국민환경보건기초조사의 현황 및 전망

Abstract

National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Health Research Division, Korea ABSTRACTObjectives: The purpose of this review is to suggest future directions for the Korean Environmental HealthSurvey (KoNEHS) in terms of an environmental health monitoring system and recent environmental healthissues in Korea.Methods: The national scale biomonitoring program and environmental health researches which conducted byMinistry of Environment was reviewed for this study. The scope, contents and utilization of results of KoNEHSas 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 ofenvironmental chemicals and analyzing exposure factors. In order to expand the basic purposes of KoNEHS, thebiomonitoring function should be strengthened by enlarging the range of chemicals analyzed and including allage groups in the biomonitoring and health status monitoring functions by using official health-care andmortality data. Exposure factors such as time-activity patterns and micro-environmental pollution levels werestudied. The data from the environmental health study were established into a standardized database system forsupporting environmental health policy. A definition and concept of environmental health services should beestablished. Conclusion: To achieve the aims of environmental health, changes in environmental health status and relatedfactors must be observed and predicted reflecting real conditions. In this regard, improving the methodology andsystem through diverse approaches is necessary for KoNEHS.Keywords: Environmental health survey, Biomonitoring, Methodology, Exposure factor