Occurrence of Odor and Suggestions for a Comprehensive Management System in Ulsan, South Korea

In Ulsan, large-scale industrial facilities emit large amounts of various odors and hazardous air pollutants. This study investigated the current status of odor problems in Ulsan and suggested a comprehensive management system. Owing to the geographical conditions, weather conditions, major industrial complexes, and management of emission facilities, complaints about odor occur mainly in summer. The city authority responds to odor problems by preparing comprehensive measures to prevent odors and introducing unmanned sampling devices, real-time monitors, and a mobile monitoring system. Major odor substances and pollution characteristics can be identified through these efforts, but information on specific odor substances, complex odors, emission sources, and transport pathways is lacking. Therefore, it is necessary to upgrade the current monitoring system and establish a comprehensive management system to solve this problem.