Seoul: The average density of ultrafine dust particles in South Korea fell to its lowest level last year since 2015, when the country began compiling such data, officials said Tuesday. The average density stood at 15.6 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024, reflecting a 14.3 percent decrease from the previous year, according to the environment ministry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Environment Minister Kim Wan-sup attributed the reduction in hazardous small particles to efforts aimed at improving air quality and a decline in ultrafine dust particles flowing in from China. "Due to an intense reduction policy targeting core emission sources, including industry, transportation, and daily living, the improvements in the density of ultrafine dust particles are becoming prominent," Kim stated.
Ultrafine particles, known as PM 2.5, are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter and are recognized as class one carcinogens found in dust, soot, and smoke. The ongoing measures to target these core emission sources appear to be yielding positive results in South Korea's fight against air pollution.