(ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – On Tuesday, environmental officials implemented emergency emission reduction measures in the Seoul metropolitan area for the first time this year due to severe ultrafine dust levels.
According to the environment ministry, the measures will be implemented in the capital area until 9 p.m. and comprise a compulsory alternate no-driving scheme for public vehicles, a prohibition on old diesel cars, and limited operations of factories and construction sites that emit air pollutants.
Due to the continued influx of fine dust from abroad, the density of ultrafine dust particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diametre, known as PM 2.5, is forecast to remain at “bad” levels in Seoul and the central regions throughout the day, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.
The capital area is predicted to experience elevated levels of fine dust on Wednesday as a result of more yellow dust entering from its source, the KMA said, adding that poor air quality may persist for the time being.
The weather authorities categorize concentrations of PM 2.5 particles between 0 and 15 micrograms per cubic metre as “good,” between 16 and 35 as “normal,” between 36 and 75 as “bad,” and more than 76 as “very bad.” – Yonhap
