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Regional Differences in PM2.5 Chemical Composition and Inhalation Risk Assessment: A Case Study of Seoul, Incheon, and Wonju

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluates the chemical components of an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and its health risks in Seoul, Incheon, and Wonju, South Korea. The results revealed significant regional variations, particularly under the reasonable maximum exposure scenario, with Seoul’s average daily dose (6.4 × 10−1 µg/kg/day) approximately 2 times higher than Incheon (5.8 × 10−1 µg/kg/day) and Wonju (3.2 × 10−1 µg/kg/day) under the central tendency exposure scenario. Furthermore, exposure to the chemical components comprising PM2.5 can surpass risk thresholds when PM2.5 concentrations exceed the national standard levels. These findings suggest the potential benefits of preventive measures, such as minimizing outdoor exposure, especially for individuals over 60 years of age, to help reduce health risks. However, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these measures in different regions. The study also highlighted the variation in the health impacts of PM2.5 concentrations and its chemical components across the different regions. The results suggest that relying solely on PM2.5 concentrations for health risk assessments may underestimate the risks associated with carcinogenic components such as chromium (Cr, VI). However, under the reasonable maximum exposure (RME) scenario, the excess cancer risk (ECR) for Cr (VI) exceeds the acceptable threshold in all three regions, suggesting a high carcinogenic risk under the RME scenario. For example, the ECR for Cr(VI) in Seoul was calculated as 1.4 × 10−4, Incheon as 2.0 × 10−4, and Wonju as 1.2 × 10−4. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of incorporating both the mass concentration of PM2.5 and its chemical constituents when conducting health risk assessments to inform region-specific health policies to mitigate health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Source: Toxics

DOI: 10.3390/toxics13040240

Authors: Seung-Hyun Jung, Seon-Ho Baek, Shin-Young Park, Cheol-Min Lee, Jung-Il Lee

Institutions: Korea Testing & Research Institute, Seokyeong University

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137