Yellow Sand Phenomena / Photochemical Oxidants

On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2012.4.27(Fri)/11:00～

Fukuoka City is in a geographical location that is prone to suffer the yellow sand phenomena, or kosa in Japanese. It is a condition where sand from Asia has become airborne. When the sand is in the air, it may become difficult to see and the quality of sunlight may be adversely affected. It is also believed that the health of those who breathe in the sand may also suffer negative effects.

In Fukuoka City, weather conditions will be posted for a three-day period (today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow) when the meteorological office predicts visibility to be less than 10 km due to the sand. This information, called “Fukuoka City Yellow Sand Information” (Fukuoka-shi Kosa-jyouhou in Japanese) will be posted to the Fukuoka City Environment Bureau homepage, as well as will be announced on television and radio. Information will also be provided to newspapers companies.

In order to prevent the risk of health problems, those with respiratory ailments and/or allergies should be sure to wear a surgical mask when going outside on days where visibility has been predicted to be less than 10 km. In addition, it is advised to rinse your eyes and gargle after returning home. If visibility is expected to be less than 5 km, you should avoid doing vigorous exercise outdoors. Those without respiratory ailments should also be sure to wear a surgical mask while outdoors on days where visibility is less than 5 km.

As much as possible, laundry should not be dried outside, and ventilating rooms with air from outdoors should be kept to a minimum on days affected by the yellow sand. In addition, it is recommended to keep your car windows closed while driving in such conditions.

And there is another announcement regarding photochemical oxidant.

The concentration of photochemical oxidant, which causes photochemical smog, increases between April and September.

Photochemical smog occurs when ultraviolet light and substances in the atmosphere react under certain meteorological conditions to create a high concentration of what is known as photochemical oxidant. During such times, it appears as though there is a white haze, and people experience irritated eyes and throat irritation.

***********************************************************************************

If levels become dangerous to people’s health, warnings will be issued on television, over the radio and posted on the Fukuoka City homepage. When warnings have been issued, in order to prevent damage to your health, you should avoid heavy outdoor exercise, and try to remain indoors as much as possible. If you are suffering severe health effects, please consult a physician.

Also, if you register with the Fukuoka-shi Bousai Mail service, you will receive warnings about photochemical oxidants, as well as earthquakes, tsunamis, heatstroke and more.

To register, just visit bousai.city.fukuoka.lg.jp on the Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Information page of the Fukuoka City homepage.