On the 7th, citizens are crossing a crosswalk in downtown Seoul, where the ultrafine dust and fine dust concentrations were recorded as very bad and bad, respectively. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Air quality is expected to be poor throughout the weekend due to fine dust and yellow dust.
As of 10 a.m. on the 7th, the nationwide daily average concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and particulate matter (PM10) are 86㎍/㎥ and 143㎍/㎥, respectively.
Based on this day, the air quality is at its worst level this winter.
The concentration of fine particulate matter surged to 260㎍/㎥ early this morning in Pyeongtaek-si (Cheongbuk-eup), Gyeonggi Province. The highest concentration of particulate matter so far was 353㎍/㎥ recorded before 8 a.m. in Iksan-si (Samgi-myeon), Jeollabuk-do.
Compared to the annual average concentrations of particulate matter and fine particulate matter in 2021, which were 36㎍/㎥ and 18㎍/㎥ respectively, tens of times more dust is currently floating in the atmosphere than usual.
Since the atmosphere is stagnant now, the air quality this weekend is expected to be the worst this winter. Currently, fine particulate matter warnings have been issued for Gyeonggi, Chungnam, Sejong, Chungbuk, and Daejeon, and fine particulate matter advisories have been issued for all other regions except Jeju.
Particulate matter advisories have been issued for Incheon, Gyeonggi, Chungcheong, Gwangju, Jeonnam, Gyeongnam, Ulsan, and Busan. Yellow dust crisis warnings at the interest level were issued as of 5 p.m. the previous day for five cities and provinces including Chungnam, Gwangju, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, and Jeju.
On this day, particulate matter levels in the Seoul metropolitan area, Chungcheong, Honam, Busan, Daegu, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam are expected to be "very bad," while Gangwon, Ulsan, and Jeju are expected to be "bad." In Gangwon Yeongseo, Ulsan, and Jeju, particulate matter levels may temporarily worsen to "very bad" in the afternoon.
On the 8th, particulate matter levels will be "bad" in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon Yeongseo, Chungcheong, Honam, Yeongnam, and Jeju, and "normal" in other regions. However, particulate matter levels will be "very bad" for a time in the morning in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon Yeongseo, Sejong, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk.
When particulate matter levels are high, it is best to avoid going outside if possible, and if you do go out, you should wear a mask properly. After going outside, wash your hands, feet, eyes, and nose, and brush your teeth. It is also good to drink water frequently and eat fruits or vegetables rich in vitamin C.
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