유해물질로 인한 농촌마을의 변화와 갈등- 전북 남원 내기마을의 건강역학조사 전후 사례를 중심으로 -

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the changes in the village after the establishment of facilities and factories emitting hazardous substances around the village. The subject of this study is around Nagam Village, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do, which is a natural settlement area in rural areas. The village has experienced various changes in the natural environment, inhabitants' lives and health that resulted from the operation of facilities releasing harmful pollutants. In this process, the conflict that has been expanded by interacting residents with the community to the state has been examined, and overall investigation of Resident Health Impact Survey(Epidemiological survey) on the damage and change of the residents were considered. During the survey the media and political power showed great influence and interest, and the result of epidemiological investigations suggest that the reason for cancers and diseases of the residents were caused by the ‘plural causal factors', so that the company(factory) and the local government is using ‘the results of epidemiological investigations’ as a face mask. Through these cases, the following measures need to be proposed as a way to resolve the residents' conflict over hazardous materials. First, permits and management of facilities that may emit hazardous substances should be thoroughly made in advance. Secondly, it should be investigated by an independent expert epidemiological institutions when damage occurs. Third, the survey should be comprehensive not only in medical and scientific research but also in human (environmental) sociological research. Fourth, based on the survey results, thorough compensation for damages, follow-up measures, and punishment of related parties are required. Lastly, in all procedures, all participants need to communicate with residents, administration, investigators, and related persons. This case gives us the opportunity to reconsider the establishment of a hazardous plant in rural areas, which is being pushed up by development pressure. Purpose of this case is to record and inform the suffering of residents, who are environmentally weak and easily forgotten when attention of people and media disappears. In addition, it is expected to be helpful in formulating prevention and countermeasures, and the remedy for damages to the environment and residents' health caused by hazardous factories.