State-run environmental research institutes of South Korea, China and Japan have agreed to conduct joint research on ways to tackle fine dust pollution and strengthen cooperation over the issue, Seoul researchers said Friday.

   The agreement was reached during the 11th meeting of chiefs of national environmental research institutes from the three countries being held in the Japanese city of Kawasaki, South Korea's National Institute of Environmental Research said.

   It comes amid growing health concerns in South Korea and Japan due to fine dust particles mainly blowing in from China. Fine dust is defined as particles smaller than 10 micrometers, and if inhaled, it can cause various respiratory diseases and undermine the body's immune system.

   The three parties decided to further discuss causes of Asian air pollution such as fine dust and yellow dust during the next meeting set to open in Yeosu on South Korea's south coast in November next year, NIER said.

   The countries also agreed to allow outside experts to take part in nine priority cooperation projects being jointly pushed by the three national institutes from 2004 to address Asia's common environmental problems, it said.

   South Korea currently leads three priority projects in the fields of Asian air pollution, yellow dust and solid waste management.  (Yonhap)