The Korean people have suffered fine dust pollution for the last few weeks. On May 6th, the concentration of fine dust reached a very high level of 200. To cope with a situation of the worsening concentration of micro dust, we should be well aware of feasible ways to minimize negative impacts of fine particulate matter.

First of all, let’s take a close look at fine dust. Fine dust is fine particles invisible to the naked eye, 10 micrometers or less in diameter, and moves around or scatters in the air for a long time. It enters human bodies and infiltrate their organ systems. Acute exposure to fine dust may cause respiratory tract stimuli leading to symptoms such as coughing, respiratory difficulty, asthma and even arrhythmia. Patients with a heart or lung disease, children, elderly people and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the sudden attack by fine dust. But that does not mean that healthy adults are free from the negative impacts of fine dust. When exposed to highly concentrated fine dust, even healthy people may experience failures in their body’s natural defense system. Fine particulate matter will remove germs from their airways and lungs and increase their likelihood of contracting bronchitis. 

Many factories built in China in the wake of its rapid industrialization are considered the main culprit of Korea’s fine dust problem. Whenever westerly winds blow from China to Korea, fine dust and yellow dust blanket the Korean peninsula. However, we cannot just put the blame on the westerly winds blowing from China. Despite concerns over environmental problems, Korea has built thermal power plants on the west coast which are a significant source of fine dust. Currently, the government has no countermeasure to the invisible but overwhelming threat from fine dust.    

First, drink more than eight cups of water per day. Since water keeps our respiratory system moist and filters bad dust, we need to drink it often. Second, when a fine dust warning is issued, have windows closed to prevent fine dust from entering your house. Third, wear a mask and sunglasses when you go out. It is recommended to wear a special mask like a particulate respirator mask which is helpful to prevent diseases including laryngitis and bronchitis. Also, wearing glasses is far better than wearing contact lenses to physically protect your eyes from fine dust. 

It is impossible to eliminate fine dust from the air. With some extra care and caution, however, we can minimize its negative impacts on our health. We should check fine dust level everyday and be better prepared to protect ourselves from the unwanted consequences of fine particulate matter.