Credit: Geumgang Newspaper
GMUK Professor Jason Morris regularly tells his students in his classes that “The air quality in Songdo is garbage.” The thing that makes it garbage is familiar foe called “Yellow Dust” or “Hwangsa”. Believe it or not, because of this dust, there is always that one time of the year where once you walk out the door, everyone is unrecognizable. People covering their faces with everything from sun caps to masks, you might be passing by someone and not even realize that it was your own mother. Although people who are aware of the danger of yellow dust protect themselves from getting their health affected, it is still possible for them to experience health issues. Those who are not aware, jeopardize their health.
The yellow dust, or “Hwangsa”, are small particles, usually sand, ash, or even bacterial particles, that are very light and able to float in the air. There are various causes of the yellow dust. Some say it is the deserts of East Asia and others say it is the developed factories from South Korea. Regardless of what people say, there are both natural and artificial causes that bring this unhealthy air into the Korean peninsula.
One of the natural causes consist of particles coming from the wind that is blowing from countries, such as China and Mongolia. As the wind is blowing from the East, the dust that is on the surface of the deserts are lifted and carried towards the Korean peninsula. On the other hand, an artificial cause is the increase in development of factories. Ever since South Korea started developing factories in all parts of the country, the air became polluted due to the construction residue and gas manufactured from the factories. Today, the air is too polluted that it is hard to bring it back to a clean state.
People who are ignorant of the yellow dust or do not take it seriously have had several symptoms of coughing, throat irritation, and a hard time falling asleep. Those who do not take precautions are prone to such health issues. Not only does it affect people in this simple manner, but also people who already have respiratory issues such as Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever), and other respiratory diseases can face bigger difficulties when contacted with yellow dust. There are growing cases of people developing much more serious conditions such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, and even lung cancer. Scientists and researchers are looking for ways to cope with people who are getting affected by the yellow dust. However, it is not as successful as we are hoping.
Some of the preventions people can take include not leaving the house when the level of air condition is poor, utilizing air filters even while inside, and always wearing a mask. Wearing a mask does not filter all the particles that are blown from different places, but it is more effective than not wearing any mask at all. Also, try to avoid wearing contact lenses, since the dust can collect in the lenses and can possibly lead to infection. Last but not least, wash your hands as frequently as possible. It is always important to wash your hands after being outdoors all day. Having your hands clean will definitely prevent dust from going into your mouth when eating food.
Wherever you are, in Songdo taking classes, or in Seoul hanging out with friends, the yellow dust is unavoidable. If you do not take the precautions seriously, you could put yourself at a greater risk. So, remember, do not just look at the level of fine dust for the day, but take action and take care.
Hyunhui Kim | Reporter
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