#189, PM2.5
The Korean peninsula is being choked by fine dust. Several major cities, including Seoul, have experienced record high levels of fine dust over the past week. One report recently noted that Seoul and Incheon were the #1 and #2 in world air pollution ranking.
Fine dust can be categorized as particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5). It is classified as a first-degree carcinogen (i.e., a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue) by the World Health Organization. And our skies are regularly clouded by it at an increasingly alarming rate.
It has now become the norm to receive emergency text messages from the Government warning us of the toxic air. The streets are filled with anonymous strangers wearing masks. And while there have been some emergency precautions taken, a concrete plan has not been set forth by President Moon Jae-in. What can be done?
To complete this Journal response, address the following:
Submit a proposal to President Moon Jae-in to address the fine dust issue.
Alternatively. Seoul is considered by some one of the most polluted cities in the entire world. How do you feel about living here in thr future if things don’t change?
Comment on a peer’s response.
-Brenden Lee Teacher