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KMID : 1156220110370030173
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Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
2011 Volume.37 No. 3 p.173 ~ p.181
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Overview of the Environmental Damage, Property Loss, and Health Impairment of Residents around a US Air Force Firing Range
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Lim Hyun-Sul
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Abstract
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Koo-ni Firing Range in Maehyang-ri consisted of a firing range around ’Nong-sum’ and a land-based firing range in the nearby coastal area. From 1951, when the US Air Force began field firing, residents of Maehyang-ri suffered damage to health, environment, life and property due to 54 years of field firing and noise. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the environmental damage, property loss, and health impairment by reviewing literature and related lawsuits. Environmental damage, the destruction of coastal fisheries and wetlands, would be a result of heavy metal contamination of soil. Fishing restrictions and the confiscation of farmlands caused financial hardship. Errant bombings led to the loss of life and property, including buildings and livestock. As a result, residents repeatedly sued the Republic of Korea for damages. The court decided partially in favor of the plaintiffs. Finally, Koo-ni firing range was closed down in 2005. Through the literature review, it is presumed that the noise caused hearing problems, hypertension, and mental illness. Since earlier studies were confined to a small fragment of the damage, additional studies focused on chronic health hazards are needed.
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KEYWORD
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Noise, Hearing loss, Hypertension, Heavy metals, Legal cases
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Listed journal information
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