PM2.5, which has been a hot topic recently, is a particle generated from exhaust fumes and factory smoke. It contains many components, including organic compounds and metals. Yellow dust, on the other hand, is soil and sand that is carried by westerly winds from the deserts of mainland China. It is a natural phenomenon that has existed for a long time, but in today's era of serious air pollution, it is troublesome because it carries various pollutants such as bacteria and PM2.5 as it travels through the air. Both can easily cause inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat, and PM2.5 in particular is said to penetrate deep into the respiratory system and lungs because the particles are very small, causing asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.

PM2.5 concentrations are highest from March to May. Yellow dust, caused by prevailing westerly winds, also frequently occurs around the same time. In other words, PM2.5 and yellow dust arrive together in the spring. Furthermore, cedar and cypress pollen are at their peak during this period. For allergy sufferers, it's a triple whammy of pollen, yellow dust, and PM2.5! It has been reported that symptoms such as red and itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose worsen when other irritants are added while the mucous membranes are already inflamed. Also, even people without hay fever can develop allergic symptoms from PM2.5, so everyone should be cautious.

The basic principle for preventing pollen, yellow dust, and PM2.5 from coming into contact with your skin or entering your body is to keep them out of reach. Masks are effective for this, but because PM2.5 particles are so small, a mask with high filtering power must be worn tightly to be effective, making perfect protection difficult. Therefore, the top priority is to avoid unnecessary outings and prolonged, strenuous exercise outdoors. Eye washing and nasal rinsing to remove pollen and other particles that have adhered to your eyes and eyelashes are also effective. If you experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, use eye drops to soothe them.