The health effects of haze are
mainly caused by the irritant effects of fine dust particles on the
nose, throat, airways, skin and eyes. The health effects of haze will
depend on its severity as measured by the Pollutants Standards Index
(PSI). There is also individual variation regarding the ability to
tolerate air pollution. Most people would at most experience sneezing,
running nose, eye irritation, dry throat and dry cough from the
pollutants. They are mild and pose no danger to the health of the
general population.
However, persons with medical problems like asthma, chronic lung disease, chronic sinusitis and allergic skin conditions are likely to be more affected by the haze and they may experience more severe symptoms. Children and the elderly in general are more likely to be affected. For some, symptoms may worsen with physical activities.
For persons under medical treatment, it is important that they take their medication regularly. Persons with chronic heart and lung problems are advised not to engage in outdoor sporting activities if the PSI is above 100. There is otherwise no need to take extraordinary precautions.
What to do when you have a haze induced health problem:
The current haze related health problems are generally mild and can be treated easily. Eye irritation may be relieved by applying normal saline eyedrops which can be purchased from any pharmacy or medicine shop. Persons wearing contact lenses who experience eye irritation are advised to discontinue wearing contact lenses temporarily. Mild sneezing, running nose, dry throat and dry cough can be relieved by cold tablets or cough mixture, obtainable from any pharmacy where the pharmacist's advice can be sought.
Persons whose symptoms do not improve or have worsened should see their a doctor or go to a government clinic.
However, persons with medical problems like asthma, chronic lung disease, chronic sinusitis and allergic skin conditions are likely to be more affected by the haze and they may experience more severe symptoms. Children and the elderly in general are more likely to be affected. For some, symptoms may worsen with physical activities.
For persons under medical treatment, it is important that they take their medication regularly. Persons with chronic heart and lung problems are advised not to engage in outdoor sporting activities if the PSI is above 100. There is otherwise no need to take extraordinary precautions.
What to do when you have a haze induced health problem:
The current haze related health problems are generally mild and can be treated easily. Eye irritation may be relieved by applying normal saline eyedrops which can be purchased from any pharmacy or medicine shop. Persons wearing contact lenses who experience eye irritation are advised to discontinue wearing contact lenses temporarily. Mild sneezing, running nose, dry throat and dry cough can be relieved by cold tablets or cough mixture, obtainable from any pharmacy where the pharmacist's advice can be sought.
Persons whose symptoms do not improve or have worsened should see their a doctor or go to a government clinic.
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