Changwon City Sees Significant Drop in Fine Dust Concentration

Reduction Policy for Fine Dust: 19㎍/㎥ in 2019 → 3㎍/㎥ (15.8%) in 2020

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] The fine dust air quality in Changwon City, Gyeongnam, has significantly improved.

Changwon City announced on the 22nd that the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) last year was the lowest since observations began in 2015.

According to the 2020 operation results of the Gyeongnam Health and Environment Research Institute's air pollution monitoring network, the city's annual average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) was 16㎍/㎥, a decrease of 3㎍/㎥ (15.8%) from 19㎍/㎥ in 2019.

This level is 3 to 4㎍/㎥ lower on average than the national average and the seven major cities.

The city's fine particulate matter concentration decreased by 10㎍/㎥ (38.5%) compared to 26㎍/㎥ in 2015.

The city attributes the reduction in fine particulate matter concentration partly to the impact of COVID-19, but also considers it a result of the steady implementation of the Changwon-type comprehensive fine dust countermeasures.

The city plans to establish the 'Changwon-type Comprehensive Fine Dust Management Plan' aiming to achieve the national environmental standard of 15㎍/㎥ fine particulate matter concentration by next year.

Additionally, it will promote 26 key tasks across all sectors including industry, transportation, and daily life.

In particular, the city has newly established an air measurement TF team for the first time in the province to strengthen on-site measurement inspections and will also build a continuous monitoring system for vulnerable areas using private environmental monitors.