Ultrafine dust density level in Korea falls to 5-year low

People wearing masks walk along Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, after a fine dust alert was issued, March 29. Yonhap

The concentration of ultrafine dust in Korea from December to March fell to the lowest level in five years, the Ministry of Environment said on Sunday.

The ministry attributed the reduction partially to a package of measures implemented in 2019 to control air quality by reducing air pollutant emissions from December to March of the following year, when fine dust levels typically rise due to seasonal factors.

As the measures entered their fifth year of implementation, the national average concentration of ultrafine dust stood at 21 micrograms per cubic meter, marking the lowest figure since 2019.

The latest figure represents an improvement of approximately 15 percent compared to the past.

Particularly in February and March of this year, relevant agencies collaborated to address high concentrations of ultrafine dust in early spring. During these months, concentrations were measured at 20.1 micrograms per cubic meter and 20.2 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. This marked a 28 percent and 25 percent improvement compared to the previous period.

The number of days considered good in terms of ultrafine dust concentration levels, with levels below 15 micrograms per cubic meter, increased from 31 days to 47 days compared to the past.

The number of days with ultrafine dust concentrations at or above 36 micrograms per cubic meter, considered a bad level, decreased from 20 days to 15 days.

The environment ministry analyzed that this overall improvement in air quality was the result of concerted efforts to reduce air pollutants.

Additionally, weather conditions over the past four months have played a role. There has been an increase in the amount of rainfall, coupled with more easterly winds, which contributed to the improvement.

"As yellow dust or high-concentration ultrafine dust can occur at any time in April, we intend to actively promote measures to protect public health from fine dust during such high-concentration situations," said an official at the environment ministry.