Epidemiological Investigation Needed to Quickly Establish Suspected Mass Lead Poisoning Among Workers

Seven months after allegations of mass lead poisoning emerged at DN Automotive’s Ulsan plant, the scale of workers’ health damage and its connection to their jobs remain unresolved. That delay is unacceptable, argues Park Dong-wook, a professor of occupational and environmental health.

The allegations, raised by the Korean Metal Workers’ Union and some media outlets in February, concern workers producing lead-acid batteries. In an April inspection, the Ulsan labor office found practices that may have affected blood lead levels, lead exposure above limits in some processes, underperforming ventilation systems, poor management of work clothes and inadequate washing facilities.

The government has acknowledged concerns about serious collective health damage from lead exposure and poisoning. It ordered a safety and health assessment and temporary medical examinations last month. But the company rejected the participation of some outside experts, while the union refused to accept the examinations because the screening categories, union-recommended experts and worker participation had not been agreed.

Lead can affect the blood, nervous system, kidneys, reproductive system and cardiovascular system. It can remain stored in bones after exposure ends and later return to the bloodstream. The article cites studies reporting elevated risks even at blood lead levels below 10 micrograms per deciliter. It also notes that the European Union plans to lower its biological limit to 30 micrograms per deciliter by the end of 2028 and 15 micrograms from 2029.

According to a presentation by Dankook University medical professor Noh Sang-chul, the average blood lead level among 90 workers at the plant ranged from 15 to 25 micrograms per deciliter between 2022 and 2026, compared with 1 to 3 micrograms in the general population. Over the past decade, 43 of those workers reportedly received chelation treatment at least once before special medical examinations, including one worker who received it 26 times. The author says the treatment can temporarily lower blood lead levels, carries risks including kidney and liver toxicity, and should not replace proper investigation.

The article calls for an epidemiological investigation under Article 141 of South Korea’s Occupational Safety and Health Act. It says the inquiry should include retirees, determine exposure and health effects, establish links to specific processes and jobs, and lead to measures preventing further exposure. The company should provide records and access, while the union should cooperate with legitimate efforts to establish the facts.

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Labor and corporate responsibility to protect workers’ lives and health means that the government must not delay full epidemiological investigations and other necessary measures.