The reaction came amid a South Korean news report that the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) found the average concentration of airborne particles, including lead, at Jeju Island rose to 107 microns per cubic meter, 7 micrograms above the clean-air standard on Jan. 12 and Jan. 15.
The NIER said the China-made pollutants were blown to South Korea by winds.
However, Zhang Yuanxun, professor of resources and environment at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the South Korean institute's conclusion was made too hastily, according to the Global Times affiliated with the People's Daily.
"It’s difficult to assert that the heavy air pollution in China resulted in a decline in air quality on Jeju Island," Zhang said, noting that the lack of wind in north China from Jan. 12 to Jan. 15 was one of the reasons the air quality index in the region soared.
Heavy smog enveloped Beijing and other Chinese areas last weekend.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com