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KMID : 1156220170430050431
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Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
2017 Volume.43 No. 5 p.431 ~ p.437
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Economic Analysis of Providing Personal Protective Equipment for Residents near Chemical Plants
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Han Don-Hee
Jang Young-Jae
Park Min-Joo
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Abstract
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Objectives: To protect the health and safety of residents during chemical accidents, the governmental authorities need to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to citizens who desire it. This study aims to investigate residents'awareness of PPE and perform an economic analysis on providing PPE to residents near chemical plants prior to the establishment of a related law.
Methods: This study was carried out through a questionnaire completed by 600 residents composed of items such as residents'awareness of PPE, what type of PPE they need, and how to purchase PPE. Economic analysis (cost-benefit analysis) was conducted on providing PPE to residents near chemical plants on basis of the Gumi City hydrogen fluoride accident of 2012.
Results: The results of the questionnaire showed that most residents recognized the need for PPE preparedness for chemical accidents, in particular, for respirators. The level of expense that respondents were prepared to shoulder to share the burden was $25. Except for chemicals of hazard level 2, the benefit of all kinds of chemical accident preparedness considerably exceeded costs in the cost-benefit analysis on providing PPE. An estimated government budget of $20 million per year would be required to provide PPE (hood-type mask) for all residents within a one-kilometer radius of chemical plants in Korea, but only $5.8 million when residents share the expenses.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that programs for providing PPE for residents near chemical plants should be established by law.
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KEYWORD
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Personal protective equipment (PPE), chemical accident, cost-benefit analysis, chemical plant, resident
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