By Kim Se-jeong
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) will make fine dust forecasts nationwide from today, the Ministry of Environment said Wednesday.
The weather agency will expand a six-month pilot air pollution forecast to the entire country. The program had been implemented only in major cities.
“The impact of dust on public health is immense, especially fine particulate matter. With the forecast, people can now prepare themselves better for a dusty day,” ministry’s spokesman Hong Jeong-kee said.
Fine particulate matter, also known as fine dust, refers to particulates smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter released mainly from factories and automobiles. Particulate matter of 10 micrometers in diameter is considered less hazardous.
The service will divide the country into six regions. The forecast of the concentration of fine dust will be made on a five level scale ranging from “good” with less than 30 micrograms per cubic meters of air to “very bad” with 201 micrograms or above. From the level of “slightly bad,” children and senior citizens are advised to remain indoors.
The revision calls for all municipal governments to issue an alert when the level of dust concentration is too high and to order local schools to close temporarily.
The forecast reflects growing concern over air quality in the nation.
Studies have found long exposure to particulate matter in open air can cause heart and respiratory diseases.
The daily air pollution forecast can be watched on TV. The KMA will post details on its website, and send the information via text messages as well.