Yellow Dust, known as Hwang Su, generally occurs from March through May in South Korea, although it plagued the country earlier in 2015. The dust storms originate in the deserts of Western China and Southern Mongolia, and, although they are not new to South Korea, they have been increasing in frequency and resulting in greater negative effects in recent years. Because of deforestation in Mongolia and China as well as China's high level of industrialization, the dust storms are becoming highly toxic as dust is blown into the atmosphere by strong winds and carried through China's heavily polluting industrial areas. By the time the jet stream carries the dust to South Korea, it is comprised of high levels of heavy metals and industrial pollutants, including aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, silicon and toxic waste.
According to the Korean Times, "a Yellow Dust advisory is issued when an hourly average dust concentration of more than 400 micrograms per cubic meter is expected to last for more than two hours. More than 800 micrograms leads to a Yellow Dust warning." In February of 2015, the particulates in the dust in Seoul measured 1,044 micrograms per cubic meter of PM-10 (particles that are 10 micrometers or less in diameter). It was the worst winter dust storm in South Korea in five years.
The effects of Yellow Dust on health and the economy can be devastating. South Korean residents complain of irritation in the eyes, nose, mouth and throat. The dust exacerbates respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and it has caused an increase in asthma diagnoses. Economically, it has resulted in damage to sensitive equipment such as computers, and it has had an effect on businesses. Food stands and market stalls have been forced to close in order to protect food and merchandise, and indoor businesses have been impacted as foot traffic is reduced. Residents are urged to stay indoors, thus reducing shopping trips and restaurant dining. There are also long-term implications for food safety. The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) has issued directives for the agriculture and livestock industries to clean and disinfect greenhouses, pastures and barns in an effort to protect animals and humans.
There are warning procedures in place to alert citizens of an impending Yellow Dust storm. The Korean Meteorological Association (KMA) issues forecast images on its website. Some cell phone providers send text messages to their customers. And the city of Seoul sends texts when pollutants exceed 200 micrograms. A three-tiered warning system run by the KMA is as follows: (1) the lowest tier instructs children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues to stay indoors and for everyone to avoid strenuous outdoor activities; (2) the second level includes kindergarteners and elementary students and encourages everyone to stay indoors; (3) the highest level includes all of the above populations as well as the general population. All are to stay indoors, it is recommended that outside events be postponed, and if outdoors, to wear protective glasses, masks and long sleeves.
So what is being done about this? Environmental ministers from China, South Korea and Japan meet at least once per year to discuss this dilemma. So far, not much has been done other than planting trees in the desert regions to try to slow the effects of desertification. And, unfortunately, many of the trees have been battered by dust and wind storms and have either fallen or are partially buried. In addition, at this point, China's priority is economic growth rather than environmental issues. This is not a promising scenario for the citizens of South Korea.
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Korea4Expats.com; Yellow Sand-Dust, HwangSa
http://www.korea4expats.com/article-yellow-dust-korea.html
SOTT (Sign of the Times); "First ever" tornado hits Korea; June 11, 2014
http://www.sott.net/article/280520-First-ever-tornado-hits-Korea
Stars and Stripes; South Korea swarmed by yellow dust, but lower spring levels predicted; Erik Slavin February 23, 2015
http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/south-korea-swarmed-by-yellow-dust-but-lower-spring-levels-predicted-1.331155
Blouin Beat: Science and Health; Yellow dust storm carries Chinese pollutants to Korea; February 24, 2015
http://blogs.blouinnews.com/blouinbeatsciencehealth/2015/02/24/yellow-dust-storm-carries-chinese-pollutants-to-korea/
Asia Society/Korea; Hwang Su (Yellow Dust); Yvonne Kim; February 14, 2014
http://asiasociety.org/korea/hwang-sa-yellow-dust
