Health Tips for the Haze
Dear all,
We are currently experiencing the “haze season” . The haze
is caused by "hotspots" (zones with high temperature levels as seen
via satellite imagery) in Malaysia and Indonesia. Lingering smoke from forest
fires on the Indonesian island of Sumatra are identified as the primary cause.
Farmers regularly burn scrub and forest to clear land during the dry season for
agricultural purposes. The haze phenomenon can easily last for
several weeks and quite possibly longer until the dry season ends.
Air Pollution Index (API) and Health
Effects
The API is an index developed based on 5 air pollutants to
reflect the air quality status and it relation to health in easily
understandable way for decision-making. The following table provides details on
the API values and its relevant air quality status.
API Value
|
Air Quality Status
|
Description
|
0
to 50
|
Good
|
-
|
51
- 100
|
Moderate
|
-
|
101
- 200
|
Unhealthy
|
Susceptible
group might be affected
|
201
- 300
|
Very
Unhealthy
|
General
public are affected
|
Above
300
|
Hazardous
|
General
public are affected
|
What
are the possible effects of haze on health?
What
Should We Do?
1.
Keep the haze out - Before going out of the house, make sure all your
windows and ventilation outlets are closed. It is better to come back to stale
air rather than a million haze particles that will stay inside for a long
while. Practice this until the city’s air purity level goes up to ‘moderate’
and ‘good’. Constantly check the news updates and the Department of Environment’s website
to keep in the know.
2.
Drink at least 2 litres of water a day - The key is to stay hydrated. Haze
toxins absorbed by our lungs and skin force our kidneys to work extra hard,
hence we need to help them in excreting the toxins by staying hydrated.
3.
Stay away from alcohol & coffee - In regards to the previous point, alcohol
and coffee dehydrate our system – which makes it even harder for the kidneys to
function in hazy days like these. It is hard to go coffee-less, but stay strong
for the sake of well-functioning kidneys!
4.
Boost your immunity with superfoods - A healthy diet is important at all
times, but in hazy days – it is a definite must. If you are determined to not
suffer from scratchy throat or runny nose, then do your part: eat healthily.
Make sure you have sufficient daily intake of: protein, calcium, refined carbs,
and ‘good’ fats. With balanced diet – you should have enough amount of vitamin
C, E, and Omega-3 without having to source them from capsules.
5.
Avoid going outdoors - Stay indoor as much as possible, but when you do have to
go out, put on a face mask.
6.
Wash your hands & face regularly - As much as we try to not be exposed to
the toxins, our skin still absorbs them. Be fussy about washing hands and face
in public places. After going out, shower immediately to cleanse away the toxin
residues.
7.
See the doctors immediately after health problems - For those with breathing
problems (e.g. asthma) and skin problems (e.g. eczema), always be prepared with
your medical solutions during the haze period. For those who experience sudden
health problems, especially to do with breathing, see the doctor immediately.
However, be informed it is common to experience runny nose because the body
produces extra mucus to excrete the toxins.
Nicholas
Maria Soosay Thas
Senior HSE Engineer
good tips sis..thank you for sharing..
BalasPadamyg penting, diri sendiri mesti mau igt...ada sesetengah org mcm tak 'cara' je kesihatan sendiri...
BalasPadamcool..i'M WEARING MY MASK JUST NOW
BalasPadamKena banyak minum air masak. Risau kesihatan anak2 jer.
BalasPadamEntri yg bermanfaat nie...moga2 keadaan cepat pulih inshaallah
BalasPadamA lot tips given here and there to take precautions but unfortunately kakak found that almost every year the same will occur again and again. It seems the country caused all these haze happened wash-hands didn't bother.
BalasPadamJB now much better after slight rain yesterday afternoon.
jb dh kurang.. ade tmpt dh hujan... :)
BalasPadamtq share this yer... gd one ni !
BalasPadam