Around POSCO Gwangyang Factory: Carcinogenic substances increase every year!
-Posco implements environmental improvement measures-
Around POSCO’s Gwangyang factory:
POSCO has spent 1 trillion won (US$757 million) on reducing air pollutants for five years since 2017.
However, the amount of dust containing carcinogenic substances is increasing year by year.
Chimney emission measurement results:
On May 9, the Korea Environment Corporation announced the results of stack emissions measurements.
Posco Gwangyang’s chimney emissions in 2021 will be 16,621 tons, which is the highest among 827 offices nationwide.
The POSCO Gwangyang Factory also ranked first in the 2019 survey.
19,420 tons in 2020 and 19,995 tons in 2021.
Measurement of air pollutants:
Regulations by the Korea Environment Corporation include dust, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and carbon monoxide.
POSCO Gwangyang Factory has ranked first in air pollutant emissions for three consecutive years.
POSCO improvement measures:
POSCO will spend KRW 1.49 trillion (USD 1.13 billion) on environmental improvements from 2017 to 2021.
We have installed coal silos, dust collectors, and nitrogen oxide reduction devices.
However, despite these investments, dust emissions from the Gwangyang and Pohang factories have steadily increased year by year.
Heavy metals found in steel mill dust:
However, the dust from steel mills contains heavy metals.
Fine dust from steel mills is a WHO-designated carcinogen.
On Dong Village Health Impact Survey:
In June last year, the Korea Institute of Environmental Health announced the results of a health impact study on Ondong Village residents.
“Myeongdo, Yeosu City, and Jeolla Province are located about 2 kilometers from POSCO Gwangyang Factory.”
“Large amounts of heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead were detected in the bodies of the residents.”
Report of Jeonnam Green Alliance:
Due to the dust from the steelworks, the residents cannot carry out their daily lives.
In November 2022, the “Report on Pollution and Damage in Areas Surrounding Steelworks” was released.
Myodo residents testify:
Even during the hot summer months, the windows are forced to be closed, and exercise other than light walks and farm work is not possible.
POSCO’s further environmental measures:
POSCO admits that “although the total amount of air pollutants has decreased, the amount of dust has increased.”
The raw material yard will be closed by 2024 to control the generation of flying dust.
– Business Korea
http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=114441