all about yellow dust
The particles are carried from the Yellow River basin and deserts, which is known as a natural phenomenon. The particles are principally composed of minerals and their diameters are around 4 μm. Recently, it is regarded as an environmental problem due to forest reduction, soil degradation and desertification rather than a natural seasonal phenomenon. Furthermore, these particles are sometimes deformed by mixing with anthropogenic aerosols during transport and affects agricultural production, climate, living condition and human health. Therefore, physical and chemical changes during transport as well as mechanism of formation, growth and transport have to be known.
Yellow dust, also known as Asian dust or hwangsa, originates as fine particulate matter swept into the atmosphere from China’s Gobi Desert. Spring weather patterns in northeast Asia sometimes carry this dust east through northern China, where it can pick up industrial pollution, and on across the Yellow Sea to Korea. Dust concentrations vary greatly from place to place and day to day. Yellow dust is usually harmless. However, in high concentrations it can aggravate respiratory illnesses and cause significant irritation to the eyes, throat, and lungs. Young children and the elderly are at higher risk.
If yellow dust levels exceed 400 micrograms/㎥, the Korea Meteorological Administration will issue a yellow dust advisory to encourage the elderly, elementary schoolchildren, and those with respiratory illnesses to stay inside. All residents should avoid strenuous outdoor activity. If yellow dust levels exceed 800 micrograms/㎥, the government will issue a yellow dust warning. Residents should avoid any unnecessary outdoor activities, schools are closed, and many outdoor events are cancelled. Even at lower concentrations, yellow dust can cause discomfort. To minimize this, try to keep your windows closed when you notice yellow dust, swap your contact lenses for glasses, and drink plenty of water.
[Photo courtesy of the SeaWiFS Project, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, and ORBIMAGE]
Yellow dust, also known as Asian dust or hwangsa, originates as fine particulate matter swept into the atmosphere from China’s Gobi Desert. Spring weather patterns in northeast Asia sometimes carry this dust east through northern China, where it can pick up industrial pollution, and on across the Yellow Sea to Korea. Dust concentrations vary greatly from place to place and day to day. Yellow dust is usually harmless. However, in high concentrations it can aggravate respiratory illnesses and cause significant irritation to the eyes, throat, and lungs. Young children and the elderly are at higher risk.
If yellow dust levels exceed 400 micrograms/㎥, the Korea Meteorological Administration will issue a yellow dust advisory to encourage the elderly, elementary schoolchildren, and those with respiratory illnesses to stay inside. All residents should avoid strenuous outdoor activity. If yellow dust levels exceed 800 micrograms/㎥, the government will issue a yellow dust warning. Residents should avoid any unnecessary outdoor activities, schools are closed, and many outdoor events are cancelled. Even at lower concentrations, yellow dust can cause discomfort. To minimize this, try to keep your windows closed when you notice yellow dust, swap your contact lenses for glasses, and drink plenty of water.
[Photo courtesy of the SeaWiFS Project, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, and ORBIMAGE]