How to Protect Your Health from Fine Dust in Spring

Fine dust causing rhinitis and keratitis... Beneficial to consume pear, doraji, and more

The sky over Seoul was cloudy on the 25th, when the concentration of ultrafine dust reached a 'bad' level. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] As the weather warms up, there are more days when the sky appears hazy due to yellow dust and fine dust. Wearing masks has become essential, but fine dust still remains one of the factors threatening health.

Fine dust, referring to particles smaller than 10㎍ in diameter, adversely affects various parts of the human body. It can cause allergic rhinitis and, when it comes into contact with the eyes, can lead to allergic conjunctivitis and keratitis. When inhaled into the bronchial tubes, it can cause bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ultrafine dust particles smaller than 2.5㎍ can penetrate deep into the lungs and damage the alveoli.

The best preventive measure is to avoid going outside on days when fine dust concentration is high. If going out is unavoidable, it is recommended to wear a health mask with a KF80 rating or higher. After going outside, it is important to thoroughly wash your face and brush your teeth, and clean your hands and feet to remove fine dust particles.

Daily lifestyle improvements can also help prepare against fine dust. Consuming plenty of water, fruits, and vegetables aids in expelling fine dust components from the body.

Foods beneficial for preventing fine dust effects include pear, garlic, balloon flower root (doraji), water parsley (minari), and blueberries. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, luteolin in pears helps alleviate inflammation caused by fine dust, and saponins in balloon flower root help relieve throat pain. Garlic and water parsley assist in removing toxins and heavy metals from the body. The vitamin C and beta-carotene in blueberries reduce inflammation caused by fine dust, and sulforaphane helps eliminate harmful substances adhering to the lungs.

Additionally, soaking fruits or vegetables in tap water for 2 minutes before washing them under running water for more than 30 seconds can remove some fine dust. It is also advisable to clean and sterilize cooking utensils to remove dust before storing and using them.