WHAT IS HAZE

Haze is a phenomenon or occurrences caused by the accumulation of fine particles in the air which are barely visible to the naked eye. These particles may occur naturally or may be and outcome of human activities like open burning or smoking discharges from factories and exhaust of motor vehicles. When these particles accumulate in large quantities and suspend in the air they can block out sunlight and visibility will be greatly reduce.

SOURCES OF HAZE

  1. Open burning of rubbish and agricultural wastes, and forest fires.
  2. Smoke from factories and coal-fired power generators.
  3. Exhaust fumes from motor vehicles.
  4. Activities that pollute the air.

AIR POLLUTANT INDEX (API)

The API is obtained from the measurement of fine particles (below 10 microns) and several gasses, which are hazardous to health such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. The API is used as a guide for measuring air quality and its effect on health as follows :

API VALUE STATUS
0 – 50 GOOD
51 – 100 MODERATE
101 – 200 UNHEALTHY
201 – 300 VERY UNHEALTHY
301 – 500 301 – 500

You are advised to monitor the latest development in air quality through the mass media
(newspapers, television and radio) to know the current level of haze in your area so that you can take preventive measures.

HAZE THREATENS YOUR HEALTH

  1. Continuos hazy conditions will cause ill effects to all people especially those in the high-risk groups such as:
  2. Children
  3. The elderly
  4. Those with illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic lung diseases, heart diseases and allergies.
  5. Cigarette smokers
  6. Those who work outdoors most of the time.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEALTH PROBLEMS AS A RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO THE HAZE

  1. The effects of continuos exposure to the haze include:
  2. Itchy sensation in the throat and coughing.
  3. Difficulty and breathing or nasal congestion.
  4. Painful and watery eyes.
  5. Watery nose and constant sneezing.
  6. Itchy skin.
  7. Feeling of chest pain.
  8. Get advice and treatment at the nearest clinic if you have the above signs and symptoms.

PREVENTION OF HAZE RELATED ILLNESSES

Please follow closely the advice given below:

  1. Those who suffer from diseases such as flu, bronchitis, asthma, conjunctivitis, heart diseases, or chronic lung diseases should seek immediate treatment at the clinic or hospital if the condition worsen.
  2. Those in the high-risk groups should take medication according to doctor’s advice.
  3. Nasal masks should be worn, especially by all motorcyclist, outdoor workers, or those working in dusty places and those in the high-risk groups.
  4. Smokers who have young children, elderly parents, and relatives who are sick should not smoke at home.
  5. As far as possible, the public is advised to stay indoors.
  6. Reduce outdoor sports or physical activities.
  7. Always wash your face or skin that have been exposed to the haze with clean water.
  8. Use your car air-cond if you have one.
  9. Drink a lot of water.
  10. Smokers are advised not to smoke if the air is unhealthy (i.e. API exceeds 100).

Those in the high-risk groups are advised to take leave and go to haze free areas if the haze persists at the dangerous level in their area.

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