Fine Dust Engulfs Seoul and Other Cities in South Korea

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the concentration of fine dust (PM10) is increasing rapidly in various regions of central and southern South Korea. The dust originates from the nearby Inner Mongolia plateau, carried by the northwest wind, and spreads into surrounding areas including the capital city of Seoul, making it easily visible to the naked eye.

Worsening Air Pollution

Based on data from the Korea Environment Corporation, as of 4 a.m. on March 29, a fine dust warning was issued for districts in the southeast and west of Seoul. The average hourly concentration of fine dust in these areas was 376 micrograms/m3 in the southeast and 374 micrograms/m3 in the west.

The concentration of PM10 is also increasing in central and southern South Korea. Cities in Gyeonggi Province recorded an average hourly concentration of 370 micrograms/m3 in the east, 368 micrograms/m3 in the south, and 362 micrograms/m3 in the north.

Repeated Occurrences

This is the second time this month that numerous cities in South Korea have been engulfed in fine dust. On March 17, for the first time this year, the country was covered in a yellow haze of dust and sand, resulting in high levels of fine dust.

Local authorities are currently advising the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases to limit outdoor activities. Even healthy adults are encouraged to reduce their time spent outdoors and wear masks when going outside.

Information sourced from Business Today.