High levels or prolonged exposure to the haze can lead to respiratory-related symptoms like chest discomfort and shortness of breath.
Question
I am pregnant and worry about the haze as the weather turns hotter and drier in the coming months. Should I wear an N95 mask outdoors? There are young children and seniors in my household.
Answer
Short-term exposure to the haze may lead to nose, throat or eye irritation, which should abate or resolve with rest (indoors) and minimising time spent outdoors.
Generally, symptoms develop one to three days after exposure to the haze. Higher levels or prolonged exposure to the haze can lead to symptoms of bronchitis, which resemble an asthma attack — wheezing, cough, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath. If the symptoms are severe, you should consult a doctor immediately.
People considered vulnerable may develop symptoms at lower levels of exposure to the haze. The most vulnerable group — those with chronic heart and lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — should avoid outdoor activity when the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (24H PSI) is in the ‘very unhealthy’ range (201–300). Children, seniors and pregnant women form the next vulnerable group; they should avoid outdoor activity when the 24H PSI is in the ‘hazardous’ range (over 300).
N95 masks may be helpful for vulnerable people or for healthy adults who experience prolonged outdoor exposure to the haze. It is important for the wearer to ensure that the mask fits properly, and is worn consistently. It is not necessary to wear the N95 mask indoors. They are not needed for healthy and fit adults who experience short exposure to the haze, like walking from the bus stop to the shopping mall.
Air pollutants from the haze include fine particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5). N95 masks provide good protection from inhaling this pollutant as they are certified to be 95 per cent efficient against fine particles of 0.1–0.3 microns in size.
It is important to keep the home environment clean and dust-free. Besides cleaning surfaces and mopping floors regularly, minimising activities that produce indoor air pollutants like smoking is also important.
Dr Chew Si YuanConsultant, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital
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