Hazy in da house

Here's a short circular courtesy from International SOS.

WHAT IS 'HAZE' ?

Haze is a phenomenon or occurrence caused by the accumulation of fine
particles in the air which are barely visible to 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 lock out sunlight and visibility will be greatly reduced.


AIR POLLUTANT INDEX (API)

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 :-

API VALUE STATUS
0 - 50 Good
51 - 100 Moderate
101 - 200 Unhealthy
201 - 300 Very unhealthy
301 - 500 Dangerous


HAZE THREATENS YOUR HEALTH

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 illnesses like, Asthma, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Chronic lung diseases, Heart diseases and Allergies
4. Cigarette smokers
5. Those who work outdoors most of the time


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

The effects of continuous exposure to the haze include:-

Itchy sensation in the throat, and coughing, increased phlegm

Difficulty in breathing (wheeze) or nose block

Pain, irritation, red and watery eyes

Itchy skin rashes

If above symptoms persist, get advice and treatment at the nearest clinic.


PREVENTION OF HAZE-RELATED ILLNESSES

Close all windows and doors to your bedroom. Boil a kettle (electric) of
water in the room and allow the steam to fill the room. Allow 10 - 15
minutes for the fine water vapor (steam) to collect the pollutants /
particles in the air and settle down. After this the room should contain
healthier air.

Usage of face and surgical masks are of no use if they are not regularly
changed as they can act as a base for bacteria to grow and result in
otherinfections. Only very close fitting masks that do not allow air to
enter through the sides of the mask are effective.

Limit all outdoor activity as far as possible e.g avoid outdoor sport or
physical activities.

Always wash / bathe as soon as you return from outdoors. This will minimize
eye / skin irritation. For minor eye irritation try using over the counter
eye drops e.g Eye Mo.

Use your car air-conditioner when traveling in the car.

Drink a lot of water.

Smokers are advised to quit smoking. Oh, NO!

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 worsens.