Investigation launched into harmful substances accumulating in daily life

South Korea has initiated a comprehensive three-year study to investigate the presence and impact of harmful substances encountered in everyday life. Launched on July 13 by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, the '2nd Harmful Substance Human Exposure Safety Survey' seeks to understand how common products and daily routines contribute to the accumulation of potentially harmful chemicals in the human body.

The survey's primary objective is to establish a clearer link between the lifestyle habits of South Koreans and the levels of harmful substances detected in their bodies. This information aims to provide the public with reliable data for safer living. The initiative is part of a broader plan for assessing risks in products applied to the human body, involving 14 research institutions across the country.

This second phase significantly expands the scope from the previous survey. It will analyze 61 types of substances, including perfluorinated compounds, plasticizers, heavy metals, and bisphenols, compared to 52 previously. The study will involve 5,000 participants, ranging from toddlers to the elderly, with a focus on including vulnerable populations like pregnant women. Participants will undergo blood and urine tests to measure substance concentrations, alongside dietary and lifestyle questionnaires, and clinical examinations covering aspects like diabetes and endocrine function.

To enhance data collection efficiency, a digital survey platform accessible via mobile devices will be piloted in select regions. Participants will receive free detailed reports on their exposure to harmful substances, dietary habits, and clinical health status. The findings are expected to offer a multi-faceted analysis of the relationship between exposure factors and health impacts, contributing to public health policies and consumer safety information.

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Our goal is to understand how the lifestyle habits of our citizens are connected to the concentration of harmful substances in the body and to provide public safety information.