오늘도 숨 막히는 미세먼지…10개 시•도 비상저감조치

Here in Seoul, and just about every other part of the nation we are covered in a thick haze.
Fine dust is a health risk, so the government has taken emergency measures to reduce it.
They include restrictions on driving.
Hong Yoo starts us off with the appalling level of air pollution today.
Covering their noses and mouths with masks, people tried to protect themselves on the morning commute as the average fine dust density exceeded 134 micrograms per cubic meter in Seoul.
"Everyone knows how harmful fine dust is, so people wear masks, but it's really uncomfortable wearing this. And this is not cheap... so think about having to buy this everytime."
Starting Sunday, the government's taken emergency measures to reduce the fine dust.
Those were still in place on Monday, and now the government's announced they'll be applied on Tuesday as well -- the first time they've ever been applied three days in a row.
The measures include closing parking lots at public offices, prohibiting the use of diesel cars made before 2005, and an alternate-day no-driving system.
These measures are applied when the average fine dust density per cubic meter is above 50 micrograms.
"Dense fine dust settled over the country due to fine dust arriving from China plus fine dust produced within South Korea that stagnated for a long period of time due to high atmospheric pressure."
Fifty-five businesses that have made a voluntary agreement with the Environment Ministry will prioritize the use of eco-friendly fuels and make improvements in emissions efficiency while the emergency fine dust reduction measures are in effect.
Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Environment Ministry advise people to avoid outdoors activity and to wear masks when going outside.
Hong Yoo, Arirang News.