Monday, April 6, 2015

How to survive against Yellow Dust and Ultrafine Dust

Cherry blossoms, warm breeze and the migration of songbirds to Seoul are not the only things we encounter during spring seasons.

Along with these signs of spring, Korea has for years, unwillingly have hosted yellow dust from China. However, this year, we have another unwanted intruder in our air - ultrafine dust. These dust are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter which poses a major health threat to our bodies.

According to an Article in Korean Herald, the Seoul Metropolitan Government last year issued 11 alerts ultrafine Times, Triple the Number from the year before. 

The Capital an average concentration of ultrafine Also SAW 25.2 micrograms per cubic meter dust in 2012, Which is more than double the safe level advised by the World Health Organization, according to the Environment Ministry. Please read the full Article for
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20150323000889 .

According to the article, about 60% of ultrafine dust are caused by coal combustion. And as of January, Korea has been running coal-fired power stations with a Capacity of 53 Generation Twenty-six thousand two Hundred Seventy-Three megawatts, 40 percent of the Nationwide Supporting electricity usage. It seems the need to convert our energy source to a clean energy is needed more than ever.

While it's difficult for us to control what the government does to reduce coal combustion, there are things we can do to combat the effects of yellow dust:
·       Avoid Outdoor Activities, this Applies especially to the elderly, and people with Young Children Heart disease, Diabetes and Lung diseases or respiratory problems, Such as Asthma.
·       Wear Masks (best to use Designed for Those Yellow dust and Approved by the Korea Food and Drug Administration)
·       Keep Windows and DOORS closed.
·       Remove Contact lenses and glasses Wear your INSTEAD, the dust can scratch your lenses and damage your Eyes.
·       Brush your teeth and wash your Hands, Eyes and face with warm water when returning Indoors.
·       Drink Plenty of water to Keep your Skin Tears flowing well and Prevent Dehydration.
·       Use to Keep AIR AIR Clear filters and a Humidifier to Increase the humidity level Inside your home / Office.
·       Wash fruits and vegetables that have been exposed to May Yellow dust before eating them.
·       Eat vitamin-rich and high-protein Foods to Help your immune stabilise System
·       Avoid spicy Foods, Fish and smelly Excessive drinking.
·       Wear Sleeves Often as long as possible when outside.
·       Remove and wash Clothing as Soon as possible after Coming in from Outdoors.
·       Avoid walking in the rain IF possible.
·       Wash your Hands carefully before handling food.
·       Avoid Burning candles or smoking Indoors
·       Light Showers are Recommended rather than long, Hot baths
·       After the Yellow dust / Sand Storm has cleared, AIR OUT the House and wash any exposed object before using it, Including your Car.
·       Even after the Storm passes, be careful Since the dust has settled and can Easily be Stirred by movement, Wind, etc.
·       Strips to seal up Windows and DOORS

http://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2015/02/23/lok-hancocks-south-korea-yellow-dust.cnn


- Posted by Daniel Kim