Haze, Don’t Play Play with API

Health
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By Bryan Tan Van Hong

Publicity Associate at YPC. Currently working in Esyms, an online pharmacy platform and Registered Pharmacist at a retail pharmacy. Oh, and not to forget, pun enthusiast.

Written by Bryan Tan – Marketing and Communications Associate at YPC, currently a PRP at a retail pharmacy, and pun enthusiast

 

No, we did not upload the wrong photo. That, my friend, would be your vision if the haze continues to worsen.

I’m sure many of you would be coughing or sneezing as you read this article. I myself am not excluded as I rub my teary eye while I type this. The haze is something that has been around for many many years, and it is caused by multiple factors. It would be irresponsible for us to pin it on one culprit alone, as we too have contributed our fair share of air pollution ourselves over the years.

Prefer to drive rather than take the public transport? Guilty.

Reaching for that second box of cigarettes? Guilty.

Participating in open burning? Guilty.

However, there is no denying that a large contributor to this is none other than our beloved neighbor, Indonesia. Their forest fires have been rampant for many years, particularly around this time of the year. It is because of this–our nation claims–that our backyards have turned into Genting Highlands, minus the fresh air.

It’s astonishing to hear that Indonesia has rejected our complaints about this issues, with them claiming that we too have our forests burning from time to time.

But no matter what the sources are, we are to stay vigilant of our personal health. The health ministry advises us to limit our outdoor activites if the API score exceeds 100. API is described as the ambient air quality measurement in Malaysia. We are advised to also check our area’s API through this website. Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that this is especially pertinent to children and those suffering from respiratory person.

Dr Hisham also said that N95 masks should be used if possible and should be fitted correctly. If these are not available, three-layer masks can also be used, although not as effective.

You can also visit this website to find out ways to prevent or reduce effects of haze.

Original article – coughs – can be found here. Sorry about that. Now, where did my mask go…

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