Fine dust, which worsens as the weather gets warmer, is an air pollutant that significantly impacts respiratory health. Checking real-time fine dust concentrations before going out is crucial these days. Today, we'll learn how to check real-time fine dust information.
The weather is getting warmer. There's something we always worry about: fine dust. Before going out, be sure to check real-time fine dust information, refrain from outdoor activities, and take preventative measures like wearing a mask.
The following sites are the most reliable measurement services that provide real-time fine dust status information.
1. Air Korea
- This site is operated by the Korea Environment Corporation under the Ministry of Environment, and provides information on fine dust concentration and air quality nationwide.
- You can check real-time data on various air pollutants, such as PM10, PM2.5, and ozone (O3).
- Air Korea website: www.airkorea.or.kr
2. Seoul City Air Quality Information
- Provides real-time fine dust information in the Seoul area and allows you to check fine dust, ultrafine dust, and ozone levels.You can do it.
- Air quality is classified into the following four stages:.
- ✅ Good : No problem with outdoor activities
- 🟡 Normal : Sensitive groups require caution
- 🟠 Bad : Avoid outdoor activities as much as possible
- 🔴 Very Bad : Health risks, no outdoor activities
- Seoul Metropolitan Government Air Quality Information Website: cleanair.seoul.go.kr
3. Naver Weather
- Easily check regional fine dust concentration and forecastsYou can do it.
- You can easily check information by searching for “fine dust” on Naver.
- Available on Naver Search or Naver Weather app
- Go directly to Naver Weather home page: https://weather.naver.com/
4. Kakao Map (provides map-based fine dust information)
- You can check the real-time fine dust concentration on the map., Convenient to check air quality before going outbox
- Go to Kakao Map: https://map.kakao.com/
5. Fine dust measurement mobile app
Through smartphone We recommend an app that lets you quickly check real-time fine dust information!
- Fine Micro : Intuitively provides fine dust concentration with color code.
- KakaoTalk fine dust notification : Provides real-time fine dust notification service by region.
- InAir : You can check the level of ultrafine dust at subway stations.
- 1 Ultrafine Dust : You can check the WHO 8-stage fine dust index on the lock screen.
Fine dust vs. cigarette smoke: which is more harmful?
To conclude, both fine dust and cigarette smoke are harmful to health. However, when comparing their causes and effects, there are clear differences.
1. Fine Dust – An Invisible Danger in the Air
✅ Designated as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO)
✅ Ultrafine dust (PM2.5) is small in size and can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
✅ Exposure levels vary depending on environmental and weather conditions.
2. Tobacco Smoke – Contains deadly toxic substances
❌ Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 harmful substances.It's done
- Tar: Causes lung disease
- Nicotine: highly addictive and causes blood vessel damage
- Carbon monoxide (CO): reduces oxygen supply to the blood
- Cigarette smoke has a very high concentration of ultrafine dust.
- The concentration of ultrafine dust emitted from one cigarette is 14,415µg/m³, which is much higher than the normal level of fine dust in the atmosphere.
- Cigarette smoke can be avoided, but fine dust is an environmental factor that cannot be avoided.
3. Comparison of fine dust and cigarette smoke
| element | Fine dust (PM2.5) | cigarette smoke |
|---|---|---|
| Carcinogen rating | Group 1 carcinogen (WHO) | Group 1 carcinogen (WHO) |
| Major hazardous substances | Heavy metals, carbon particles, etc. | Tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, etc., about 4,000 types |
| Health effects | lung disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer | Lung cancer, respiratory disease, vascular damage |
| Whether it is avoidable | Difficult (environmental factors) | Individuals can avoid |
| Ultrafine dust concentration | Varies by region | Very high (1 cigarette = 14,415)µg/m³) |
- Cigarette smoke has higher toxic concentrations. However, Fine dust is an environmental factor that is difficult for everyone to avoid, so it is considered a more serious problem from a public health perspective.It will work.
How to Reduce the Harm from Fine Dust and Cigarette Smoke
✅ How to protect yourself from fine dust
- Check real-time fine dust levels before going out
- Wear a KF94/N95 mask to block the source of fine dust.
- When fine dust levels are high, avoid outdoor activities.
- Use an air purifier indoors
- Close the windows to block outside air from entering.
🚬 How to reduce exposure to cigarette smoke
- Use non-smoking areas and avoid secondhand smoke
- Encouraging family and friends to quit smoking
- Use a HEPA filter air purifier indoors.
- Support strengthening smoking regulations in public places
In closing
The cold winter has passed and warm spring is upon us. Of course, spring brings the optimal temperature for people to be active, but it also brings with it the unspoken threat of fine dust. Because fine dust is difficult for everyone to avoid, it's considered a major social problem. We recommend that you check real-time fine dust information and take possible preventive measures to protect your health.do.
