PETALING JAYA, Aug 20 — As Malaysians once again experience a resurgence in haze pollution and deteriorating air quality, many have begun taking precautions against its more visible health effects.
While coughing, sore throats and irritated eyes may prompt people to take action, some of the more concerning pollutants associated with haze are invisible to the naked eye and may not always factor into how people protect themselves.
Known as PM2.5, these microscopic fine particles — particulate matter (PM) measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter — are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially trigger adverse health effects beyond the respiratory system.
Invisible threat
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines PM2.5 as a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles and states that its major components include sulphates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust and water.
It also notes that PM2.5 can originate from both direct emissions and chemical reactions between gases in the atmosphere.
In outdoor environments, its sources vary by location and can include traffic and transportation, industrial activities, power plants, construction sites, waste burning, fires and agricultural activities.
What makes PM2.5 particularly concerning is that these particles are too small to be seen with the naked eye, meaning people may be exposed without realising it even when they do not experience immediate symptoms.
How does PM2.5 affect me?
While exposure to poor air generally harms the lungs, chronic short-term haze exposure can cause eye and respiratory irritation, including watery eyes, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing and phlegm, as well as headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
More severe cases may include reduced lung function, chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath and bronchitis.
Nevertheless, according to an advisory issued by the Health Ministry, prolonged PM2.5 exposure has been associated with accelerated artery thickening, increased cardiovascular mortality, a higher risk of diabetes and adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes including low birth weight and premature death.
Explaining further, the ministry said that when inhaled, PM2.5 particles can enter the bloodstream and be absorbed by the underlying tissues of a person who is outdoors.
There, they may interact with other compounds in the body, such as “bad” cholesterol, potentially triggering damaging effects like inflammation.
Still, the risks are not necessarily limited to those with existing health problems, as prolonged PM2.5 exposure can also affect otherwise healthy individuals, particularly when exposure levels are high or sustained.
Safeguards
Limiting outdoor activities and exposure can help with protection againt fine particles, while maintaining a consistent intake of water and fresh produce to help flush out toxins absorbed through the skin and lungs, and improve the immune system.
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The Health Ministry also advised using air purifiers to keep particulate levels low and reduce airborne contaminants circulating indoors, while recommending that motorists switch their vehicle's air-conditioning system to recirculation mode when travelling.
For those who require prolonged outdoor exposure, using an N95 respirator correctly is encouraged, as it can filter at least 95 per cent of airborne particles measuring 0.3 micrometres in diameter.
The ministry noted that some people may experience breathing discomfort, tiredness or headaches when using an N95 respirator because the mask can increase resistance to breathing and reduce the volume of air inhaled.
Since airborne haze particles may be as small as 2.5 microns, using a surgical mask will not prevent inhalation of these small particles, the ministry added.
Smokers are also strongly advised to stop smoking during haze episodes, as tobacco smoke combined with particulate pollutants can damage the lungs’ airways and alveoli, potentially compromising respiratory health.
