Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police Launch Intensive Investigation into Illegal Harmful Gas Emissions by Painting and Printing Businesses

Gyeonggi Province is conducting an investigation into harmful gas emissions targeting painting and printing businesses.

On June 17, Gyeonggi Province announced that from June 25 to July 8, it will carry out an 'Intensive Investigation on Illegal Emission of Harmful Gases' targeting painting and printing businesses that use organic solvents such as paint, ink, thinners, and cleaning agents in residential, commercial, and planned management areas within the province.

Organic solvents are substances mainly used in specific industries such as painting and printing, and contain large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This investigation is a response to the increasing number of cases involving the unauthorized emission of harmful gases containing these hazardous chemical components.

Poster for Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police's 'Intensive Investigation on Illegal Emission of Harmful Gases in Daily Life Environment'

Volatile organic compounds are identified as major contributors to the formation of ozone and fine dust, and can cause serious health problems such as respiratory irritation, neurological disorders, and cancer.

The Provincial Special Judicial Police will focus on inspecting the following during this investigation: unreported air pollutant emission facilities, non-operation or dilution discharge of pollution prevention facilities, bypass emission of pollutants from prevention facilities, and improper disposal of designated waste.

According to the current 'Clean Air Conservation Act,' failure to report air pollutant emission facilities or bypassing air pollutants without passing through prevention facilities is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won. Non-operation or dilution discharge of prevention facilities is punishable by up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to 100 million won. In addition, improper disposal of designated waste is punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won under the Waste Management Act.

Kiido, head of the Provincial Special Judicial Police, stated, "Illegal emission of harmful gases releases fine dust and carcinogenic substances into the air, threatening the health of residents. This investigation is being conducted to help create a safe and pleasant living environment."