Real-Time Monitoring of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) Emitted from Paddy Fields in South Korea: A One-Year Study

This study was performed to determine the pattern of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) emitted from agriculture in South Korea by monitoring its concentrations in paddy fields in real time for one year. The highest average seasonal concentration of PM10 was measured in spring (59.94 ± 22.82 μg/m3), followed by winter (59.00 ± 11.40 μg/m3), autumn (40.10 ± 9.67 μg/m3), and summer (28.3 ± 8.5 μg/m3). For PM2.5, the average concentration was highest in spring (27.27 ± 6.42 μg/m3), followed by autumn (16.98 ± 3.43 μg/m3), winter (16.32 ± 7.51 μg/m3), and summer (14.40 ± 5.21 μg/m3). Real-time monitoring showed that PM10 and PM2.5 from some paddy fields in South Korea had the highest concentrations in spring, especially in April when farming operations begin, with moderate levels in autumn and winter and the lowest concentrations in summer. By time of day, higher concentrations were generally measured in the evening and at night when agricultural workers were not present, but on days with high concentrations, the fine dust derived from paddy field can pose a health threat at any time of day or night. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness of the risk of exposure to fine particulate matter among agricultural workers through information, education, and training in April, when cultivation begins during the spring season. Agricultural workers are also advised to check the level of fine particulate matter on a regular basis and take preventive measures such as spraying, stopping farming activities, and adjusting working hours when the level of fine particulate matter is high. Raising awareness of exposure risks is even more important and urgent for older, health-sensitive agricultural workers and foreign migrant and seasonal workers.