Korea has been smothered in a band of ultra-fine dust for days now.
The local authorities are doing what they can to try and mitigate the problem, but all they can really do at this point,... is warn the public when dust concentrations are high.
Hopes were dashed-- that we might have some better quality air today,... with readings still high across most of the country this morning.
Therefore, since this problem isn't likely to be sorted out quickly, we wanted to get an expert's take on how harmful ultra-fine dust is to our bodies.
With me in the studio this morning,... is doctor Kwon Hyouk-soo of the department of allergy at the Asan Medical Center for his take on this chronic national health issue.
Doctor Kwon welcome to the program.

Great to be here.

>>1
First,... can you tell us whether you're seeing more patients come to you with respiratory complaints since this latest bout of ultra-fine dust hit the country... and what kind of symptoms are they displaying?

>>2
These toxic particles that float in the air are so miniscule that they are invisible to the naked eye. How much damage do these fine dust particles do to our bodies-- once they enter our system?

>>3
How much more vulnerable to fine dust are the more vulnerable members of society. Are young children and the elderly more likely to become sick?

>>4
Before we let you go, a two-part question. The common advice we are given is to wear a face mask and to drink plenty of water. How effective are they in stopping ultra-fine dust entering our bodies? And are there any other remedies you'd recommend?

Thank you professor for your time and insights.