Petrochemical Industrial Complex Research Articles

Development of oil refining and petrochemistry in the Republic of Kazakhstan according to the cluster principle

Oil and gas resources are a non-renewable type of raw material, as a result of which we can talk about their exhaustibility and limitation. The reserves explored so far are limited in volume, many de-posits are at the stage of depletion, which predetermines the need for their careful and rational re-source-saving use. The problems of integrated and rational use of natural resources in order to in-crease their efficiency and reduce the burden on the environment have acquired particular significance in environmental and economic development. Today, contradictions have arisen between limited re-source capabilities and the growing needs of society. Extracted resources are used with low utility. The remaining part is waste, which occupies significant areas; participate in the process of alienation of highly fertile lands; Due to the content of toxic compounds, they cause irreparable harm to the envi-ronment and human health. Industrial production at the present stage is developing at an accelerated pace, as a result of which the need for raw materials is constantly increasing. In conditions of resource limitations of non-renewable raw materials, which include hydrocarbons, there is an urgent need for their rational use. Taking into account the non-renewable and multi-component composition of oil and gas resources, it is necessary to focus on its rational use, aimed at the complete, economically justified extraction of all valuable components contained in it, as well as the use of recyclable materials and production waste, i.e. resource saving. All these aspects directly affect the minimization of environmental risks. The article substantiates the feasibility of the integrated use of hydrocarbon resources in the pro-cess of further development of the domestic oil and gas complex in order to increase its competitive-ness. The authors propose ways to develop petrochemical production that can produce a wide range of commercial products with high added value. The article substantiates the position that with the devel-opment of the petrochemical industry, the oil and gas complex of the republic will acquire the neces-sary stability and will be able to become not only a leading, but also a knowledge-intensive sector of the domestic economy.

Estimates of the global burden of cancer-related deaths attributable to residential exposure to petrochemical industrial complexes from 2020 to 2040

The petrochemical industry is a major industrial emitter of greenhouse gas (CO2) and environmental pollution, posing health risks to nearby communities. Although previous studies have indicated that residents living near petrochemical industrial complexes are at a higher risk of cancer, they have focused on local or regional burdens. This study aimed to estimate the global cancer burden attributable to residential exposure to petrochemical industrial complexes. The geographical coordinates of petrochemical plants and oil refineries were retrieved and verified from published sources. The ArcGIS software and global population data were used to estimate the number of people living within specific distances (exposed population). The exposure time window was framed as ranging from 1992 to 2035, extending to the latest period of the exposure time window for all cancer types to estimate the attributable deaths between 2020 and 2040. The relative risk of cancer was estimated from 15 published studies. Population attributable fraction (PAF) method was used to estimate the risk of cancer attributable to residential exposure and calculate the number of cancer-related deaths. Our findings indicate that >300 million people worldwide will be estimated to live near petrochemical industrial complexes by 2040. The overall global burden of cancer-related deaths was 19,083 in 2020, and it is estimated to increase to 27,366 deaths by 2040. The region with the highest attributable cancer deaths due to exposure is the high-income region, which had 10,584 deaths in 2020 and is expected to reach 13,414 deaths by 2040. Residential exposure to petrochemical industrial complexes could contribute to global cancer deaths, even if the proportion is relatively small, and proactive measures are required to mitigate the cancer burdens among these residents. Enforcing emissions regulations, improving monitoring, educating communities, and fostering collaboration are vital to protecting residents’ health.

Pollution characteristics and secondary formation potential of volatile organic compounds in the multi-industrial city of Ulsan, Korea

The secondary formation of ozone and aerosols due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has drawn increased attention in Ulsan, a multi-industrial city in South Korea. In this study, 52 VOCs were measured at 40 sites in four industrial (petrochemical, nonferrous, automobile, and shipbuilding) complexes and five urban sites using passive air samplers. The concentration of aromatics (44.6 μg/m3) accounted for 70.3% of the total VOC concentration (63.4 μg/m3), which was significantly higher than those of alkanes (27.5% and 17.4 μg/m3) and alkenes (2.15% and 1.37 μg/m3). The highest concentrations of total VOCs and aromatics were observed at the shipbuilding industrial complex, whereas the concentration of alkanes and alkenes was the highest in the petrochemical industrial complex. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model suggested five major VOC sources in urban areas: (1) petrochemical production processes, (2) fuel combustion and evaporation, (3) urban emissions sources, (4) solvent use, and (5) painting and metal surface coating. The PMF result indicated that the distances from the four industrial complexes substantially affected VOC pollution in the urban areas. Moreover, aromatics (e.g., m,p-xylenes, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene) exhibited higher ozone formation potential (OFP) and secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP), which were mainly emitted from solvent use and painting in the shipbuilding and automobile industrial complexes. The petrochemical industrial complex close to densely populated urban areas also contributed significantly to secondary formation potential. In conclusion, our study revealed that elevated levels of aromatics were associated with increased OFP and SOAFP. Additionally, the four industrial complexes exhibited varying impacts on pollution characteristics in urban areas. These findings have practical implications, as they can inform the development of industry-specific management strategies for mitigating VOC pollution and secondary formation in multi-industrial cities.

Past and recent changes in the pollution characteristics of PM10 and SO2 in the largest industrial city in South Korea

PM10 and SO2 are major air pollutants in Ulsan, the largest industrial city in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pollution reduction policies by comparing the pollution characteristics of PM10 and SO2 between 2012 and 2020. The concentrations of PM10 and SO2 have substantially decreased over time. Local industry was the primary driver of SO2 levels, whereas various sources were associated with PM10 levels. In 2012 and 2020, the spatial distributions of SO2 were similar, with hot spots around petrochemical and nonferrous industrial complexes, whereas the sources of PM10 differed between the two years. Although industrial emissions of PM10 decreased from 2012 to 2020, the concentrations derived from an air dispersion model were slightly higher in 2020 due to changes in both wind patterns and the strength of the emission sources. In contrast, modeled SO2 levels were higher in 2012 than in 2020 due to greater emissions in 2012. Eastern and northeastern China were identified as potential source areas for the long-range atmospheric transport of both PM10 and SO2, though its influence was significantly lower in 2020. A comparison of the PM10 and SO2 concentrations predicted by a random forest model and the measured concentrations indicates that government policies have been effective in reducing the emissions and ambient air concentrations of both pollutants. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that local industry remains a significant contributor to air pollution in Ulsan despite the effects of governmental policy. Furthermore, as the influence of external sources weakens, there is a pressing need to strengthen the management of local sources to effectively mitigate air pollution in Ulsan.

Towards mega-scale decarbonized industrial park (Mega-DIP): Generative AI-driven techno-economic and environmental assessment of renewable and sustainable energy utilization in petrochemical industry

In alignment with climate change mitigation plans, renewable and sustainable energy integration into the industrial sector should be investigated for decarbonization purposes by 2050. This study aims to examine the feasibility of decarbonization of mega-scale industrial parks with two emerging technologies; first, an integrated energy system involving an air separation unit (ASU) and a liquid air energy storage (LAES)-based power generation system (ALPG) with the assistance of a large-scale liquified natural gas (LNG) plant and second, the green electricity predicted by various renewable energy (VRE) scenarios using an AI-driven generative model concerning techno-economic and environmental analyses. Firstly, the electricity demand of mega-scale petrochemical industrial complexes was allocated, and remote sensing data of VRE (wind and solar) were collected in South Korea. Then, the ALPG was modeled to consider the actual operation of an LNG plant near target complexes. Subsequently, the CC-informed VRE scenario generation model (CC-VRES) based on an adversarial autoencoder (AAE) algorithm was developed to generate VRE scenarios considering the CC effects. Finally, techno-economic and environmental assessments were conducted to target the mega-DIP by 2050. The results showed that the levelized cost of electricity of the proposed ALPG was 150 $/MWh, which is enough to supply the required sustainable electricity, considering the Korean energy plan and CC effects in the CC-VRES model. Therefore, the excess VRE can be used to decarbonize the target industrial parks; it is anticipated that 26,084 GW h/yr of renewable and sustainable electricity will be generated and cover the total electricity demand of Yeosu and Ulsan target complexes while reducing 13,943-kilo t CO2 eq./yr through 2050.

Roles of ambient temperature and relative humidity on the relationship between fine particulate matter and gaseous pollutants in the largest industrial city of Ulsan, South Korea.

Although meteorological conditions play a significant role in air pollution, research on their effects on the relationship between air pollutants is limited. In this study, trends of six criteria air pollutants were investigated from 15 air quality monitoring stations (AQMSs) in Ulsan, a multi-industrial city in South Korea, during 2015-2019. Unlike CO and O3, SO2, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 showed statistically significant decreasing trends over the period. The companion relationship between PM2.5 and gaseous pollutants was evaluated by their correlations [R (PM2.5-GPs)]. R (PM2.5-NO2) was relatively high at almost all AQMSs, whereas high R (PM2.5-SO2) was observed near the petrochemical industrial complex, suggesting a great influence of local emissions (vehicles and industries). R (PM2.5-CO) and the standardized regression coefficients of CO obtained from the multiple linear regression model were the highest, indicating that combustion processes may significantly contribute to PM2.5. The effect of temperature (T) was more apparent on R (PM2.5-GPs) than that of relative humidity, with significant values under T > 15°C. Moreover, R (PM2.5-O3) was positive at the T range of 12-18°C, suggesting that reducing GPs emitted by industrial facilities during May-June may control PM2.5 and O3 in Ulsan. The methodology demonstrated in this study can be further used for a better understanding of the influences of environmental factors on the secondary PM2.5 formation from gaseous precursors and the R (PM2.5-O3).

Residence near industrial complex and cancer incidence: A registry-based cohort of 1,022,637 participants with a follow-up of 21 years, Israel

BackgroundIndustrial complex (IC) residence is associated with higher cancer incidence in adults and children. However, the effect on young adults and the residence duration are not well described. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Haifa bay area (HBA) has a major IC area with petrochemical industry complex and many other industries. The objectives of the current study were to estimate the association between IC residence and cancer incidence and to evaluate the effect of the residence duration. MethodsThis study is a registry-based cohort (N = 1,022,637) with a follow-up of 21 years. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the associations (hazards ratios (HR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs)) between HBA residence and incidence of all cancer sites (n = 62,049) and for site-specific cancer types including: lung cancer (n = 5398), bladder cancer (n = 3790), breast cancer (n = 11,310), prostate cancer (n = 6389) skin cancer (n = 4651), pancreatic cancer (n = 2144) and colorectal cancer (n = 8675). We evaluated the effect of the duration of exposure as categories of 7 years for those with 15 years of follow-up. ResultsIC residence was associated with higher risk for all cancer sites (HR:1.09, 95% CI: 1.06–1.12), for site-specific cancer incidence including: lung cancer (HR:1.14, 95% CI: 1.04–1.23), bladder cancer (HR:1.11, 95% CI: 1.01–1.23), breast cancer (HR:1.04, 95% CI: 0.98–1.10), prostate cancer (HR:1.07, 95% CI: 0.99–1.16), skin cancer (HR:1.22, 95% CI: 1.12–1.33) and colorectal cancer (HR:1.10, 95%CI: 1.03–1.17). Similar risk was also observed among young adults (HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00–1.20). In the analyses for the duration of exposure, IC residence was associated with higher risk for all cancer site for the longest residence duration (15–21 years: HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04–1.13). ConclusionsHarmful associations were found between IC residence and incidence of all cancer sites and site-specific cancers types. Our findings add to the limited evidence of associations between IC residence and cancer in young adults.

Understanding Hg distribution in sediments from the Santos and São Vicente Estuarine System, southeastern Brazil

The Santos and São Vicente Estuarine System (SSVES) is a region with significant economic importance in southeastern Brazil. It contains petrochemical and metallurgical industrial complexes and the largest commercial harbor in South America, which have made the area vulnerable to degradation by chemical pollutants, such as mercury (Hg). This study is the first to evaluate the environmental parameters that control the spatial distribution of Hg in the surface sediments of the SSVES which is influenced mainly by hydrodynamics and total organic carbon. The innermost part of the estuarine system, where weaker currents lead to an environment with more sediment deposition, has anomalous Hg concentrations, reaching values over 7.0 mg kg–1 and enrichment factors of 115, resulting from historical anthropogenic activities. Although there is a low probability of harmful effects of Hg in organisms, this element demonstrates greater mobility and bioavailability in the environment, indicating the need for monitoring Hg for the conservation of this region.

A Study on the Distribution of Air Pollutants in Petrochemical Industrial Complex On Summer

Objectives : Using a mobile laboratory equipped with Proton Transfer Reaction-Time of Flight/Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS), we investigate the degree of air pollution level in the petrochemical industrial complex by investigating the distribution characteristics of air pollutants and tracking emission sources.Methods : The research area within the petrochemical industrial complex was measured three times each at dawn, day, night, and the distribution of VOCs at each time was investigated and presented as a pollution map. In the emission source tracking, hot spot (high-concentration) wes found by mobile monitoring, and the emission source was closely tracked by stationary monitoring.Results and Discussion : Acetaldehyde measured in the petrochemical industrial complex was confirmed to have the highest 3 to 5 degrees by direct olfactory method. In most instances the highest concentration was at dawn, potentially due to stagnant pollutants caused by temperature reversal. It was observed that the probability of finding an hot spot was higher during dawn and that it was significantly affected by the wind direction and speed at the time of measurement. When tracking the emission sources, appropriate areas of concern for contamination were selected on the basis of the stationary monitoring results, which were obtained from areas showing high concentrations after mobile monitoring.Conclusion : As a result of the investigation of the distribution characteristics and emission sources of air pollutants in the petrochemical industrial complex, we found that acetaldehyde was the major pollutant and presented an efficient method to search for areas of concern for air pollution. Through these results, it is expected that emission sources can be managed more efficiently.

Health risk assessment in atmosphere near a petrochemical industrial complex: Measuring oxidative potential and oxidative burden

Particulate matter (PM) contributes substantially to the hazards associated with air pollution. Oxidative potential (OP) and oxidative burden (OB) can be useful to assess health risk. The population living in the area surrounding an industrial complex in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (Brazil) has exhibited higher frequencies of health impacts, such as thyroid diseases, which highlighted the authors' attention. In the present study, total suspended particles (TSP) and fine PM (PM2.5) were collected between 2015 and 2018. Then, OP and OB related to PM exposure at this industrial complex neighborhood were determined, using methods which measure the oxidation of lung antioxidants, glutathione (GHS), and ascorbic acid (AA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by dithiothreitol (DTT) assay. TSP samples (2015 mean = 49 ± 21 μg m−3) showed higher concentrations than PM2.5 (2018 mean = 32 ± 18 μg m−3). PM2.5 campaigns presented high OP and OB for ascorbate (AA), and glutathione (GSH), while OP and OB for dithiothreitol (DTT) was higher in TSP. There were associations between OPAA and PM, for both TSP and PM2.5. However, no positive associations were found between PM and OBGSH and OBDTT indicating that in this context PM concentration did not necessarily reflect the health risk of exposure. The air masses trajectories indicated influences from industrial, vehicular emissions over the years. In conclusion, OP results may reveal critical health risks better than PM mass at this industrial complex region.

Characteristics and Impact of VOCs on Ozone Formation Potential in a Petrochemical Industrial Area, Thailand

In this study, the ambient concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were intensively measured from January 2012 to December 2016 using an evacuated canister and were analyzed using a gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometer (GC/MS) based on the US EPA TO-15 in the community and industrial areas of the largest petroleum refinery and petrochemical industrial complex in Map Ta Phut Thailand. The ternary diagram was used to identify the source of VOCs. Reactivity of VOCs on their ozone formation potential (OFP) were quantified by the maximum incremental reactivity coefficient method (MIR) and propylene-equivalent concentration methods. Results from the study revealed that aromatic hydrocarbon was the dominant group of VOCs greatly contributing to the total concentration of measured VOCs. Among the measured VOCs species, toluene had the highest concentration and contributed as the major precursor to ozone formation. The ternary analysis of benzene:toluene:ethybenzene ratios indicated that VOCs mainly originated from mobile sources and industrial processes. Within the industrial area, measured VOC concentration was dominated by halogenated hydrocarbons, and alkene was the highest contributor to ozone formation. The propylene-equivalent concentration method was also used to evaluate the reactivity of VOCs and their role in ozone formation, and secondly to support findings from the MIR method.

국가 석유화학 산업단지의 악취유발물질 배출특성에 관한 연구

This study analyzes and collects data for two years from 2020 to 2021 and analyzes 578 odor test data from Yeosu, Ulsan, and Seosan. Based on the analysis data by time zone, region, location, etc, this study proposes practical measures suitable for petrochemical complexes by focusing on the odor generation environment and the characteristics of inducing substances. In the case of complex odors, the Yeosu National Industrial Complex exceeded the strict emission allowance standard by six times at two points in the management area, the Daesan Industrial Complex exceeded the standard twice in the management area and affected area, and the Ulsan Industrial Complex was within the standard. In the case of ammonia, the Yeosu Industrial Complex had a detection rate of about 70.4 % compared to the Ulsan Industrial Complex, more than twice the detection rate of the Ulsan Industrial Complex at about 31.4 %. Three items out of 22 designated odors were detected in the Yeosu Industrial Complex, five items were detected in the Ulsan Industrial Complex, and four types of aldehydes were detected in Daesan Industrial Complex. Except for one detection of i-butyl alcohol at the Ulsan Industrial Complex, it was judged that few items belonging to volatile organic compounds were detected. However, due to the nature of the petrochemical complex, volatile organic compounds have been reported several times, which requires real-time air pollutant measurement vehicles or operation of odor integrated control centers linked to workplaces to quickly analyze and identify responsibility. Designated odors, which are odor-causing substances and air pollutants that account for most of the emissions from the petrochemical industrial complex, are mainly composed of carbon. This study, which investigates and analyzes the concentration data of odor substances in Korea''s three influential industries, aims to contribute to achieving the carbon neutral goal for zero carbon.

Influence of seasonal variability on source characteristics of VOCs at Houston industrial area

We studied the seasonal variations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the Houston metropolitan area in the summertime and wintertime of 2018. The analysis of hourly measurements obtained from the automated gas chromatograph (auto-GC) network showed the total VOC average concentrations of 28.68 ppbC in the summertime and 33.81 ppbC in the wintertime. The largest contributions came from alkane compounds, which accounted for 61% and 82% of VOCs in the summer and winter, respectively. We performed principal component analysis (PCA) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) and identified seven factors in the summertime and six factors in the wintertime, among which alkane species formed three factors according to their rate of reactions in both seasons: (1) the emissions of long-lived tracers from oil and natural gas (ONG long-lived species), (2) fuel evaporation, and (3) the emissions of short-lived tracers from oil and natural gas (ONG short-lived species). Two other similar factors were (4) emissions of aromatic compounds and (5) alkene species of ethylene and propylene. Summertime factor 6 was associated with acetylene, and one extra summertime factor 7 was influenced by the biogenic emissions. The factor 6 of wintertime was affected by vehicle exhaust. Higher nighttime and lower daytime values of the ethylene/acetylene ratios indicated a stronger rate of photochemical degradation during the summertime. Higher reactivities of alkenes and aromatics with radicals make seasonal differences of these compounds less variant. Also, the exploration of the photochemical processes of the VOCs showed that the ethylene and propylene had the highest contributions to the summertime and wintertime ozone formation as well as the emissions of the isoprene, which showed a high impact on summertime ozone. Our results acknowledged that ethylene and propylene continue to be significant emissions of VOCs, and their emissions control would help the mitigation of the ozone problem in downwind areas related to emissions at the Houston Ship Channel (HSC). Based on trajectory analysis, we localized the main VOC emission sources in HSC near local industrial areas and regions south of the HSC. Ambient concentrations of VOC in both seasons revealed compounds that measured at the HSC were influenced by the emissions from the petrochemical sectors and industrial complexes, especially from the Baytown refinery and Bayport industrial district next to the HSC and Galveston Bay refineries at the south of the study area.

Assessment of the Carbon Budget of Local Governments in South Korea

This study was carried out to assess the carbon budget of local governments in South Korea. The carbon budget was obtained from the difference between net ecosystem productivity (NEP) that the natural ecosystem displays, and carbon dioxide emissions calculated from energy consumption in each local government. NEP was obtained from the difference between net primary productivity, measured by an allometric method, and soil respiration, measured with EGM-4 in natural forests and artificial plantations. Heterotrophic respiration was adjusted to 55% level of the total soil respiration based on existing research results. A field survey to obtain information for components of the carbon cycle was conducted in Cheongju (central Korea) and Yeosu (southern Korea). Pinus densiflora, Quercus acutissima, and Quercus mongolica (central Korea) and P. densiflora and Q. acutissima (southern Korea) forests were selected as the natural forests. Pinus rigida and Larix kaempferi (central Korea) and P. rigida (southern Korea) plantations were selected as the artificial plantations. Vegetation types were classified by analyzing LandSat images by applying a GIS program. CO2 emissions were the highest in Pohang, Gwangyang, and Yeosu, where the iron and the petrochemical industrial complexes are located. CO2 emissions per unit area were the highest in Seoul, followed by Pohang and Gwangyang. CO2 absorption was the highest in the Gangwon province, where the forest area ratio to the total area is the highest, and the lowest in the metropolitan areas such as Seoul, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju. The number of local governments in which the amount of absorption is more than the emission amount was highest in Gangwon-do, where 10 local governments showed a negative carbon budget. Eight, seven, five, five, three, and three local governments in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Jeollanam-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollabuk-do, Gyeonggi-do, and Chungcheongbuk-do, respectively, showed a negative carbon budget where the amount of carbon absorption was greater than the emission amount. The carbon budget showed a very close correlation with carbon emission, and the carbon emission showed a significant correlation with population size. Moreover, the amount of carbon absorption showed a negative correlation with population size, population density, and non-forest area, and a positive correlation with the total area of the forest, coniferous forest area, and broad-leaved forest area. Considering the reality that carbon emissions exceed their absorption, measures to secure absorption sources should be considered as important as measures to reduce carbon emissions to achieve carbon neutrality in the future. As a measure to secure absorption sources, it is proposed to improve the quality of existing absorption sources, secure new absorption sources such as riparian forests, and efficiently arrange absorption sources.

Factors Associated with Urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene and Malondialdehyde among Adults near a Petrochemical Factory: Implications for Sex and Lifestyle Modification.

Background: The association between the biomarkers of environmental exposure, oxidative stress, and health-related behaviors in community residents living in an endemic viral hepatitis area and near petrochemical industrial complexes remains unclear. From a health promotion perspective, healthcare providers must know what to do for residents concerned about their health and living environment, especially for individual-level and modifiable risk factors. Therefore, we aimed to explore the factors associated with urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2018 and February 2019 in western coastal Yunlin County, Taiwan. All participants lived within a 10 km radius of a large petrochemical complex and did not work in the factory. This study was conducted with the local hospital through annual community health screening. Biological samples were collected and biomarkers determined and quantified in the central laboratory of the collaborating hospital. Results: A total of 6335 adult residents completed the study. The mean age was 47.7 (SD = 16) years. Out of the total population, 56.4% were female, 30.1% had metabolic syndrome (MetS), and 16.8% and 14.3% had hepatitis B virus antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) positivity, respectively. The median 1-OHP and MDA level was 0.11 and 0.9 μg/g creatinine with an interquartile range of 0.07–0.18, and 0.4–1.5, respectively. The MDA levels correlated with specific diseases. The multivariable ordinal logistic regression model revealed that female sex, smoking, betel nut use, HBsAg, and anti-HCV positivity were associated with higher 1-OHP levels. In men, MetS was associated with higher 1-OHP levels and regular exercise with lower 1-OHP levels. High MDA levels were associated with smoking, betel nut users, HBsAg, and anti-HCV positivity. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of initiating individualized health promotion programs for residents near petrochemical factories, especially for adults with substance-use and cardiometabolic risk factors. Furthermore, it is crucial to provide further treatment to patients with viral hepatitis.

Association between residential exposure to petrochemical industrial complexes and pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Increased in the global demand–expansion of the petrochemical industry is a possible environmental risk factor pancreatic cancer among residents living close to petrochemical complexes. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled risk of pancreatic cancer among residents living near petrochemical industrial complexes. We systematically searched and reviewed published studies in six databases based on the inclusion criteria derived from the population, exposure, comparator, and outcomes framework (population: general population; exposure: residence near petrochemical industrial complexes/living in cities with petrochemical industrial complexes; comparators: residents living farther away from petrochemical industrial complexes/living in cities without petrochemical industrial complexes; outcome: pancreatic cancer). We identified seven studies, covering 1,605,568 residents. Pooled analysis showed a significantly higher risk of pancreatic cancer among residents living near petrochemical industrial complexes (relative risk [RR] = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21–1.42) than those living farther away from petrochemical industrial complexes. Such effect was higher in female residents (RR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.18–1.53) than in male residents (RR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.12–1.41). This study suggests that exposure to petrochemical industry-related activities should be recognized as a risk factor for pancreatic cancer among residents living near petrochemical industrial complexes.

Proximity to petrochemical industry and risk of childhood asthma occurrence

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Petrochemical industrial complexes would emission s several pollutants that were associated with adverse effect in respiratory system. Aim of present study is using different surrogate indices of petrochemical exposure to evaluate the effect on childhood asthma. METHODS: We conducted a singleton birth cohort by using the 2000-2014 Taiwan Birth Certificate Database (TBCD), linked with Nation Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) for follow-up. The distance to the nearest petrochemical industrial parks (PIPs) and benzene exposure level were uses as surrogating petrochemical exposure indices. Exposure windows were divided into prenatal and postnatal periods. The Cox proportional hazard models were applied to evaluate the effects. RESULTS:In total, 227601 asthma cases were newly diagnosed until to 2016/12/31. Younger maternal age and greater proportions of male, preterm birth, low birth weight, delivery by Caesarean section, maternal gestational hypertension were observed for asthma children than non-asthma children. The results showed that compared with those living in the farthest, living close to PIPs (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.65–1.70, for 10 km vs. ≥ 40 km) were observed to have an increased risk of asthma occurrence. Higher benzene exposure levels during prenatal or postnatal period having higher risks of asthma were also found. CONCLUSIONS:In present study, we found living near PIPs and exposure to higher level of benzene during prenatal or postnatal period would increase the risk of childhood asthma occurrence. KEYWORDS: Children's environmental health, Asthma, Chemical exposures

Life and Death in Louisiana’s Petrochemical Industrial Complex

This photo essay traces the historical geography of Norco, Louisiana—heart of Louisiana’s petrochemical industrial complex. Norco, named for the first oil company sited there (the New Orleans Refinery Company), is the quintessential Louisiana petrochemical town, neither exceptional nor provincial, a place that for generations has been a nexus of struggles between racial capitalism’s extractive drive and the demands for collective life encapsulated in slave uprisings and environmental justice activism. Moreover, the fact that by the late 20th century, petrochemical pollution made the best path forward for residents of the historic Black freedom neighborhood Diamond was by fighting for relocation raises critical questions about the life and death work of just transition from oil capitalism.

Investigation on the characteristics of odor-causing substances in Yeosu Petrochemical industrial complex

Investigation on the characteristics of odor-causing substances in Yeosu Petrochemical industrial complex

Development on Health Risk Assessment Method for Multi-Media Exposure of Hazardous Chemical by Chemical Accident

In this study, a long-term health risk assessment was conducted for complex, multimedia exposure where the exposure duration was set for the leak of a hazardous chemical spilled after an accident. The study designed a virtual chemical accident scenario where 40 tons of benzyl chloride leaked in a factory inside the Ulsan Petrochemical Industrial Complex for one hour on 1 January 2017. Using a multimedia environmental dynamics model, benzyl chloride concentrations in air and soil were estimated. The time when the atmospheric concentration was less than or equal to the background concentration was recorded as the end point. An assessment of the cancer risk via soil ingestion was carried out after dividing the subjects into four age groups (0–9 years; 10–18 years; 19–65 years; >65 years). All age groups showed an increased cancer risk where the values exceeded 1.0 × 10−6. The 0–9 years age group showed the largest distribution (4.27% of the total area) with the highest maximum and mean values. The distribution maps for all age groups exhibited a trend towards the southeast of the accident site.