Medical Services

Headquarters United States Forces Korea

United States Forces Korea Regulation 40-6

Unit #15237

APO AP 96291-5237

28 January 2020

Medical Services

USFK AIR QUALITY POLICY

*This regulation supersedes USFK Regulation 40-6 dated 22 June 2017 and incorporates

USFK Policy Letter #10 for Elective Use of Filtering Masks by Service Members in Uniform

FOR THE COMMANDER:

STEPHEN C. WILLIAMS

Major General, USAF

Chief of Staff

OFFICIAL:

GARRIE BARNES

Chief, Publications and

Records Management

Summary. This regulation updates policies, responsibilities, and procedures pertaining to poor air

quality caused by high levels of outdoor air pollutants regulated by United States (U.S.) and

Republic of Korea (ROK) environmental authorities. Poor air quality impacts readiness, force

health protection, and the health and wellness of our Service Members, Families, and civilian

employees. Poor air quality is defined as an Air Quality Index (AQI)>100 for Sensitive Groups and

an AQI>150 for the general public, including Service Members. At these cut-offs, personnel should

modify outdoor activity. Military personnel are authorized to wear a particulate filtering mask while

outdoors in uniform when the AQI is reported as Orange (101-150) or higher.

Summary of Change. This is a major revision to more than 80% of the regulation and a full

review is required.

1. Describes outdoor air pollutants that are regulated to protect human health and

welfare, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Quality Index (AQI)

which is used to communicate levels of air pollution and health implications to the public.

2. Adds references and internet links for the AQI.

3. Describes the AQI color codes, air pollutant levels, health impact thresholds, and outdoor

activity guidance.

4. Details responsibilities of Service Components and USFK supporting activities.

5. Updates references.

6. Updates USFK Air Quality Index Guide to Outdoor Activities, and Particle Pollution and

Ozone Information Cards.

7. Makes changes to the glossary.

8. Makes administrative revisions (throughout).

Applicability. This regulation applies to the following:

a. Active duty U.S. Armed Forces personnel who are assigned to USFK or who are within the

ROK while on temporary duty or assigned to rotational forces.

b. Family members who are covered under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

c. Reserve personnel who are performing annual or other training in the ROK.

d. National Guard personnel who are performing training in a Federal status in the ROK.

e. All U.S. civilian employees of the Department of Defense (DOD), Non-Appropriated Fund

Instrumentalities (NAFI) supporting USFK, DOD Invited Contractors, Technical Representatives,

and their family members who are subject to the SOFA.

f. ROK DOD civilian employees.

Supplementation. Further supplements to this regulation by subordinate commands are

prohibited unless prior approval is obtained from Headquarters (HQ) USFK, Forces Korea Surgeon

(FKSG), Unit #15237, APO AP 96205-5237.

Forms. USFK forms are available at www.usfk.mil.

Records Management. Records created as a result of processes prescribed by this regulation

must be identified, maintained, and disposed of according to governing service regulations.

Record titles and descriptions are available on the Army Records Information Management System

website at: https://www.arims.army.mil.

Suggested Improvements. The proponent of this regulation is the Command Surgeon, USFK

(FKSG). Users are invited to send comments and suggested improvements on DA Form 2028

(Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) to HQ USFK (FKSG), Unit #15237,

APO, AP 96205-5237.

Distribution. Electronic Media Only (EMO).

CONTENTS

1. Purpose

2. References

3. Explanation of Abbreviations and Terms

4. Background

5. Policy

6. Responsibilities

Appendices

A. References

B. USFK Air Quality Index Guide to Outdoor Activities

C. Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks (METs) for Various Activities

D. Air Quality Particle Pollution Information Card

E. Air Quality Ozone Information Card

Glossary

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

1. Purpose. To prescribe policies and establish responsibilities and procedures pertaining to poor

outdoor air quality due to high concentrations of air pollutants regulated by U.S. and ROK

environmental authorities. Poor air quality is defined as an Air Quality Index (AQI)>100 for

Sensitive Groups and an AQI>150 for the general public, including Service Members. These

measures include directions for behavior modification during periods of poor air quality in order to

safeguard the health and welfare of USFK personnel and their families and to ensure unit

readiness.

2. References. Required and related publications are listed in Appendix A.

3. Explanation of Abbreviations and Terms. Abbreviations and terms used in this regulation

are explained in the glossary.

4. Background

a. The U.S. EPA has established standards for six types of air pollution to protect human health

and welfare. These pollutants include: ground-level ozone (O

), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen

dioxide (NO

), sulfur dioxide (SO

), particulate matter (PM) comprised of fine particles known as

2.5

and larger particles known as PM

, and lead. The EPA translates those pollutants into the

AQI which is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells how clean or polluted the air is, and

what associated health effects might be a concern, especially for ground-level ozone and particle

pollution. AQI values below 100 are generally thought of as satisfactory. When AQI values are

above 100, air quality is considered to be unhealthy – at first for certain sensitive groups of people,

then for everyone as AQI values increase. The AQI score published for a locality reflects the level

of the dominant pollutant in that area.

b. Depending on the season and environmental conditions, the dominant air pollutants in the

ROK are PM2.5 and ground level O

. In ROK, PM

2.5

originates from manmade sources in East Asia

and the ROK including industry, vehicles, power generation, and waste management as well as

seasonal release of PM from deserts in central Asia known as “Yellow Sand” or “Asian Dust”.

Ground-level O

results from the interaction of combustion exhaust gases and atmospheric oxygen

in the presence of sunlight. AQI in the ROK is often elevated from October through June with

peaks in late winter and early spring due primarily to PM2.5. According to the Army Public Health

Center’s 2018 Health of the Force report, air pollution levels near U.S. bases in the ROK exceeded

EPA air quality standards (AQI>100) approximately 100 days per year between 2015-2017. The

majority of these poor air quality days were due to high levels of PM2.5, although ground level O

and PM10 contributed to a lesser extent.

c. Current scientific evidence identifies elevated PM as a contributor to heart and lung disease

including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, asthma, and other respiratory symptoms. The EPA

defines Sensitive Groups as people with heart or lung disease, older adults (who may have

undiagnosed heart or lung disease), and children. Sensitive Groups may experience worsening of

pre-existing health conditions or may be at risk for development or progression of health

conditions. Unless previously diagnosed by a medical provider, Service Members generally do not

belong to a Sensitive Group and are considered members of the general public for purposes of

AQI activity recommendations. Members of the general public may or may not experience

symptoms due to elevated PM depending on their individual health status and the magnitude and

duration of exposure to elevated PM.

d. The EPA directs personal awareness and behavior modification when the AQI score is

greater than 100. The two most effective methods to decrease exposure to outdoor air pollution

are: 1) limit the duration of time spent outdoors; and 2) decrease the intensity of outdoor activities.

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

Sensitive Groups should modify outdoor activity when the AQI>100. The general public should

modify outdoor activity when the AQI>150. For the purpose of managing population health, the

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services characterizes the energy needed to conduct

physical activity in units known as Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks (METs). Light-intensity physical

activities (such as walking 2 miles per hour) require less than 3.0 METs of energy. Moderate-

intensity physical activities (such as walking 3 miles per hour) require 3.0-6.0 METs of energy.

Vigorous-intensity physical activities (such as running a 10-minute mile) require greater than 6.0

METs of energy. When activity modification is recommended due to the AQI, outdoor physical

activity should be limited to light- or moderate-intensity activities, or a combination of activities and

rest periods that require no more than 6.0 METs. A list of common physical activities and military

duties with corresponding MET levels are shown in Appendix C.

e. The U.S. EPA makes no recommendation regarding the use of filtering masks in elevated

PM environments, but states that individuals who are outside for extended periods in smoky

environments (like those resulting from wildfires) may benefit from wearing an N95 respirator

(mask). When sized and worn according to manufacturer’s guidelines, an N95 mask may be

effective at blocking 95% of PM2.5 particles, but may also restrict airflow and increase the labor

necessary to breathe. N95 masks provide no protection against gaseous forms of air pollution

(e.g., O

, CO, NO

, and SO

5. Policy.

a. USFK commanders, administrators, and leaders will monitor the AQI in order to take

appropriate measures to protect personnel from poor air quality. The World Air Quality Index

website (http://aqicn.org/map/southkorea/) is the official source for AQI information for this policy.

Commanders will employ risk management principles to mitigate the dangers caused by poor air

quality levels. Individuals who experience physical symptoms such as coughing, chest pain,

shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, or other related symptoms while exposed to poor air

quality environments should seek immediate medical attention.

b. The USFK Air Quality Index Guide to Outdoor Activity is found in Appendix B. USFK

Commands and Service Members will follow recommendations for behavior modification in

elevated AQI environments for non-mission critical activities. All USFK personnel and their families

should abide by the following restrictions for outdoor activities:

(1) Good. AQI is Green (0-50). No limitations to outdoor activities.

(2) Moderate. AQI is Yellow (51-100).

(a) General Public and Military Non-Mission Critical Activities: No limitations.

(b) Sensitive Groups: Individuals who are unusually sensitive to poor air quality should

consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion and monitor themselves for

symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

Services (CYS):

1. Recess and Other Outdoor Activities: No limitations.

2. Physical Education (PE) Class: Monitor sensitive individuals and limit their

vigorous activities.

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

3. Athletic Practice and Training: Monitor sensitive individuals and limit their

vigorous activities.

4. Scheduled Athletic Event: Monitor sensitive individuals and limit their vigorous

activities.

(3) Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. AQI is Orange (101-150).

(a) General Public and Military Non-Mission Critical Activities: No limitations.

(b) Sensitive Groups: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks and

reduce intensity of activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, or

difficulty breathing. Follow individual treatment care plan.

1. Recess and Other Outdoor Activities less than 30 minutes: It's OK to be active

outside for short periods. Watch for symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, or

difficulty breathing. Monitor students with chronic medical conditions and follow

treatment care plans.

2. PE Class: It's OK to be active outside for short periods. Watch for symptoms

such as coughing, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Monitor students with

chronic medical conditions and follow treatment care plans.

3. Athletic Practice and Training: Take more breaks and reduce intensity of

activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, or difficulty

breathing. Monitor individuals with chronic medical conditions and follow

treatment care plans.

4. Scheduled Athletic Event: Increase rest periods and substitutions for all

participants to lower breathing rates. Watch for symptoms such as coughing,

chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Monitor individuals with chronic medical

conditions and follow treatment care plans.

(4) Unhealthy. AQI is Red (151-200).

(a) General Public and Military Non-Mission Critical Activities: Reduce prolonged or

heavy exertion. Take more breaks and reduce intensity of outdoor activities.

(b) Sensitive Groups: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Consider moving activities

indoors or rescheduling.

1. Recess and Other Outdoor Activities: Keep all students indoors.

2. PE Class: Conduct PE indoors in an environment with good air quality.

3. Athletic Practice and Training: Conduct practice and training indoors in an

environment with good air quality.

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

4. Scheduled Athletic Event: Consider rescheduling event. If outdoor event is

held, have emergency medical support immediately available. Increase rest

periods and substitutions for all participants to lower breathing rates. Monitor

individuals with chronic medical conditions and follow treatment care plans.

(5) Very Unhealthy. AQI is Purple (201-300).

(a) General Public and Military Non-Mission Critical Activities: Avoid prolonged or

heavy exertion. Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.

(b) Sensitive Groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Move activities indoors or

reschedule.

1. Recess and Other Outdoor Activities: Keep all students indoors.

2. PE Class: Conduct PE indoors in an environment with good air quality.

3. Athletic Practice and Training: Conduct practice and training indoors in an

environment with good air quality.

4. Scheduled Athletic Event: Reschedule event.

(6) Hazardous. AQI is Maroon (301-500).

(a) General Public and Military Non-Mission Critical Activities: Avoid all physical activity

outdoors. Move activities indoors or reschedule.

(b) Sensitive Groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors.

1. Recess and Other Outdoor Activities: Keep all students indoors.

2. PE Class: Conduct PE indoors in an environment with good air quality.

3. Athletic Practice and Training: Conduct practice and training indoors in an

environment with good air quality.

4. Scheduled Sporting Event: Reschedule event.

c. Military Physical Training (PT). Regular PT is critical to the health, fitness, readiness, and

well-being of Service Members, and to the readiness, mission, and esprit d ’corps of military units.

Commanders are responsible for the safety, well-being, and readiness of their units and the

Service Members who serve within them. For the purposes of this policy, PT is considered a non-

mission critical activity. When air quality is Unhealthy (AQI>150), Commanders and unit leaders

should adjust the timing, location, intensity, duration, and type of PT to mitigate the health threat of

poor air quality with an emphasis to perform PT indoors if possible. When outdoor activity

modification is recommended, outdoor exercise intensity should be limited to light- or moderate-

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

intensity activities or a combination of activities and rest periods that require no more than 6.0

METs as outlined in Appendix C.

d. Military Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The PFT is a critical measure of an individual Service

Member’s physical fitness and a unit’s PT program and requires the Service Member’s maximal

performance. While the PFT is a semi-annual training requirement for Service Members, it is

considered a non-mission critical activity for the purpose of this policy. Prolonged or heavy

exertion in poor air quality environments may be hazardous to a Service Member’s health or may

lead to suboptimal performance in the PFT. The PFT should not be conducted outdoors if the AQI

is reported as Red (151-200) or higher. Commanders should reschedule the PFT to periods of

better air quality unless exceptional circumstances exist or perform the test indoors.

e. Elective Use of Filtering Masks by Service Members in Uniform during Elevated PM Air

Pollution Levels:

(1) Policy. As an adjunct to behavior modification and to allow Service Members maximal

control over their personal health and wellness, military personnel are authorized to wear a

particulate filtering mask while outdoors in uniform when the AQI is reported as Orange (101-150)

or higher for PM. Elective wear of masks indoors is not authorized. Military personnel may monitor

local AQI via the World Air Quality Index website (http://aqicn.org/map/southkorea/) and may elect

to wear masks when the AQI>100 in the vicinity closest to their location. Members with medical

conditions worsened by exposure to PM may wear a mask in uniform during periods when AQI is

less than Orange (101-150) and indoors with an approved medical exemption from their provider.

(2) Authorized Masks. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-

approved masks with filtration ratings of N-95 or higher are authorized for elective wear in uniform.

Masks certified by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety with filtration ratings of KF-94 or

higher are also authorized. Masks must be solid black and must cover both mouth and nose at all

times during wear, but may not cover ears or eyes. Military personnel electing to wear masks

during elevated PM events must follow all manufacturer instructions for proper wear and

maintenance of their masks. Masks must be removed when entering security checkpoints for

identity verification purposes.

(3) Unit Procurement and Issuance of N95 Masks for Elective Wear. Units are not

authorized to issue masks for elective wear to Service Members, and may not use operational

funds to procure masks for elective wear.

f. Mission Essential Operations in Poor Air Quality Environments. When a task essential to a

military mission must be executed in an Unhealthy (AQI>150) air quality environment,

Commanders should implement mitigation strategies to limit exposure to the poor air quality

environment in accordance with Appendix B, including modification of work location (e.g. indoors),

activity intensity/duration, work-rest cycles, or use of a N-95 filtering face piece in accordance with

Service Respiratory Protection program requirements.

6. Responsibilities

a. USFK Service Component Commanders:

(1) Publish and enforce procedures and guidance that ensure all personnel assigned or

attached to their command understand and comply with this regulation.

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

(2) Ensure commanders and leaders at all levels implement appropriate measures as

established in Appendix B of this regulation to mitigate the health effects of poor air quality on

personnel in their commands.

(3) Monitor AQI conditions and forecasts daily, or more frequently as needed, via the World

Air Quality Index website (http://aqicn.org/map/southkorea/) in order to follow guidance of “USFK

Air Quality Index Guide to Outdoor Activities” in Appendix B, and to implement modified activities

as described in this regulation.

(4) Include air quality activity restrictions in Risk Management, Health Promotion, and

Injury Prevention Plans in order to reduce the negative health effects caused by exposure to poor

air quality and ensure unit readiness.

(5) Ensure unit personnel at all levels and their families are aware of the negative health

effects caused by exposure to poor air quality, the measures that can be taken to reduce exposure,

and the need to adhere to the appropriate activity restrictions.

b. Installation Commanders:

(1) During poor (AQI>100) air quality events, actively publicize mitigation recommendations

to communities on appropriate command information networks in order to increase USFK

personnel and families’ awareness per Appendix B.

(2) Assess policies, procedures, risks, and benefits regarding filter exchanges in air

handling systems in government living quarters and office spaces in anticipation of seasonal

increase in outdoor PM levels.

(3) Ensure DODEA schools, Child Development Centers, and Child and Youth Services

monitor the local AQI and follow mitigation recommendations pertaining to outdoor activities in

accordance with this regulation.

c. USFK J33: Publish daily AQI and forecasts through established command information

networks in a timely manner.

d. USFK PAO and Safety Office: Publicize safety tips and air quality alert warnings on

appropriate command information networks and USFK websites during periods of poor air quality

to increase USFK personnel and families’ awareness.

e. Commander, Armed Forces Network (AFN)-Korea: Utilize appropriate media platforms to

disseminate safety tips and poor air quality alert warnings and forecast notices in a timely manner.

f. Superintendent of DODEA Pacific-West and Coordinators of USFK CDC and CYS:

(1) Establish systems and procedures to monitor poor air quality forecasts and alerts and

modify activities accordingly.

(2) Identify high-risk individuals and implement activity restriction recommendations in

accordance with Appendix B.

g. USFK Command Surgeon: Serve as the USFK Air Quality Policy regulation proponent on

individual and unit health awareness sharing activity restriction recommendations, protective

procedures, and policy matters.

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

Appendix A

References

Section I. Required Publications

AFH 10-222 VOL 4, Environmental Conditions for Overseas Contingency Operations.

AFPD 90-8, Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health Management and Risk Management.

AR 11-34, The Army Respiratory Protection Program.

AR 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement.

FM 3-3.45/MCRP 4-11B, Environmental Considerations.

DOD Directive 4715.1E, Environment, Safety and Occupational Health.

DOD Directive 6200. 04, Force Health Protection.

DOD Directive 6490.02E, Comprehensive Health Surveillance.

DOD Instruction 1010.10, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

OPNAV M-5090.1, Environmental Readiness Program Manual.

Section II. Related Publications

U.S. Army Public Health Center, 2018. 2018 Health of the Force,

[https://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/campaigns/hof]

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans,

2nd edition. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

[https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition/pdf/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf]

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2014. Air Quality Index: A Guide to Air Quality and

Your Health, EPA-456/F-14-002, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Outreach and

Information Division, Research Triangle Park, NC.

[https://www3.epa.gov/airnow/aqi_brochure_02_14.pdf]

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2015. Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution, EPA-456/F-

15-005, Office of Air Quality and Radiation. [https://www3.epa.gov/airnow/air-quality-

guide_pm_2015.pdf]

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2015. Air Quality Guide for Ozone, EPA-456/F-15-006,

Office of Air Quality and Radiation. [https://www3.epa.gov/airnow/ozone/air-quality-

guide_ozone_2015.pdf]

DOD Instruction 6055.01, DOD Safety and Occupational Health Program.

DOD Instruction 6055.05, Occupational and Environmental Health.

The 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities.

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

Appendix B: USFK Air Quality Index Guide to Outdoor Activities

Recess and Other

Outdoor Activities

(typically <30 minutes)

Physical Education (P.E.)

Class

(typically <1 hour)

Athletic Practice

and Training

(typically <4 hours)

Scheduled Athletic Event

(typically <4 hours)

Good

(0-50)

Good

(0-50)

Moderate

(51-100)

Moderate

(51-100)

No limitations

Unusually Sensitive

Individuals:

Consider reducing

prolonged or heavy

exertion.

Watch for symptoms

such as coughing or

shortness of breath.

No limitations

Monitor sensitive

individuals and limit their

vigorous activities.

Monitor sensitive

individuals and limit their

vigorous activities.

Monitor sensitive individuals

and limit their vigorous

activities.

Unhealthy

for

Sensitive

Groups

(101-150)

No limitations

Reduce prolonged or

heavy exertion.

Take more breaks and

reduce intensity of

activities. Watch for

symptoms such as

coughing, chest pain,

or difficulty breathing.

Follow individual

treatment care plan.

It's OK to be active

outside for short periods.

Watch for symptoms

such as coughing, chest

pain, or difficulty

breathing.

Monitor students with

chronic medical

conditions and follow

treatment care plans.

It's OK to be active

outside for short periods.

Watch for symptoms

such as coughing, chest

pain, or difficulty

breathing.

Monitor students with

chronic medical

conditions and follow

treatment care plans.

Take more breaks and

reduce intensity of

activities.

Watch for symptoms such

as coughing, chest pain,

or difficulty breathing.

Monitor individuals with

chronic medical

conditions and follow

treatment care plans.

Increase rest periods and

substitutions for all

participants to lower

breathing rates.

Watch for symptoms such as

coughing, chest pain, or

difficulty breathing.

Monitor individuals with

chronic medical conditions &

follow treatment care plans.

Unhealthy

(151-200)

Reduce prolonged or

heavy exertion.

Take more breaks and

reduce intensity of

outdoor activities.

Avoid prolonged or

heavy exertion.

Consider moving

activities indoors or

rescheduling.

Keep all students

indoors.

Conduct P.E. indoors in an

environment with good

air quality.

Conduct practice and

training indoors in an

environment with good air

quality.

Consider rescheduling event.

If outdoor event is held, have

emergency medical support

immediately available.

Increase rest periods and

substitutions for all

participants to lower

breathing rates. Monitor

individuals with chronic

medical conditions and follow

treatment care plans.

Hazardous

(301-500)

Avoid all physical

activity outdoors.

Move activities

indoors or reschedule.

Avoid all physical

activity outdoors.

Keep all students

indoors.

Conduct P.E. indoors in an

environment with

good air quality.

Conduct practice and

training indoors in an

environment with good air

quality.

Reschedule event.

***Sensitive Groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults (who may have undiagnosed heart or lung disease), and children.

US EPA

AQI

No limitations to outdoor activies. It's a great day to be active outside!

Schools, Child Development Centers, and Child and Youth Services

Recommended Behavioral Guidelines and Activity Modifications

General Public and

Military Non-Mission

Critical Activities

Sensitive Groups***

Conduct P.E. indoors in an

environment with

good air quality.

Conduct practice and

training indoors in an

environment with good air

quality.

Reschedule event.

Korea

CAI

Very

Unhealthy

(201-300)

Avoid prolonged or

heavy exertion.

Consider moving

activities indoors or

rescheduling.

Avoid all physical

activity outdoors.

Move activities indoors

or reschedule.

Keep all students

indoors.

Unhealthy

(101-250)

Very

Unhealthy

(251-500)

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

Appendix C

Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks (METs) for Various Activities

( annotates activities < 6.0 METs)

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

Appendix D

Air Quality Particle Pollution Information Card

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

Appendix E Air Quality Ozone Information Card

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

Glossary

Section I. Abbreviations

AFH Army Family Housing

AFN Armed Forces Network

AFPD Air Force Policy Directive

AQI Air Quality Index

AR Army Regulation

CAI Comprehensive Air-quality Index

CDC Child Development Centers

CO carbon monoxide

CYS Child and Youth Services

FKSG Office of the Command Surgeon

DOD Department of Defense

DODEA Department of Defense Education Activity

EMO Electronic Media Only

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

FM Field Manual

HQ Headquarters

MET Metabolic Equivalent of Task

NAFI Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality

NIOSH National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

nitrogen dioxide

ozone

OPNAV Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

PAO Public Affairs Office

PE Physical Education

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

PFT Physical Fitness Test

PM particulate matter

2.5

PM with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 micrometers

PM with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 micrometers

PT Physical Training

ROK Republic of Korea

SOFA Status of Forces Agreement

sulfur dioxide

U.S. United States

USAF United States Air Force

USFK United States Forces, Korea

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

Section II. Terms

Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It communicates how

clean or unhealthy the outdoor air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern. The

AQI focuses on health effects experienced within a few hours or days after breathing unhealthy air.

The AQI is calculated for air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act including ground-level ozone,

particle pollution, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. For each of these pollutants, EPA has

established national air quality standards to protect public health and welfare.

Carbon Monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. It forms when the carbon

in fuels does not completely burn. Vehicle exhaust contributes roughly 75 percent of all carbon

monoxide emissions nationwide, and up to 95 percent in cities. Other sources include fuel

combustion in industrial processes and natural sources such as wildfires.

Metabolic equivalent of task (MET). An MET refers to the energy expenditure required to carry

out a specific activity, and 1 MET is the rate of energy expenditure while sitting at rest. This

generally corresponds to an oxygen uptake of 3.5 milliliters per kilogram of body weight per minute.

Physical activities frequently are classified by their intensity using the MET value as a reference.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO

). NO

forms from ground-level emissions related to the burning of fossil

fuels from vehicles, power plants, industrial sources, and off-road equipment, such as

construction vehicles and lawn and garden equipment. In addition to contributing to ground-level

ozone formation, NO

is linked with a number of adverse effects on the respiratory system. NO

reacts with ammonia, moisture, and other compounds to form small particles.

Ozone (O

). Ozone is a colorless gas that can be good or bad, depending on where it is. Ozone in

the stratosphere is good because it shields the earth from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Ozone at

ground level, where we breathe, is bad because it can harm human health.

Particle Pollution. Particle pollution (also known as particulate matter) comes from many different

sources. Fine particles (2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller) come from power plants,

industrial processes, vehicle tailpipes, woodstoves, and wildfires. Coarse particles (between 2.5

and 10 micrometers) come from crushing and grinding operations, road dust, sand, and some

agricultural operations.

Poor Air Quality. Poor air quality is defined as an Air Quality Index (AQI)>100 for Sensitive

Groups and an AQI>150 for the general public, including Service Members. Awareness and

behavior modification begin when the AQI score is greater than 100.

SOFA Status Personnel. The categories of those persons, defined in Articles I and XV of the

SOFA, provided status and protection under the SOFA. For purposes of this regulation, it includes

those members of the United States armed forces, civilian persons of United States nationality who

are in the employment of, serving with, or accompanying the United States armed forces in the

Republic of Korea, and their dependents; and properly designated invited contractors and their

approved employees and dependents whose presence in Korea (and by default whose travel to

Korea) is solely attributed to the performance of contracts with or for the U.S. armed forces in

Korea, and qualify for status and protection under the SOFA.

Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). The international agreement between the U.S. of America

and the Republic of Korea envisaged by Article IV of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty.

USFK REG 40-6, 28 January 2020

Sulfur Dioxide (SO

). Sulfur dioxide, a colorless, reactive gas, is produced when sulfur-containing

fuels such as coal and oil are burned. Generally, the highest levels of sulfur dioxide are found near

large industrial complexes. Major sources include power plants, refineries, and industrial boilers.

Yellow Sand/Asian Dust. A seasonal meteorological phenomenon which affects much of East

Asia periodically during the springtime months. This occurrence starts with a dust storm that

originates in the deserts of Mongolia and Northern China and moves/appears as a distinct yellow

cloud across the Korean peninsula.