Members of U.S. Forces Korea can now wear masks to guard against air pollution. That’s a new policy, and it shows just how bad conditions have gotten on the Korean peninsula.
For the last couple of years, U.S. Air Force personnel serving in South Korea have been allowed to wear masks when air quality levels deteriorate to a certain level. But that has not been the case for the army — until now.
Stars and Stripes reports more than 3,400 people signed a petition urging a change in policy. This week, the head commander of U.S. Forces Korea agreed — allowing troops to wear masks when air quality hits a level the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calls “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
Air pollution has been a growing problem in South Korea, especially tiny particles of fine dust, or particulate matter, that can be drawn deep into the lungs.
South Korea’s government just announced that March was the worst month on record for fine dust pollution in Seoul with conditions more than four times as bad as they were just a year ago.
The Chosun Ilbo says March usually brings the worst pollution of the year in part because heating from burning coal continues in many parts of China, along with strong westerly winds.
South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency says President Moon Jae-in and the ruling Democratic Party are putting together a supplementary budget including more funding to fight air pollution — with a final version due by the end of the month.
