Searches for the uncollected remains of victims who died in the Dec. 29 Jeju Air passenger plane disaster were temporarily halted after cadmium, a carcinogen, was detected at a site near Muan International Airport where the work is underway.
According to the Korean National Police Agency on Jan. 8, search authorities conducted a follow-up search on Jan. 7 at the crash site near Muan Airport and collected 39 items believed to be remains, 16 personal belongings, and about 30 pieces of aircraft wreckage. A total of 252 people took part in the search, including police, military, firefighters, officials from the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB), and bereaved families.
However, as cadmium was reported to have been detected at the excavation site during remains recovery that day, police decided to withdraw from the site at about 3 p.m. Cadmium is a carcinogen that can cause kidney and liver toxicity.
The cadmium detected at the site was reportedly not above domestic limits. However, dust and odors were evident in the area and the working conditions were poor, prompting complaints among officers about the command leadership.
The Korean National Police Agency said, "We determined it is necessary to confirm the contamination level and safety of the area requiring soil remediation near the knoll," and added, "We will decide whether to resume searches in the area after reviewing the relevant matters."
The recovery authorities plan to continue searches inside and outside Muan International Airport through the 29th.