유해화학물질 함유 제품의 소비자노출기법 적용 방안

Abstract

Introduction to Consumer Exposure Modeling Technologies for Hazardous Substance-Containing Products in Korea As production and use of chemicals increase rapidly, life cycle management of chemicals especially risk management at consuming stage, has become more important. In Korea, risk caused by consumer products containing hazardous substances has also become a major concern among people. No preceding research has been done in Korea, while various technologies for consumer exposure assessment are being developed in other countries. The objectives of this study are (1) to introduce the concept of consumer exposure assessment and current consumer exposure models, (2) to examine the applicability of the existing models to situation in Korea, and (3) to develop future works for a Korean Consumer Exposure Model. When using an existing model, it is necessary to adopt a model in consideration of target products to be assessed and availability of the input data needed to execute the model. WPEM(Wall Paint Exposure Model), CEM(Consumer Exposure Model), and CONSEXPO(CONsumer EXPOsure model) were examined for applicability to Korea. Paint was selected as a target product for consumer exposure assessment. The modeling results were compared between the two cases i.e. when default input values are used and when input values available in Korea are used. As a result, the exposure modeling results can be different in two orders of magnitude when using input data available in Korea. Therefore, it can be concluded that development of Korean Consumer Exposure Model should be developed in order to secure the accuracy of the modeling results. Based on the sensitivity analysis of the existing models, major input variables were identified which can influence the model output. The major variables are related with space where a product is used, behavior of consumers, and information on the physiological variables of the population to be exposed. Therefore, it is utmost important to establish Korean database for those influential variables. In order to develop a Korean Consumer Exposure Model, it was necessary (1) to develop a multi-purpose model while securing the possible future extension of the model, (2) to enhance accuracy and reliability of the model, and (3) to maximize the practicability of the model by developing a user-friendly model. In order to establish a legal basis in Korea, it is proposed to amend the existing ’Law for Hazardous Substances Control’ by regarding the consumer exposure assessment of hazardous substance-containing products. In addition, it is required to establish administrative infrastructure by reenforcing the expertise and effective division of duties among the government parties.Finally, it is expected that the results of this study will provide a first step toward developing a Korean Consumer Exposure Model and enhance technological basis for managing risks from hazardous substance-containing products in Korea.