Abstract
The one reason of the decrease of walking time for adults in South Korea among various factors is the sense of fear about fine dust sparked by media reports, which has created a negative perception of fine dust. This study aimed to assess the change in concentration of fine dust, as well as individuals' walking time and health status, in South Korea, and to investigate the relationship between the media reports on fine dust. Using the national government statistics data, we analyzed the relationship between walking time, concentration of fine dust, and amount of media reports on fine dust. From 2008 to 2017, the average walking time and PM10 levels decreased from 76.17 to 49.47 min and 52 to 45 μg/m3; whereas PM10 media frequency increased from 349 to 9,234. No positive correlation existed between walking time in South Korea and exposure to fine dust. However, media reports on fine dust increased steadily from 2012 and peaked in 2015. The decrease in average walking time in South Korea was due to the negative perception created by the increase in media reports on fine dust, rather than the increase in the actual concentration of fine dust.
Highlights
Interest in particulate matter (PM) among South Koreans is increasing daily
The National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) of South Korea announced that fine dust occurs in boilers, automobiles, factor operation facilities, etc., and these sources account for a considerable amount of fine dust measured domestically
This research question was whether the decreasing walking time of the Korean people was really related to the increase in the concentration of fine dust
Summary
Interest in particulate matter (PM) among South Koreans is increasing daily. Concerned with the increase in concentration of fine dust and the resultant deterioration of the health of citizens, the Ministry of Environment of South Korea promulgated enforcement regulations “Special Act on Fine Dust Reduction and Management” in February 20191. In the analysis of fine dust-related keywords in “Big Kinds”, a comprehensive news database, provided by the South Korea Press Foundation-News Big Data & Analysis System, some articles with business purposes, such as specific services or household goods, were related with fine dust in spite of media coverage. These articles use short-term strategies from focused on simple interest that are not based on fundamental problem-solving methods, and aimed at increasing the public’s response to fine dust. The importance of proper media coverage of fine dust is being emphasized
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
