S. Korean, Chinese business leaders agree to reduce fine dust emissions

Dozens of South Korean and Chinese business leaders agreed Saturday to work together to try to reduce fine dust emissions amid growing health concerns in South Korea.

Fine dust -- particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter -- is believed to pose the greatest health risks to the respiratory system.

Fine particles can lodge deeply into the lungs due to their small size -- approximately 1/30th the average width of a human hair, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

The business leaders agreed to continue to discuss ways to cooperate in reducing fine dust emissions at their regular meeting in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin, according to the Federation of Korean Industries that speaks for South Korea's large businesses.

The meeting came amid growing concerns in South Korea over fine dust particles that are locally produced or blow in from China.

The meeting drew 21 South Korean and 23 Chinese business leaders, including Huh Chang-soo, the chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries. (Yonhap)