Haze
In June 2013 the haze come back throughout South East Asia, particularly in Singapore & Malaysia. In Malaysia, the worst affected area in Muar and Ledang is located in Johor. API in the area up to 746 at 7 am June 23, 2013 and the area has been declared a state of emergency. For areas - other areas, the API also increased high. In Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, the school was ordered to close on June 24, 2013 in order to avoid adverse health effects to the students. Based on this statistic, FKE OSH were provide information about Haze, it is important to student and staff to know the guideline when Haze happened at UiTM Shah Alam. Haze is an atmospheric condition where particles, smoke, dust and moisture suspend in the air obscuring visibility. The NEA (National Environment Agency) has summarized the air quality categories as based on API and how they affect your general health.
Summarized of Air Quality
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Causes of haze:
1) Open burning
2) Smoke from factories
3) Smoke from vehicles.
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The following groups of people are at higher risk when haze happened:
1) People with heart or lung disease (such as asthma, congestive heart failure, heart attack, emphysema, respiratory allergies)
2) Old and frail persons
3) Young children.
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Effects will be experienced after exposed continuously to haze which include:
1) Itchiness in throat and coughing
2) Feeling hard to breath or breathing difficulty
3) Eyes felt painful and tearing
4) Watery nose and frequent sneezing
5) Body skin felt itchy
6) Chest pain.
According to the NEA, people won't need a mask till the API level exceeds 150 in the 'Unhealthy' range, especially for those with existing heart and respiratory ailments or more susceptible to smoke haze. People with respiratory ailments are advised to consult their doctors before using respirator masks such as the N95 mask. These masks are designed to keep out fine particles in the air. Surgical and paper masks do not provide the same amount of protection from the pollutants in the air. Always consult with the pharmacists in attendance for advice on choosing the right mask and the proper instructions to use them. During a prolonged haze period when the air quality is poor, take the following precautions to protect yourself:
1) Pay attention to local Air Pollution Index updates
2) Avoid outdoor activities, especially outdoor sports
3) Close all windows, doors and any openings that may allow haze to enter your home and office
4) Use an air purifier to keep the particulate levels low
5) Keep air conditioner in tip-top working condition with regular cleaning and servicing
6) If you are staying in a building with a central air conditioning system, install an air cleaning device
7) Take your medication regularly if you are suffering from an existing disease, especially heart disease and respiratory disease
8) Drink more water and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
9) Limit or avoid smoking indoor and the use of gas stove, wood fireplace, candles, incense and anything that burns and emits smoke
10) Avoid driving if visibility is bad
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Statement about haze from Pusat kesihatan UiTM Shah Alam Click Here