangju branch of the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements issued a statement on the 27th, emphasizing, "We must not miss the golden time to prevent secondary damage caused by the Kumho Tire chemical fire."
On the 18th, the second day after the fire at Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory, the urban area around Sochon-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, was covered in thick black smoke. Photo by Yonhap News
The organization stressed, "Health problems from chemical exposure, as well as soil and groundwater contamination, may not appear immediately," and added, "Long-term follow-up investigations and monitoring are necessary." The group also urged, "The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Gwangju City Government must determine causal relationships through epidemiological investigations and conduct thorough medical examinations for high-risk groups."
They further stated that "thorough management of residual chemicals is necessary" to prevent secondary damage, such as dust, that may occur during the cleanup of the fire site.
They criticized the Gwangju City Government for repeatedly stating that the levels were "below the standard," even though the concentration of heavy metals such as lead soared to more than three times the usual level, saying, "Avoiding the release of accurate information infringes on citizens' right to know and right to health."
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