To improve the air inside South Korean subway stations that is breathed in and out by millions every day, the government has announced measures buttressed by a 410.7 billion won budget to lower average PM10 levels by 13.5 percent from 69.4㎍/㎥ to 60 ㎍/㎥. (Image: Yonhap)
SEJONG, March 23 (Korea Bizwire) — To improve the air inside South Korean subway stations that is breathed in and out by millions every day, the government has announced measures buttressed by a 410.7 billion won budget to lower average PM10 levels by 13.5 percent from 69.4㎍/㎥ to 60 ㎍/㎥.
By the end of June, the Ministry of Environment will beef up enforcement of the current PM10 limit set at 150 ㎍/㎥ and establish a ceiling for PM2.5 as well.
In stations with high foot traffic, the installation of automatically operated fine dust particle gauges will be required starting next year, with a system that can check for air pollution in real time also put in place.
At stations with particularly high levels of indoor air pollution detected, the government will replace the gravel on the subway rail tracks with concrete floors to eliminate the source of fine dust particles.
Technological devices will be employed to help improve air quality. In Daegu’s subway stations, an air purification system is set to begin trials this year, while a device attached to the bottom of subway cars that should prevent dust scattering is being targeted for implementation next year.
Additional measures will be taken to ensure that air quality within subway cars is maintained at safe levels.
An official with the Ministry of Environment said, “As the subway is not only a mere means of transportation but is also a place where the public spend a portion of their daily live, the government will do everything in its power to ensure the measures are executed without a hitch.”
An official with the Ministry of Environment said, “As the subway is not only a mere means of transportation but is also a place where the public spend a portion of their daily live, the government will do everything in its power to ensure the measures are executed without a hitch.” (Image: Yonhap)
Environmental groups welcomed the government’s plans but insisted that the measures as currently outlined are still lacking.
“We need detailed action and plans to really cut down fine dust,” a member of the Korean Federation for Environmental Movements said.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
