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A Study on Establishing the Infrastructure for Safe Chemicals Management in Seoul

Author: 
Yu-Jin ChoiㆍHye-Jin Lee
Views: 
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Abstract

People are exposed to various chemicals in everyday working and living environments. People can also be accidently exposed to hazardous chemicals from chemical leaks at plants. In addition, people can be exposed to hazardous chemicals from chemical products such as cosmetics, detergents, paints, clothes, and building materials. There are 44,585 registered chemicals but, as of 2014, only 19% of registered substances have undergone risk assessment. Moreover, 400 chemical substances are newly registered every day. The lack of transparent information, inefficient safety measures related to the control of substances, and poor communication regarding the risks of toxic chemicals are ongoing challenges. A recent humidifier disinfectant case drew great public attention to toxic chemicals, and is deepening public anxiety about chemical products.

In this study, we investigated what the Seoul Metropolitan Government has been doing to protect citizens from hazardous chemicals, and We examine the ongoing challenges. We also surveyed citizens and the relevant people in order to find out potential solutions that could be implemented by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. As a result, We suggest an infrastructural framework for the safe management of chemicals in Seoul. 


Contents
 

01 Introduction

1_Background and Purpose of the Study

2_Main Content and Research Methods

 

02 Local Characteristics in Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals

1_Demographic Characteristics

2_Distribution Characteristics of Workspaces Using Chemicals

3_Concluding Remarks

 

03 Current Status of Hazardous Chemicals Management

1_Related Laws

2_Chemicals Management of Seoul Metropolitan Government

3_Concluding Remarks

 

04 Chemicals Management in Foreign Countries and Local Governments

1_Hazardous Chemicals Management in Local Governments

2_Hazardous Chemicals Management in Foreign Countries

3_Concluding Remarks

 

05 Surveys of Citizens and the Relevant People

1_Survey of Citizens

2_Survey of the Relevant People

3_Concluding Remarks

 

06 Policy Suggestions

1_Policy Directions for Safe Chemicals Management

2_Directions for Establishing the Infrastructure