WHAT IS 'HAZE' ?

Haze is a phenomenon or occurrence caused by the accumulation of fine particles in the air which are barely visible to naked eye. These particles may occur naturally or may be an outcome of human activities like open burning or smoky discharges from factories and exhaust of motor vehicles.When these particles accumulate in large quantities and suspend in the air, they can lock out sunlight and visibility will be greatly reduced.
AIR POLLUTANT INDEX (API)
The API is obtained from the measurement of fine particles (below 10 microns) and several gases which are hazardous to health such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. The API is used as a guide for measuring air quality and its effect on health as follows :-
API VALUE STATUS
0 - 50 - Good
51 - 100 - Moderate
101 - 200 - Unhealthy
201 - 300 - Very unhealthy
301 - 500 - Dangerous
HAZE THREATENS YOUR HEALTH
Continuous hazy conditions will cause ill effects to all people especially those in the high risk groups such as :-
1. Children
2. The elderly
3. Those with illnesses like, Asthma, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Chronic lung diseases, Heart diseases and Allergies
4. Cigarette smokers
5. Those who work outdoors most of the time
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEALTH PROBLEMS AS A RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO THE HAZE?
The effects of continuous exposure to the haze include:-
Itchy sensation in the throat, and coughing, increased phlegm
Difficulty in breathing (wheeze) or nose block Pain, irritation, red and watery eyes Itchy skin rashes.
If above symptoms persist, get advice and treatment at the nearest clinic.