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Effect of Persistent Organic Pollutants on Human Health in South Korea: A Review of the Reported Diseases

Author

Listed:
  • Ladan Rokni

    (Asia Contents Institute, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea)

  • Mehdi Rezaei

    (Department of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea)

  • Mahdi Rafieizonooz

    (School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea)

  • Elnaz Khankhajeh

    (Architectural Engineering Program, School of Architecture, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, 232 Gongneung-ro, Gongneung-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea)

  • Ali Akbar Mohammadi

    (Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur 9318614139, Iran)

  • Shahabaldin Rezania

    (Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) usually originate from human activities and have been released into the environment for several decades. They are highly resistant to natural decomposition and can accumulate in an organism’s tissues and in all environmental components. Due to their unique characteristics, they have an ability to bio-magnify and bio-accumulate in animals, through the food chain and via inhalation, severely endangering the health of people. As reported, the exposure of humans to POPs causes various health problems such as cancers, diabetes, birth defects, endocrine disruption, cardiovascular diseases and dysfunctional immune and reproductive systems. The residents of South Korea are likely to face a high risk of diseases because of the existence of POPs in the environment. For instance, South Korea’s atmosphere has been reported as a hotspot for POP pollution. Besides, South Koreans’ high amount of seafood consumption is considered another source of POPs. Therefore, this article reviews the status of POP contamination in food and the health impact of POPs in South Korea. Based on the findings, the most-reported diseases were obesity and diabetes, which positively correlated to age, food habits, body index, and level of exposure to POPs. In addition, cancer and metabolic diseases are at an alarming level. Therefore, the public health impacts of POPs need continuous assessment in South Korea over the next decade.

Suggested Citation

  • Ladan Rokni & Mehdi Rezaei & Mahdi Rafieizonooz & Elnaz Khankhajeh & Ali Akbar Mohammadi & Shahabaldin Rezania, 2023. "Effect of Persistent Organic Pollutants on Human Health in South Korea: A Review of the Reported Diseases," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:14:p:10851-:d:1191250
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mi-Yeon Shin & Sunggyu Lee & Hai-Joong Kim & Jeong Jae Lee & Gyuyeon Choi & Sooran Choi & Sungjoo Kim & Su Young Kim & Jeongim Park & Hyo-Bang Moon & Kyungho Choi & Sungkyoon Kim, 2016. "Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Maternal Serum, Breast Milk, Umbilical Cord Serum, and House Dust in a South Korean Birth Panel of Mother-Neonate Pairs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-15, July.
    2. Yeon A. Kim & Joon Beom Park & Min Seok Woo & Sang Yeob Lee & Hye Young Kim & Young Hyun Yoo, 2019. "Persistent Organic Pollutant-Mediated Insulin Resistance," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-14, February.
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    4. Hye Ah Lee & Su Hyun Park & Young Sun Hong & Eun Hee Ha & Hyesook Park, 2016. "The Effect of Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants on Metabolic Health among KOREAN Children during a 1-Year Follow-Up," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-11, February.
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