[Click! Health] Springtime Unwelcome Guest Fine Dust... "Check Weather Forecast to Minimize Exposure"

Can Cause Respiratory Diseases and Cancer

Recently, as spring approaches and the concentration of fine dust in the atmosphere increases, medical experts have advised minimizing exposure to fine dust by checking weather forecasts.

On the 24th, yellow dust originating from China covered the city center viewed from Namsan in Seoul, accompanied by fine dust. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Fine dust refers to airborne pollutants with a diameter of 10㎛ or less, invisible to the naked eye. Depending on the size, it is classified into ultrafine dust (2.5㎛ or less) and ultrafine particulate matter (0.1㎛ or less).

Due to their small particle size, fine dust particles can penetrate deep into the alveoli, posing serious health risks. Professor Choi Hye-sook of the Department of Respiratory Allergy at Kyung Hee University Hospital warned, "The reason fine dust is more dangerous is that the particles are small and contain carcinogens such as fine heavy metals. Fine dust can travel through the airways to the alveoli, causing or worsening serious respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis."

Fine dust not only affects the respiratory system but also moves to organs such as the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys, causing inflammation and diseases like dementia and cardiovascular disorders. Toxic substances contained in fine dust can come into contact with cells, damaging DNA and generating abnormal cells, which can lead to cancer. Professor Choi explained that fine dust is suspected to be a cause of the increasing incidence of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Professor Choi emphasized, "The way to escape the war against fine dust is to minimize its generation and exposure. It is important to check fine dust and ultrafine dust forecasts and avoid outdoor activities as much as possible when dust concentrations are high. Following basic hygiene practices such as wearing masks and washing hands regularly is essential. If you experience persistent coughing or excessive phlegm unlike usual, do not hesitate to visit a hospital."

In traditional Korean medicine, the immune system of the nasal and bronchial mucosa is strengthened to treat bronchi affected by fine dust. Professor Lee Beom-jun of the Department of Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine at Kyung Hee Korean Medicine Hospital explained, "We mainly use herbal medicines such as Haepyoijintang, Cheongsangbohatang, Geumsuyukgunjeon, and herbs like Liriopis tuber, Asparagus cochinchinensis, and Rehmannia glutinosa, which have been proven effective through many studies, to support the bronchi's self-recovery and immune enhancement. The troche formulation 'Cheonginyukwaehwan,' effective for inflammation of the nose, throat, and bronchi stimulated by fine dust, is also widely used clinically."

Professor Choi Hye-sook (left) of the Department of Respiratory Allergy, Kyung Hee University Hospital, and Professor Lee Beom-jun of the Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital.
[Photo by Kyung Hee Medical Center]