FAQs on Smoke Haze and Health

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Smoke Haze and Health

a.    What are the effects of the haze on healthy individuals?

§  The health effects of the haze are caused by the irritant effects of fine dust particles on the nose, throat, airways, skin and eyes.

§  The acute or most immediate effects of the haze are sneezing, runny nose, eye irritation, a dry throat and dry cough.

§  These are usually mild and pose no danger to the health of the general public. These symptoms are expected to subside as the air quality improves.
 

b.    Who is at higher risk of developing adverse effects due to the haze?

§  People with medical problems like heart or lung disease or asthma are likely to be more affected by the haze. They may experience difficulty in breathing, develop a cough, wheezing or chest discomfort/pain.

§  Such individuals should seek immediate medical attention and take the appropriate medication as advised by their doctor.

§  Children and the elderly are also more likely to be affected by the haze. For some, symptoms may worsen with physical exertion or outdoor activities.
 

c.    What should I do if my eyes get watery and itchy as a result of haze?

§  Washing eyes with clean water may provide some relief to eye irritation from haze. Avoid wearing contact lenses. Put on wrap-around glasses if possible.

§  Alternatively, normal saline drops or natural tear supplements are also effective in washing away haze compounds or dust particles which may get into the eye. These are readily available in commercial pharmacies or optical shops.

§  If irritation persists, please see your doctor.
 

d.    Should people wear masks?

§  When the PSI level exceeds 150 (i.e. is in the unhealthy range), a respirator mask (e.g. the N95) is advised for people with existing heart and respiratory (lung) problems or those who are more susceptible to smoke haze, when they go outdoors.

§  These respirator masks however can be uncomfortable to use, and increase the effort of breathing. Those with heart and lung illness are advised to consult their doctor before using them.

§  The N95 mask may also be required for healthy individuals who need to be outdoors for more than 2-3 hours at a stretch when the PSI is persistently above 200.
 

e.    Can I use surgical masks? 

§  Surgical masks do not filter out the fine particles found in the haze.

§  If you are in the vulnerable group, you should use the N95 mask if you need to go outdoors. But please try to stay indoors.
 

f.     Are surgical masks useful?

§  For those who are healthy and would just like to use a surgical mask, they can do so.

§  But if you are pregnant, a child, an elderly or have respiratory conditions, please use the N95 mask instead. Surgical masks do not filter out the fine particles found in the haze.
 

g.    Children’s N95 masks are not available. How can we protect children from the adverse effects of haze?

§  The N95 masks are not designed for use in children or people with facial hair (e.g. beards) because it is difficult to achieve a proper fit, since these masks are designed to seal or fit closely to the wearer’s face.

§  Children should therefore:

§  minimise outdoor activity at PSI levels above 100

§  avoid all outdoor activity if PSI levels reach higher than 300

§  see a doctor if respiratory symptoms such as itchy/runny nose, cough continue despite staying indoors
 

h.    Can I reuse my N95 mask?

§  You can reuse your N95 mask. It should be changed when it gets soiled or distorted in shape. It should not be shared.
 

i.       What is the recommended frequency for changing the mask?

§  There is no fixed frequency for changing the mask. You can change the mask when it gets soiled or distorted in shape. It should not be shared.
 

j.      Which mask is better to reduce the adverse effects of haze?

§  Surgical masks or paper masks are not useful in preventing the inhalation of very fine particles.

§  Special respirator masks (such as the N95), if worn properly are able to filter out the very fine particles. These respirator masks however can be uncomfortable to use, and increase the effort of breathing. Those with heart and lung illness are advised to consult their doctor before using them.
 

k.    Where are the N95 masks available?

§  The N95 masks are available in pharmacies such as Guardian, Unity, Giant and Cold Storage.