Yellow Dust and Fine Dust Covering the Korean Peninsula: Aren't They the Same Air Pollutants?

Yellow Dust Is a Natural Phenomenon, Fine Dust Is a Pollutant
Korea's Fine Dust Concentration Is the Highest Among OECD Countries

The representative air pollutants that trouble Korea during the spring season are yellow dust and fine dust. Recently, as yellow dust originating from China and other regions covered the skies over the Korean Peninsula, many comments on online communities and related news articles have expressed confusion between yellow dust and fine dust, such as "It's hard to live because of fine dust like yellow dust" and "Isn't yellow dust just fine dust after all?" However, yellow dust and fine dust are distinctly different air pollution phenomena.

South Korea has the highest level of fine dust concentration among OECD countries. According to statistics from the National Statistical Office, in 2020, South Korea's fine dust concentration was 25.9㎍/㎥, ranking third highest after Chile and T?rkiye. The government has established a comprehensive fine dust management plan through the "Special Act on Fine Dust" and set a goal to reduce the concentration of ultrafine dust to 13㎍/㎥, which is the OECD median level, by 2029. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju

First, yellow dust mainly consists of natural soil dust originating from deserts in China and Mongolia, carried to the Korean Peninsula by northwesterly winds. In contrast, fine dust is an artificial air pollutant produced by vehicle exhaust and industrial processes, showing significant differences in origin and composition. The particle size of yellow dust ranges from 1 to 1000 μm and is primarily composed of soil components. Fine dust particles have diameters smaller than 10 μm, and ultrafine dust particles are smaller than 2.5 μm. Especially, ultrafine dust can penetrate deep into the human body, potentially causing severe health effects. Both yellow dust and fine dust share the commonality of being harmful to health.

Korea has the highest fine dust concentration among OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries. According to statistics released by the National Statistical Office, Korea's fine dust concentration in 2020 was 25.9 μg/m³, ranking third highest after Chile and T?rkiye. The government has established a comprehensive fine dust management plan under the 'Special Act on Fine Dust' and aims to reduce ultrafine dust concentration to 13 μg/m³, the OECD median level, by 2029.

Yellow dust and fine dust worsen air quality and reduce visibility, potentially disrupting aircraft operations. They also interfere with plant photosynthesis and can damage industrial facilities and electronic devices. In particular, they can cause respiratory diseases, allergies, and skin conditions, and fine dust and ultrafine dust may lead to cardiovascular diseases.

Yellow Dust Occurs from March to May... Controversy over 'China and Mongolia' as Sources

There is controversy between China and Mongolia regarding the source of yellow dust. The main sources of yellow dust are deserts and arid regions in China and Mongolia. These are estimated to include the Inner Mongolian Plateau in China, the Gobi Desert (bordering Mongolia and China), the Taklamakan Desert (Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China), and the Huangtu Plateau (north-central China). When strong winds blow in these areas, yellow dust forms and is carried by westerly winds, affecting Korea, Japan, and in severe cases, even North America. In Korea, the term "China-origin yellow dust" is commonly used in relation to yellow dust, but the Chinese government strongly denies this. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes, "Yellow dust originates outside China's borders, and China is merely a transit area."

There is controversy between China and Mongolia over the origin of yellow dust. The main sources of yellow dust are the deserts and arid regions of China and Mongolia. It is estimated to originate from the Inner Mongolian Plateau in China, the Gobi Desert (border area between Mongolia and China), the Taklamakan Desert (Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China), and the Huangtu Plateau (north-central China). Photo by Jo Yong-jun

To protect health, it is advisable to avoid going outside on days when yellow dust or fine dust concentrations are high. If going out is unavoidable, it is important to wear health masks such as KF80, KF94, or KF99. After going outside, wash thoroughly to remove dust remaining on the body, use air purifiers indoors, and ventilate regularly. Yellow dust deteriorates air quality and can lead to school closures when severe. It is necessary to clearly understand the differences between fine dust and yellow dust and respond appropriately.

Furthermore, after returning from outside, wash thoroughly to remove yellow dust and fine dust from the body. If your eyes feel irritated or foreign substances are present, avoid rubbing them and use artificial tears or cleansing solutions. Indoors, keep windows closed to prevent the inflow of external fine dust, use air purifiers, and ventilate regularly. Managing air quality through wet wiping and maintaining appropriate humidity using humidifiers or damp towels is also helpful. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water before use, and clean and sterilize cooking utensils to remove any remaining dust before consumption.