How to Deal with Haze
The heat wave has slowly ended at the end of April. It started to rains more frequently compared to previous months. But then, the poor air condition and haze problem seemed come towards us at the same time.
What should we do when the haze comes?
Belows are the tips to deal with haze.
#1 Update the API reading daily
The lastest update from Department of Environment Malaysia shows the API (Air Pollutant Index) in Cheras Kuala Lumpur at 113. The reading consider as unhealthy level. The other places like Petaling Jaya and Klang are in moderate level.
** An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), and 301 and above (hazardous).
Always plan your daily activity by checking on the API reading.
#2 Minimize outdoor activities
Stay indoor if possible. Check on the updated air quality status you if you have to go out. Make sure you wear face mask and stay hydrated.
#3 Stay hydrated
Make sure you drink at least 2L per day. Bring your water bottles whenever you go. Stay hydrated all the times. Use lips palm or moisturizer to protect your lips and skins. Avoid coffee or alcoholic drinks as coffee and alcohol make you more dehydrated.
#4 Keep all the windows and doors close
Close the windows and doors to avoid the polluted air or dust enter your house, if the API level is high. If you must have a window open, use wet cloth to cover it. The wet cloth will filter out the dust in the air.
#5 Wear the right masks
To get the adequate protection against fine particles in haze or polluted air, it is always recommend to use respirators instead of surgical mask.
There are 2 main forms of respirators: disposable and reusable
Disposable respirators are masks that have the word “NIOSH” and either “N95“, “N99“, “N100“, “R95“, “R99“, “R100“, “P95“, “P99” or “P100” printed on them. NIOSH stands for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. A product that bears the word NIOSH means it meets certain standard recommended by the agency.
Remarks: The number indicates the minimum amount of airborne particles (in percentage) that the respirator is able to filter. For instance, if a respirator is “N95” certified, it means it can filter at least 95% of particles that do not contain oil.
