Health alerts issued as fine dust blankets Korean Peninsula

Fine dust blocks out the sky in central Seoul, Wednesday. Ultrafine dust warnings were issued for northern Gyeonggi Province on Wednesday morning. / Yonhap

By Lee Jin-a

Thick fine dust is affecting many areas of Korea, including Seoul, with ultrafine particle health warnings issued for northern Gyeonggi Province on Wednesday.

According to Gyeonggi Province, the advisories were issued for eight cities and counties in its northern region, including Uijeongbu and Dongducheon, as of 11 a.m. Wednesday.

"Vulnerable people such as children, the elderly and patients with respiratory problems should stay inside, restrict outdoor activities and wear masks outside," a province spokesman said. "We ban preschools, daycare centers and elementary schools from having outdoor classes until the warning is lifted."

The dust concentration was 117 micrograms per cubic meter in the area. Ninety is the lowest standard for an ultrafine advisory.

Other cities and provinces also suffered "bad" (81–150 micrograms per cubic meter) fine dust levels. Seoul had the highest, 106 micrograms per cubic meter, followed by Daegu, 104.

Even though a fine dust warning has not been issued for Seoul, the state weather agency advised citizens to wear special masks when outside.

Fine dust refers to particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter, which accumulate directly in the lungs. Long-term exposure can cause breathing difficulties or seizures, experts say.

Ultrafine dust refers to particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, nearly a 30th the thickness of human hair. They can pass through the alveoli in the lungs, directly causing respiratory diseases and weakening the immune system.

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