The air pollution crisis due to fires in Indonesia is showing no signs of improvement, or even a solution. It seems like a routine I must say. Well, we have been facing the haze for almost a decade! Looking back for the past few days, the haze is causing some significant effects on our social and economic activities – schools were forced to close, adults find it difficult to carry out our daily routine, health effects and many more.
The haze is no joke! We might feel like it is normal, but the polluted air that we breathe in is actually harmful to our lungs. To parents with little ones, it is advisable for you to not bring your kids outside. If the polluted air is harmful to us, it is double the harmful to our kids. Children are especially at risk because of their immune system and lung mechanisms are still immature.
The Ill Effects on Children
Highlighted
These are among the common ill effects haze has on your children. The effects are usually mild for babies and kids who are generally in good health.
- Runny nose
- Blocked nose
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Sneezing
- Dry/sore throat
- Dry irritant cough
- Breathing difficulty
- Rashes
Parents, please do take note of your children’s condition from time to time. These symptoms may be more severe for babies and kids with respiratory problems, sinusitis and allergic skin conditions.
Precautionary Steps to be Taken to Protect Your Children from Haze
- Stay indoor. Refrain from bringing your child outdoors.
- Keep all doors and windows closed all the time.
- Don’t forget to turn on the fan or air-conditioner at home to reduce the heat trapped inside our home.
- Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated.
- Prepare meals packed with vegetables and fruits for your kids.
- Look for a mask for kids (and you!) with better filtration. Make sure to wear it whenever you are outside.
- Keep some common medicine on stand by.
- Consult a doctor if your kids are suffering from any of the symptoms above get worse.
Health Director-General, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the N95 mask is the most effective to use during the haze.
We all know that wearing a mask is effective against the haze, but how effective they actually are? Well, Malaysian netizens surely know how to create a real fun-fact about all kind of masks people usually use. Look at these type of mask commonly used during haze.
Our advice? Stay indoors, drink a lot of water, and wear the N95 masks if you have to go outside. For parents who are driving, make sure to watch the distance as the haze minimises our sight. Please take extra care of yourself and your family throughout this condition. Be safe!