Amid rising concerns about the hazards of haze, Malaysian parents are taking proactive measures to ensure their children's safety. From limiting outdoor activities to ensuring they wear protective face masks, these parents are leaving no stone unturned to shield their offspring from harmful air particles.
Natural Defenses: Homes Turned Green with Plants as Air Purifiers
A 35-year-old marketing executive, Ms. Myra Latifa Abdul Rahman, is a concerned parent who goes above and beyond for her son's health. Owing to her 10-year-old son's dust allergy, she is particularly careful.
"To protect my son, I've minimized his outdoor activities. And on days he has to go to school or pay tuition, I ensure he is wearing an N95 mask," she shared.
Ms. Rahman has even introduced natural air purifiers with many plants around her home and emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated by encouraging her son to drink ample water.
Another concerned mother, Ms. Melina Idris, who has a one-year-old daughter, chose to stay indoors after observing a hazy atmosphere one Saturday morning. She believes that air-conditioned indoor environments act as a buffer against the polluted air.
Dr. Adam Mikael Muzhafar, a father of twins, emphasizes the need for the government to issue timely haze alerts. This 34-year-old doctor believes that such warnings can greatly help parents brace for and respond to these environmental challenges.
He also advocated for regional collaborative efforts to curtail cross-border air pollution. Highlighting the significance of indoor air purifiers, he said, "Such devices are essential, especially during haze periods, to ensure we breathe clean air indoors."
However, despite the growing concerns, pharmacies in the region have reported no heightened demand for face masks. Michael Kok, a 47-year-old pharmacy owner from Ipoh, Perak, confirmed that face mask sales remained steady despite the deteriorating air quality. Another pharmacy worker, Ms. Lau, echoed these sentiments, noting that due to the reduced prevalence of COVID-19 cases, the demand for face masks has significantly dwindled.
Expert Recommendations: Emphasizing the Right Masks and Ensuring Adequate Hydration
Yet, the experts advise caution. Pharmacist Lee Huan Yee, from Petaling Jaya, highlighted that while adults should wear N95 masks during hazy conditions, children should opt for surgical masks. She added a caveat: "Surgical masks, however, don't offer adequate protection against haze."
Corroborating this, the Health Ministry's guidelines also advocate the use of respirators like N95 masks over surgical masks. They offer a better seal, thereby preventing polluted air from being inhaled. However, they caution against the use of N95 masks by pregnant women, children, and those with specific health conditions.
Dr. Zainal Ariffin Omar, a public health expert, urges vulnerable demographics like children and the elderly to remain indoors during hazy spells. Motorcyclists and those working outdoors should prioritize wearing masks. In addition, he stressed the importance of staying hydrated, seeking medical help in cases of respiratory issues, and staying updated via official government announcements.
Professor Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, a public health expert at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, has a stern warning for those undermining the effects of haze. She highlighted that a staggering 94% of haze comprises ultra-fine particles that can easily infiltrate our lungs and bloodstream. Her advice? "Ensure all doors and windows are shut, and frequently clean the house to minimize dust."
This escalating environmental concern has undoubtedly nudged many Malaysian parents into action, reflecting the lengths they're willing to go to ensure their children's health and safety.
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