The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is launching a large-scale survey to directly analyze concentrations of hazardous substances in citizens' blood and urine and identify their links to lifestyle habits. The aim is to scientifically analyze how everyday products such as food, cosmetics and medicines affect exposure to hazardous substances in the body, and to use the findings as a basis for safety management policies.
The National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation under the MFDS said it will conduct the "Second Human Exposure Safety Survey on Hazardous Substances," targeting 5,000 people nationwide over three years from the 13th through 2028.
The survey covers people ranging from one-year-old infants to those aged 89, and includes 600 people from vulnerable groups such as pregnant women. Fourteen institutions, including the MFDS and Chungbuk National University, will jointly participate to analyze blood and urine and conduct surveys and clinical examinations.
The number of hazardous substances to be analyzed has been expanded from 52 to 61. Measurements will cover 24 types of perfluorinated compounds (PFAS), 24 types of plasticizers such as phthalates, seven types of heavy metals, and six types of bisphenols. Clinical examinations will also be expanded to 25 types in total, including liver and kidney function, diabetes, thyroid function and blood lipids, in order to analyze the correlation between hazardous substance exposure and health effects.
The survey will also reflect changes in consumption behavior. The MFDS will examine the frequency of consuming instant and delivery food, the use of plastic containers, habits of using microwave ovens and air fryers, and patterns of using cosmetics and hygiene products, to analyze how lifestyle habits affect concentrations of hazardous substances in the body. To improve participant convenience, a mobile-based digital survey platform will also be introduced on a trial basis in some regions.
Based on the survey results, the MFDS plans to prepare a practical guide to help citizens reduce their exposure to hazardous substances in daily life, and to use the findings as scientific evidence for safety management policies for products applied to the human body, such as food, medicines and cosmetics.
