Yellow Sand - no day at the beach Published April 12, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Thomas Wigington 51st Aerospace Medicine Squadron OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- In recent weeks you may have looked up and noticed the hazy or seemingly cloudy sky. No big deal, right? After all, "April showers bring May flowers." Maybe you've been sneezing, suffering from itchy eyes, or brushing the pollen off of your vehicle. Isn't this a normal part of the spring season? Well, it's common, but not necessarily normal. All of these things are signs of Yellow Sand, also known as Asian Dust. Asian Dust pollution originates from sand storms in the Gobi Desert of Northern China, Inner Mongolia, and Manchuria. Prevailing westerly winds raise the dust into the atmosphere and carry the dust over to Korea, Japan and beyond. When that happens, Korea Meteorological Administration officials may issue Asian Dust/Yellow Sand health advisories based on how much sand, measured by the number of dust particles, is in the air. KMA warning levels and recommendations are as follows: Watch Level recommendation: · Elderly people, children, and those with respiratory diseases should refrain from going outside. · Kindergarten and elementary school students should refrain from outdoor activities. · Everybody should refrain from heavy outdoor exercises. Advisory Level recommendation: · Outdoor activities for elderly people, children, and those with respiratory diseases are prohibited. · Kindergarten and elementary school students should stay at home and are prohibited from outdoor activities. · Everybody is prohibited from heavy outdoor exercises. Warning Level recommendation: · Elderly people, children, and those with respiratory diseases are prohibited from going outside. · Kindergarten and elementary school students are prohibited from outdoor activities and their class should be dismissed. · Outdoor sports event should be rescheduled. Osan's public health and weather officials monitor the KMA warnings and provide advisory updates throughout the day on the Commander's Access Channel as conditions warrant. The greatest health risks associated with Yellow Sand are respiratory problems, especially for those with allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other forms of chronic respiratory disease. These problems may include congestion, eye irritation, coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath. If you or a family member has one of these conditions please ensure you check the CAC throughout the day as conditions frequently change. During Asian Dust advisories, the best approach is to stay indoors with doors and windows closed. Those with allergies or respiratory disease should avoid outdoor activities. Additional information on the air conditions in the local area can be found at: http://www.korea.amedd.army.mil/webapp/yellowSand/Default.asp. The following measures can also help prevent development of symptoms associated with Yellow Sand: · Limit outdoor activities · Wear glasses instead of contacts · Close windows · Wash exposed skin after returning indoors · Wear long sleeves · Cover mouth and nose · Don't drink or eat outside · Drink water frequently · People with lung disease, older adults and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion If you have any questions regarding Asian Dust/Yellow Sand, please contact the 51st AMDS Public Health office at 784-4494. For more information on KMA warning levels, visit: http://web.kma.go.kr/eng/weather/asiandust/intro.jsp.