Haze: Experts Urge Public To Monitor API, Take Health Precautions

By Alyaa Natasha Azhar

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- 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.

Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) Faculty of Health Sciences lecturer Dr Anas Ahmad Jamhari said people should check the daily API readings issued by the Department of Environment (DOE) before engaging in outdoor activities, particularly when readings exceed 100.

He said those who had to leave home for essential purposes should wear an N95 mask correctly and ensure a proper seal to filter fine PM2.5 particles.

“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,” he told Bernama recently.

Anas also advised the public to avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as running, cycling and sports, as exercise increases the breathing rate and causes more air to be inhaled, allowing more fine particles to enter the respiratory tract.

“What I see is that people are still engaging in outdoor activities even when the API has been categorised as unhealthy. This increases the risk of both acute and chronic health effects,” he said.

At home, he advised keeping doors and windows closed and reducing indoor sources of pollution, including cigarette and vape smoke, burning incense or candles, and cooking activities that produce large amounts of smoke

“When using air-conditioning in a vehicle, make sure the system is set to recirculate indoor air rather than draw in air from outside,” he said, adding that open burning should be stopped immediately.

From a toxicology perspective, Anas said haze was not merely smoke that reduced visibility but contained a mixture of particles and chemicals. Fine PM2.5 particles were particularly concerning because their small size allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs.

When these particles settle in the respiratory system, they can trigger oxidative stress, which may lead to inflammation, cell damage and impaired respiratory function.

Meanwhile, public health medicine specialist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said people should also take temperature and humidity into account during haze episodes, in addition to API readings.

He advised the public to ensure adequate water intake, as the combination of haze and high temperatures could increase the risk of heatstroke and dehydration.

“During an El Niño 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,” he said.

He said treating haze as a seasonal phenomenon could cause people to continue their normal routines, potentially reducing their preparedness for subsequent episodes.

Public awareness should therefore be strengthened continuously through simple and easy-to-understand information so that people do not wait until API readings reach higher levels before taking action.

Yesterday, the Health Ministry (MOH) reported that asthma cases at sentinel facilities had increased more than eightfold to 1,811 cases in Epidemiological Week 34, from 219 cases the previous week. Conjunctivitis cases also rose from 146 to 720 during the same period.

-- BERNAMA