Haze is a phenomenon or occurance 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 an outcome of human activities like open burning or smoky 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 reduced.

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The main sources of haze are :

• OPEN BURNING OF RUBBISH AND AGRICULTURAL WASTE, AND FOREST FIRES

• SMOKE FROM FACTORIES AND COAL-FIRED POWER GENERATORS.

• EXHAUST FUMES FROM MOTOR VEHICLES.

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

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

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Continuous hazy conditions will cause ill effects to all people especially those in the high risk groups such as :

1. Children

2. The elderly

3. Those with illness like

4. Cigarette smokers

5. Those who work outdoors most of the time

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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS AS A RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO THE HAZE

The effects of continuous exposure to the haze include :

• Itchy sensation in the throat, and coughing

• Difficulty in breathing or nasal congestion

• Painful and watery eyes

• Watery nose and constant sneezing

• Itchy skin

• Feeling of chest pain

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• Please follow closely the advice given below :

• 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 their condition worsen.

• Those in the high risk groups should take medication according to doctor's advice.

• Nasal masks should be worn, especially by all motorcyclists, outdoor workers, or those working in dusty places, and those in the high risk groups.

• Smokers who have young children, elderly parents, and relatives who are sick should not smoke at home.

• As far as possible, the public is advised to stay indoors.

• Reduce outdoor sport or physical activities.

• Always wash your face or skin that have been exposed to the haze with clean water.

• Use your car air-cond if you have one.

• Drink a lot of water.

• 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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Above information taken from "sumber Bahagian Pendidikan Kesihatan dengan kerjasama Unit Kesihatan Pekerja dan Alam Sekitar Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia".


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