Going Outside Makes My Throat 'Scratchy'... Why Could This Winter's Ultrafine Dust Get Worse?

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On the 10th, the view of downtown Seoul from Inwangsan Mountain was hazy due to fine dust and fog. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Intern Lee Gyehwa] As winter approaches, fine dust is becoming rampant again. On the 10th, an ultrafine dust (PM2.5) advisory was issued in Seoul for the first time this fall. The ultrafine dust advisory is issued when the hourly average concentration of ultrafine dust (particles with a diameter of 2.5μm or less) remains at or above 75㎍ per cubic meter for two consecutive hours.

When heating starts in winter, a large amount of air pollutants are emitted. When coal heating begins in China, the fine dust generated there is carried by westerly winds into South Korea. Concerns are growing that if coal use increases in China this winter, the fine dust situation in South Korea could worsen. This is because economic activities have recovered since COVID-19, and coal power generation has increased, potentially leading to more fine dust emissions this winter. Additionally, with energy prices soaring due to the Russia-Ukraine war, coal power generation in China is expected to rise further.

China has continuously increased its thermal power generation over the past five years since 2018. According to the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), China produced 3,285 TW of electricity from thermal power in the first half of this year alone. This figure far exceeds half of last year's total thermal power generation (5,770 TW). Fossil fuels used in thermal power generation include coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG). As of last year, coal accounted for 89% of the fuel mix. Coal emits more than three times the amount of various pollutants, including ultrafine dust, compared to LNG for the same amount of electricity produced.

An increase in China's coal power generation does not necessarily mean that the fine dust situation in South Korea will worsen unconditionally. If strong winds facilitate atmospheric circulation, fine dust can be pushed out beyond the Korean Peninsula even if it is generated. However, the government believes that preparations are necessary for the possibility of high concentrations of fine dust this winter. On the 9th, the Ministry of Environment conducted a 'Ultrafine Dust (PM2.5) Disaster Response Drill' together with 17 cities and provinces nationwide and related ministries. This is the fourth drill since fine dust was designated as a social disaster in March 2019. A Ministry of Environment official stated, "This drill is to check the whole-of-government response system in preparation for high concentrations of ultrafine dust," adding, "We will prepare to ensure the smooth implementation of the 4th seasonal fine dust management system starting on the 1st of next month."

Ultrafine dust can adversely affect health when inhaled into the lungs and bloodstream. Health authorities recommend that when fine dust is dense, people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, the elderly, and children should refrain from going outside, and if going out is unavoidable, they must wear masks.

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