Yellow Sand-Dust, HwangSa    

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Yellow Sand or Yellow Dust is also known as HwangSa in Korean

Q. What is Yellow Sand/Dust?
Known more commonly as yellow dust by most of the foreign community, it is basically inhalable particles that originate from the dry desert regions of China and Mongolia. There has been yellow dust coming from these regions to Korea for many generations. However, due to the deforestation that has occurred in Mongolia and China, along with the increased industrialization and resulting pollution in China, the yellow dust storms have been occurring with increasing frequency and with greater and greater negative effects. For the past few years, the dust storms often carry oxides (aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and silicon) and toxic waste thus increasing the risks of respiratory and skin reactions.

Q. What are the effects of yellow?
In sufficient concentration, the fine particles can obscure visibility, irritate soft tissues in the eyes, nose, mouth and throat. Because of the high concentration of minerals and other pollutants, it can cause or exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Pinkeye is a common side effect in both adults and children. The dust can also damage sensitive equipment, such as computers, etc.

Q. When do yellow dust storms occur?
Although they have general occurred in the Spring (March, April, May), winter yellow sand events have also been reported in recent years. Some years are worse than others. It takes on average 2 or 3 days for a dust storm to reach Korea.

Q. Are there any warnings or forcasts?
The Korea Meteorological Association provides forecast images on the English section of their website.
Some cell phone providers send a text message when a yellow dust storm is coming. To see if your provider has this service and if yes, to sign up for it, dial 114 on your cell phone. The process is in Korean only, however, as are the advisory messages. The Korean Meterological Administration also has a dust level monitoring site in English.
Korea has a three-tiered warning system run by the KMA and carried by local media (usually in Korean-only, however).
1. At the lowest level of warning, the elderly, children and people with respiratory issues are advised to stay. Everyone should avoid strenous physical activity outdoors.
2. At the second level, the elderly, children and those with respiratory issues as well as kindergarten and elementary students should remain indoors. Everyone should avoid any strenuous outdoor activity and, if possible, remain indoors.
3. At the highest level, the most vulnerable groups mentioned above must remain indoors. The general public is advised to remain indoors. it is recommended that outdoor events be postponed. Those going outside should wear protective glasses, a mask and long-sleeves.

Q. What should people do?
During a Yellow Sand/Dust Storm, you should
- Avoid outdoor activities, this applies especially to the elderly, young children and persons with heart disease, diabetes and lung diseases or respiratory problems, such as asthma.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Remove contact lenses and wear your glasses instead, the dust can scratch your lenses and
damage your eyes.
- Brush your teeth and wash your hands, face and eyes with warm water when returning indoors.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your tears flowing well.
- Use air filters to keep air clear and a humidifier to increase the humidity level inside your home/office.
- Wash fruits and vegetables that may have been exposed to yellow dust before eating them.
- Wash your hands carefully before handling food.
- Avoid burning candles or smoking indoors
- After the yellow dust/sand storm has cleared, air out the house and wash any exposed object before
using it, including your car.
- Even after the storm passes, be careful since the dust has settled and can easily be stirred by movement, wind, etc.

Q. What are some of the things we can buy to combat the effects of yellow dust?
- Masks (ordinary ones work somewhat, but there are some that cover the entire face and even the neck as well as some with 'special dust filters' that are much more effective). If you choose to wear a mask, make sure your mask is for yellow dust and is one approved by the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) or 식약청 (Shik-yak-cheong) in Korean. It is also very important that you wash your mask in between uses. It usually says Yellow Dust Mask somewhere on the package but in Korean, it’s 황사마스그 . Your pharmacist will help you.
- baby carriage covers
- nose-washes to prevent colds
- hwangto (yellow earth) paste packs for skin care
- strips to seal up windows and doors

Q. How can I find out what the level of yellow dust is today?
To find out the current levels of yellow sand, look to the right of your screen for the Yellow Sand box  (located right under the weather in Seoul box) or U.S. Military dust graph or the Korean Meteorological Administration. The KMA gives information on the different regions in Korea - Gwanaksan is Seoul and also issues an advisory when levels reach 400 and a warning when they are at 800.

 
K4E Editor: Korea4Expats.com tries to ensure that the information we provide is accurate and complete, so should you notice any errors or omissions in the content above please contact us at info@korea4expats.com.