[The Hwankyung Ilbo] The Ministry of Environment (Minister Eun-Kyung Kim) announced that the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Environmental Policy, which strengthens the environmental standards of fine dust, will enter into force from March 27.

The Ministry of Environment has strengthened the average daily standard from 50 ㎍ / ㎥ to 35 ㎍ / ㎥ and the average annual standard from 25 ㎍ / ㎥ to 15 ㎍ / ㎥.

The domestic fine dust (PM2.5) standard has been criticized as being very loose compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) standards or the United States and Japan.

In accordance with the enhanced fine dust environment standard, the fine dust forecast standard will also be reinforced from March 27.

Fine dust watch and warning standards will also be strengthened. Processes to revision related regulations are under way in order to strengthen the watch standard (2 hours) from the current 90 ㎍ / ㎥ to 75 ㎍ / ㎥ and the warning standard (2 hours) from 180 ㎍ / ㎥ to 150 ㎍ / ㎥.

The Ministry of Environment is taking advance measures such as reinforced fine dust standards and forecast standards to be reflected in city and province air pollution signboards, homepage and mobile app.

The government has decided to push ahead with the "comprehensive measures for fine dust management" established on September 26 last year and to strengthen communication with the public.

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