How to protect yourself from haze

What is haze?

Haze is a state of poor air quality or a situation where the air is contaminated with airborne particles such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and Particulate Matter 10 or commonly known as PM10 (particles of 10 microns or less).

Haze is characterised by opalescent appearance of the atmosphere and reduced visibility. It is formed when sunlight interacts with tiny pollutant particles in the air. Some of the light is absorbed by the particles and some is scattered before it reaches us, thus reducing the clarity and colour of what we see, which also results in lower air quality.

Air quality is determined by the Air Pollution Index, which is measured by the Environment Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

Air Pollution Index

The Air Pollution Index or API is an index developed based on 5 air pollutants as mentioned in the article above.

This index is used to reflect the air quality status and its relation to the adverse health effects that may be caused by haze. The higher the API level, the stronger the effects on health.

Follow latest API updates on APIMS website.

What are the health effects of haze?

Exposure to haze can lead to a range of adverse health effects. When individuals are exposed to haze, the tiny particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause health problems.

These particles may also enter the bloodstream and absorbed by underlying tissues, potentially interacting with other compounds in the body, thus causing adverse effects, including inflammation.

Who are at risk of developing health effects?

Individuals who are more susceptible to developing health effects due to haze are:

• Children
• Elderly
• Those who have chronic medical conditions, particularly respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Those with cardiac disorders such as coronary artery disease.
• Smokers

These individuals may find that their condition worsens even with what normal and healthy individuals may consider mild exposure.

What are the short-term adverse effects of exposure to haze?

Following are the most common short-term health effects due to exposure to haze:

• Breathing difficulties, chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath.
• Throat irritation, dry throat, sore throat and/or or cough, phlegm.
• Eye irritation, excessive secretion of tears, and/or conjunctivitis (eye infection).
• Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge.
• Headache, dizziness, tiredness and/or stress.
• Upper respiratory tract infection, i.e., bronchitis (inflammation of the lungs).
• Skin irritation.

These symptoms are typically mild and tend to resolve as exposure to haze diminishes.

What are the long-term adverse effects of exposure to haze?

Following are the potential long-term health effects due to exposure to haze:

• Most particles in haze are less than 2.5 microns in diameter. Therefore, these ultra-small particles remain in the air longer and are easily transported over long distances, making them more likely to be inhaled by animals and humans.
• May contribute to increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and reduction in life expectancy.
• May contribute to the development of diabetes.
• May contribute to spontaneous abortion, low birth weight infants, congenital abnormalities, and infant mortality.

How to protect yourself from haze?

Following are steps that you can take to prevent or minimise the effects of haze on your health:

• Reduce or limit the time spent outdoors to minimise exposure to haze.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain your body’s hydration level so that your body temperature is regulated.
• Frequent washing of hands and the face after outdoor activities.
• Take frequent baths to cool down.
• Avoid wearing thick, tight, and dark-coloured clothes.
• Mask up when outdoors.
• Avoid smoking because smoking increases indoor air pollutants.
• Use an air purifier indoors if possible.
• Keep indoor premises and environment clean.
• Use the air-recirculation mode when using the air-conditioner while driving.

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

It is recommended to take necessary precautions during the haze season to mitigate potential health effects. Seek medical attention promptly if you or your loved ones feel unwell.

If you encounter a situation that requires medical attention during the haze season, please seek immediate medical attention at the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at your nearest Pantai Hospital.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.