User:Nkustudent2020/Environment in South Korea

Sandbox Draft Air Pollution in South Korea

Causes

South Korea's air pollution has the worst air quality of the 35 richest countries in the world, coal being the main local contribution to the condition of their air. From 2014-2016 there was a 1,139 million dollar cut in the South Korean Air Pollution Control Industry. However since then, the Korean Ministry of Environment has regulated 11 air pollutants and 32 other air substances that are categorized as hazardous. Korea also plans to close 10 of their 61 running coal power plants by 2025. China's growing economic activity has allowed them to burn a yearly average of 4 billion tons of coal, which in turn has contributed up to 50% of Korea's PM2.5 particles. Long range transportation of harmful particles from southwestern China, specifically Shanghai, was found to be the culprit.This statistic is only expected to worsen with a predicted increase in China's number of power plants fueled by coal.

Health Effects

Those in more urban areas with factories are more likely to be vulnerable to the averse affects of air pollution like citizens living in one of the seven major cities. Long-term air pollution can lead to higher morality rates. People of different sexes, health behaviors, and socioeconomic levels are also affected by air pollution differently. Women who are pregnant during their first and second trimester are also more at risk for their children developing congenital malformations to their circulatory system, musculoskeletal system or genitourinary system.