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Seoulites have China to thank for more than one third of the density of fine particles in the air (PM2.5), a recent analysis shows. The findings lend weight to doubts that Seoul can achieve much success no matter how hard it works to reduce particle density.

On Nov. 5, Seoul Metropolitan Government released its second implementation plan for environmental management of the atmosphere, which will take effect in 2015. In the plan, three-dimensional photochemical modeling is used to estimate how much of the particulate density in Seoul in 2015 will be contributed by each area. This analysis shows that China will be responsible for 36.8% and Gyeonggi Province for 16.3%. Seoul itself will only cause 16.2% of the increase in the density of fine particles in the city.

During a public hearing about the second implementation plan that was held at the Seoul Institute on Nov. 4, experts expressed doubts whether Seoul would accomplish much by increasing its independent efforts to reduce particulate matter in the air. Seoul announced that it hopes to use the plan to lower the level of fine particles from the 2013 level of 25㎍/㎥ to 20㎍/㎥ by 2024.

“Recent data published by the Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment shows that the particulate density in Seoul is the same as Ieo Island, or Socotra Rock, (25㎍/㎥). Since China is exerting such a big influence, I think this may be the most Seoul can hope to achieve through its current efforts,” said Park Chan-goo, head of atmospheric measurement and management at the Seoul Institute of Health and the Environment.

“In order to achieve more results, it would be much more effective to cut down on the sources of the particles in China, Mongolia, North Korea, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon,” Park said.

“Seoul’s independent efforts to reduce fine particles are extremely important in the sense that they are keeping the particulate density from exceeding critical levels. Without these efforts, particle density would increase, which could have a deleterious effect on citizens‘ health,” said Yoon Chang-jin, head of atmospheric improvement for Seoul Metropolitan, when asked about the issue.

By Eum Sung-won, staff reporter

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