By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
The weather agency issued warnings Sunday that a yellow dust storm will continue through today after hitting some parts of Korea.
``People are advised to take precautions during outdoor activities since the dust contains various pollutants and fine particles,'' a weatherman from the Korea Meteorological Administration said. ``It could cause respiratory and eye ailments.''
The warnings were first issued in South and North Jeolla Province and later extended to other areas including Seoul. The dust storm was also combined with the snow or rain, which were scattered over some parts of the country.
Under the current system, the agency issues a warning when the level of PM10 (particulate matter smaller than 10 μm in diameter) is between 400 μg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter) and 800 μg/m³ in ambient air.
The dust originates from the southern parts of China's Gobi Desert and sandy tablelands, and is transported to the peninsula via low pressure air masses. The original density of the dust in China ranges from 1,000 μg/m³ to 6,000 μg/m³.
The agency also predicted dust storms will be more frequent this year than previous years, with higher chances of harmful effects to people, the environment and industries.
The notorious yellow dust carrying sands and pollutants blows across Korea every spring.
The strongest yellow dust storm was recorded in 2002, which caused hundreds of people to undergo medical treatment for respiratory problems and other illnesses, according to the state-run Korea Environment Institute.