Clear Effect of Fine Dust Seasonal Management Policy

On December 8th last year, when cold air accompanied the chill and fine dust levels were showing 'Good,' a blue sky spread over downtown Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The effects of the fine dust seasonal management system, which first started in December 2019, are being observed nationwide this year as well, following last year.

The National Institute of Environmental Research under the Ministry of Environment announced that the nationwide annual average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) last year was 19㎍/㎥, the lowest since observations began.

The reduction in concentration during January to March, when the first seasonal management system was implemented, was 9 to 18㎍/㎥ compared to the same period the previous year, which was greater than the reduction from April to December.

Even when narrowed down to December last year, the nationwide average concentration of fine particulate matter was 24㎍/㎥, the lowest December level since measurements began in 2015.

Regulations on emissions from internal combustion vehicles also appeared to have contributed to the reduction of fine dust.

From December 1 to 31 last year, the number of violations detected for driving restriction of grade 5 emission vehicles in the metropolitan area was 54,698 cases (27,091 vehicles).

This averages to 2,605 cases detected per day, which is about 70% less than the 8,704 cases during the emergency reduction measure driving restriction period on December 10-11, 2019.

The Ministry of Environment plans to continue dedicating efforts to fine dust management, as high concentrations of fine dust can occur at any time due to external factors such as weather.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.