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| Fine dust covers Seoul, Thursday, when the fine dust and ultrafine dust concentration levels were 'very bad' across the capital area. Yonhap |
By Lee Hyo-jin
Spring has arrived in Korea, bringing an unwelcome guest ― fine dust. A thick toxic haze is likely to blanket the skies throughout early spring, the usual peak season for fine dust here.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) advised the public to take extra care of their health during March, as it has recorded the highest monthly fine dust density levels over the past three years.
What is fine dust?
Fine dust is incredibly small airborne particulate matter (PM), and it is further named by the size of the particle. Pollutant particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less are called PM10, and those with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, PM2.5. The particles are not visible to the naked eye, and can only be seen under an electron microscope.
While the international standard refers to fine particles specifically as PM2.5, in Korea, PM10 is defined as fine dust and PM2.5 is defined as ultrafine dust.
These tiny particles reach the air as emissions from cars, power plants, and other activities such as burning wood and coal. They can also be created by natural events such as wildfires.
Why is fine dust dangerous?
Fine dust may be small in size, but its negative effects on people's health cannot be underestimated. Unlike larger dust particles that are visible, it can easily bypass people's nose and throat, travelling directly to the lungs and entering the bloodstream.
Exposure to fine dust can result in various health issues, including coughing, breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, which can lead to serious respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
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| People cross a road in Jongno District, Seoul, Thursday, when emergency fine dust reduction measures were issued across the capital area. Yonhap |
People with underlying cardiovascular and respiratory conditions are especially at risk. Also, pregnant women may suffer fetal growth restriction and premature births when exposed to fine dust often.
Some studies have found that long-term exposure to the particulate matter increases risk of heart attack and stroke.
How can I protect myself from fine dust?
With the beginning of the find dust season, the KDCA introduced a set of safety guidelines and precautionary measures in cooperation with the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.
On days when fine dust density level is "bad" or "very bad," refrain from going outside and minimize exposure to it.
Air Korea, an air quality forecasting center under the Ministry of Environment, categorizes concentrations of PM10 particles between 0 and 30 micrograms per cubic meter as "good," between 31 and 80 as "normal," between 81 and 150 as "bad" and more than 151 as "very bad."
Face masks, which all citizens are required to wear to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, are also highly effective against fine dust. But it is important to wear high-filtration masks with Korean Filter (KF) certifications approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
The KF number indicates the mask's effectiveness in filtering out fine dust. KF 80 means that the mask can filter over 80 percent of particulate matter sized 0.6 micrograms per cubic meter, and KF 94 can block over 94 percent of particulate matter sized 0.4 micrograms per cubic meter.
A common misconception is that fine dust only affects outdoor air quality, so staying at home with windows tightly closed will block exposure to the fine particles. But in fact, particulate matter can be prevalent indoors, as daily activities such as cooking (boiling or grilling), burning candles or using fuel-burning heaters can increase particulate matter in the air inside.
Therefore, it is recommended to regularly ventilate indoors space by opening doors and windows at least three times a day, but avoid ventilation in the late evening and dawn when the air is stagnant.
"Healthcare has become more important these days in order to keep safe from fine dust and the coronavirus, which are threatening public safety. We ask for active participation in the precautionary measures," KDCA Commissioner Jeong Eun-kyeong said in a statement, asking the public to follow personal hygiene measures such as washing hands, wearing masks and ventilation.
