Invisible Poison, The Fine Dust

The fine dust is getting worse and worse. This fine dust is currently becoming a huge problem in the world, including South Korea. You can also see it on the news frequently. And even then, the current presidential candidate presidents are making pledges about this matter. From now on, I want to deal with the definition of fine dust, the influence of it, and the causes and solutions.

First, what is the dictionary definition of fine dust? Literally, It is a particle of dust that is almost invisible to the eye. It consists of nitrate(NO3-), ammonium(NH4+), sulphate(SO42-) such as ion ingredient, carbon compounds and metallic compounds. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated BC (Black Carbon) as one of the first rate carcinogens emitted from diesel particulate matter. This is a particle that size is less than 10 microseconds. It is so small and that it penetrates into our lungs and causes various inflammation. Even worse, it is a dangerous substance that is more dangerous than germs invading our arteries and hitting our weak parts. Exposure to long-term fine dust causes paralysis of the immune system, such as colds, asthma and bronchitis, as well as cardiovascular disease, skin disease, and eye diseases. This may seem similar to the yellow sand, but it is quite different.

Yellow dust refers to the natural phenomenon of fine sand that flies into the sky by atmospheric conditions such as wind and rain. The dust contains ingredients such as calcium, iron, aluminum, magnesium, and magnesium, and yellow dust coming to Korea is mainly caused by China. Deforestation, grazing, mining, plant construction and excessive operation are occurring in recent years in China, and they are transported to the atmosphere and affect our country.

In contrast, fine dust is caused by combustion, unlike the yellow dust occurring naturally. Dust and pollen are naturally occurring, but smoke from burning fossil fuels like coal or oil, dust on the construction site, smoke from incinerators and Automobile exhaust are artificial factor. In particular, in the metropolitan area is often produced by mise of sulfur dioxide or nitrous oxide from the burning process of fossil fuels.

However, even if the cause of the accident is different, it is equally true that yellow dust and fine dust affect bad influence our bodies.

This fine dust had not been contemplated until several years ago. What caused the emergence of a serious problem recently? This is largely due to China's influence. It is because of the emission of air pollutants from factories due to industrialization in China. Currently, air pollution is very serious in Beijing, so there is lot of fine dust. In order to solve this problem, factories that produce air pollutants in Beijing are relocating to Shandong Peninsula, which is located near the shores of Korea. That is why this matters are becoming serious as produced pollutants that transported to Japan and our country. The reason why China's fine dust affects our country is because of the westerlies. When the Earth rotates on its axis, the direction of wind is different depends on the latitude. And South Korea and China is located in the middle latitudes, and it is a place where the westerlies prevails. Westerlies is a strong southerly wind from west to east, which is why China's fine dust affects South Korea that is in the east.

Now, let's find out what's in the government's solution for this. First of all, the South Korean government held a ministerial meeting presided over by Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on Friday, June 3, to confirm and announce "Fine Dust Measures and Special Management." Recently, high concentration of fine dust have become more frequent, and there is a need to establish a national policy for dealing with fine dust and problem solving. Therefore, it recognized as a critical environmental challenge that threatened the safety and health of the people by centering on the Council of Ministers In order to resolve the fine dust problem, the government decided to do its best by organizing and operating the "Implementation and propel of fine dust measures TF" along with the related ministries.

Also, what can we do to cope with fine dust? First, in the most basic way, wearing masks when you going out. The best way is to avoid going outside, but if you can't avoid going out, you'd better wear a mask. At this point, the mask should be used to prevent small particles, not ordinary ones. Second, you have a habit of washing your hands. Nowadays, washing hands is becoming more emphasis because of the polluted air pollution. Even if you protect your skin with masks and clothing, can't block all fine dust, so you should wash it thoroughly after going out. Third, drink lots of water. Water helps keep moisture our mucous membrane of respiratory system, and it prevents microscopic dust from penetrating the respiratory tract. If you keep drinking water frequently, you will be able to prevent respiratory infections caused by fine dust. Lastly, I will introduce great foods for fine dust. Pear can help with bronchitis, phlegm, and cough. Allicin is rich in garlic, which produces excellent zinc and great sterilizing agent and prevents mercury, heavy metals and waste from piling up in the body. Also, seaweed. Much of the algae, such as seaweed has plenty of fat, minerals, vitamins and protein, which is effective in discharging various heavy metals out of the body. There are also foods like bellflower roots, green tea, and red ginseng.