Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Status and Prospects of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS)

국민환경보건기초조사의 현황 및 전망

  • Park, Choonghee (National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Health Research Division) ;
  • Yu, Seung Do (National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Health Research Division)
  • 박충희 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과) ;
  • 유승도 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과)
  • Received : 2014.02.13
  • Accepted : 2014.02.28
  • Published : 2014.02.28
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Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to suggest future directions for the Korean Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) in terms of an environmental health monitoring system and recent environmental health issues in Korea. Methods: The national scale biomonitoring program and environmental health researches which conducted by Ministry of Environment was reviewed for this study. The scope, contents and utilization of results of KoNEHS as a biomonitoring program and other basic function for environmental health monitoring was analyzed. Results: Biomonitoring survey was conducted for basic functions, such as evaluating exposure levels of environmental chemicals and analyzing exposure factors. In order to expand the basic purposes of KoNEHS, the biomonitoring function should be strengthened by enlarging the range of chemicals analyzed and including all age groups in the biomonitoring and health status monitoring functions by using official health-care and mortality data. Exposure factors such as time-activity patterns and micro-environmental pollution levels were studied. The data from the environmental health study were established into a standardized database system for supporting environmental health policy. A definition and concept of environmental health services should be established. Conclusion: To achieve the aims of environmental health, changes in environmental health status and related factors must be observed and predicted reflecting real conditions. In this regard, improving the methodology and system through diverse approaches is necessary for KoNEHS.

Keywords

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