Ulsan conducts special inspections of lead-emitting workplaces

Ulsan City has launched a special joint inspection of nine workplaces that emit lead to prevent hazardous substance exposure and environmental pollution. The inspection, conducted by a team including the Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office and health and environment research experts, will run until October 23. The team will collect samples from air and wastewater discharge facilities for precise analysis of lead levels.

This measure follows recent concerns regarding lead exposure levels in local industrial sites. Authorities have stated they will take strict legal action, including suspension of operations, against facilities found to be illegally discharging pollutants or failing to operate pollution prevention systems.

The inspections follow allegations involving DN Automotive's Ulsan plant, where it was suspected that 'chelation' injections intended to lower lead levels in workers were falsely administered as vitamin injections. The Ministry of Employment and Labor has referred the matter to the police for investigation into business obstruction.