나흘 연속 미세먼지 비상저감조치…이번주 중반까지 숨막힌다<br /><br />The air in South Korea has been thick with smog for the past couple of days.<br />The government is enforcing "emergency measures" to tackle fine dust, unfortunately it looks like the situation won't be getting better anytime soon.<br />Oh Soo-young has the full story. It's still smog central in the Korean capital.<br />Fine dust density has remained at"extremely bad" levels for days across the northern and central regions of the country,... prompting emergency measures to try to reduce air pollution.<br />"It's the fourth straight day that emergency measures have been in place, a record length of time, as fine dust levels in Seoul rose to almost 170 micrograms over the weekend.<br />Eight other cities and provinces have also exceeded the 150 microgram threshold, triggering the highest level of alert. The environment minister has called the situation a national disaster."<br />"Winds from China have slowed down and weakened, dragging in fine particulate matter, while becoming less effective at blowing out the air pollution that's been generated domestically."<br />Under the emergency fine dust reduction law, which went into effect last month, local governments are required to take measures to limit further CO2 emissions.<br /> In Seoul, an alternate driving system is in place for all civil servants,... which means only<br /> vehicles with even-numbered license plate numbers will be permitted on the streets on Monday. <br /> Also, industrial sites have been ordered to reduce their operating hours while power plants have to reduce their output to 80 percent. <br />But experts say these measures can only go so far.<br />"Emergency measures are the bare minimum steps we can take. There needs to be more public awareness and a society-wide resolve to effectively tackle air pollution, which requires sacrificing everyday comforts like taking the elevator or using excessive heating or air conditioning."<br />Minister Cho Myung-rae said at an emergency meeting on Monday that he fears the high levels of fine dust will persist until the middle of this week.<br />In fact, emergency measures have been extended until Tuesday for seven regions in the country.<br />Until the smog clears,... children and the elderly are advised to limit their outdoor activities,... and to wear face masks when heading outside.<br />Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
