Yellow Dust Watch warns of microdust levels 21 times higher than normal! Here is how to react appropriately!
Createdd 2015-03-02 Hit 654
Contents
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issues the Yellow Dust Watch when the average level of microdust per hour is predicted to be higher than 400㎍/㎥ for over 2 hours. This year’s first Yellow Dust Watch was issued at 5pm on February 22, the last day of the Lunar New Year Holiday.
As microdust levels have also increased due to the yellow dust, the KMA advises citizens to take extra precautions when going to outdoor areas.
A few quick questions!
Why are yellow dust and microdust harmful to us?
| Yellow Dust | Microdust |
Yellow dust – carried via sandstorms from the Asian continent – consists of harmful heavy metals, toxic substances and microdust that can cause various ophthalmic and respiratory diseases. | The diameter of microdust, less than 10㎛, makes it too small to be seen by the human eye. Due to its extremely minute size, microdust can penetrate into human alveolus and cause various respiratory diseases. |
Why is microdust especially harmful to our bodies?
First, when microdust is inhaled through the nose and mouth, it can cause infections in the airways and increase cold virus levels more than 20 times.
Second, if microdust particles are remain unfiltered from the airways and penetrate into the lungs, they can cause infections that can then lead to chronic lung diseases or asthma.
Third, microdust can penetrate into our brains through the nose. In such cases, it can lead to brain infections and/or cause depression.
How can you protect yourself from yellow dust and microdust?
Behavioral tips in accordance with forecasted microdust levels
How to stay healthy when yellow dust and microdust levels are high
Tips and precautions on how to correctly wear a protective mask
(Reference: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety_How to correctly wear a protective mask)
This year’s first Yellow Dust Watch!
You can protect your health from the effects of yellow dust and microdust by following a few important steps.
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