Kuala lumpur: The public should monitor daily Air Pollutant Index (API) readings and take appropriate precautions to reduce health risks during the current haze, according to health experts.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) Faculty of Health Sciences lecturer Dr. Anas Ahmad Jamhari emphasized the importance of checking the daily API readings provided by the Department of Environment (DOE) before participating in outdoor activities, especially when the readings surpass 100.
Dr. Anas advised those needing to leave home for essential purposes to wear an N95 mask correctly to ensure a proper seal that can filter fine PM2.5 particles. He noted that the effectiveness of the mask diminishes if it is not worn correctly, is loose, frequently removed, wet, damaged, or affected by facial hair that disrupts the seal.
"For those who need to work outdoors for long periods, an N95 mask is the most suitable, provided it is worn correctly and fits tightly. However, its effectiveness is reduced if it is loose, frequently removed, wet, damaged or worn with a beard that affects the seal. Wearing a mask is also less effective for children when the size is unsuitable and does not provide a proper seal," Dr. Anas told Bernama recently.
He also recommended avoiding strenuous outdoor activities like running, cycling, and sports, as they increase the breathing rate, allowing more fine particles to enter the respiratory system. Dr. Anas expressed concern about people engaging in outdoor activities despite unhealthy API levels, which increases the risk of both acute and chronic health effects.
At home, Dr. Anas suggested keeping doors and windows closed and minimizing indoor pollution sources, such as cigarette and vape smoke, incense or candle burning, and cooking activities that produce large amounts of smoke. He also recommended using air-conditioning systems set to recirculate indoor air in vehicles rather than drawing in air from outside and urged the immediate cessation of open burning.
From a toxicology viewpoint, Dr. Anas explained that haze is not merely smoke that reduces visibility but a mixture of particles and chemicals. Fine PM2.5 particles are particularly concerning due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, potentially triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, cell damage, and impaired respiratory function.
Public health medicine specialist Datuk Dr. Zainal Ariffin Omar advised considering temperature and humidity alongside API readings during haze episodes. He emphasized the importance of adequate water intake, as the combination of haze and high temperatures could increase the risk of heatstroke and dehydration.
"During an El Ni±o phenomenon with hot weather, we face a double risk from both haze and heatstroke. Therefore, a comprehensive approach should address both threats rather than focusing solely on API readings," Dr. Zainal said.
Dr. Zainal warned that treating haze as a seasonal phenomenon might lead people to continue their normal routines, potentially reducing preparedness for future episodes. He stressed the continuous strengthening of public awareness through simple and easy-to-understand information to encourage proactive actions before API readings reach critical levels.
Yesterday, the Health Ministry (MOH) reported a significant increase in asthma cases at sentinel facilities, surging more than eightfold to 1,811 cases in Epidemiological Week 34, up from 219 cases the previous week. Conjunctivitis cases also rose from 146 to 720 during the same period.