Do you smell smoke in the air? No, it's not your neighbor burning their rubbish outside the house. It’s the haze, again!
Affecting several parts of Malaysia, the haze is expected to get worse due to the hot and dry weather Malaysia is currently experiencing.
Based on the Air Pollutant Index (API), the air quality in six towns in the peninsula dropped to unhealthy levels. The Department of Environment (DOE) detected unhealthy API readings of 100 and above in Malacca (161), Bukit Rambai (135), Port Klang (104), Port Dickson (120), Muar (125) and Kemaman (108).
The reason we are experiencing this bad bout of haze is due to forest fires in the Riau district of central Sumatra in Indonesia. Strong winds from the South-West is carrying the haze to the West Coast and East Coast of Malaysia.This situation could get worse if the hot spots continue to increase and the direction of winds remains as it is.
Under the air quality index, readings of between 0 and 50 are classified as Good, 51 to 100 as Moderate, 101 to 200 as Unhealthy, 201 to 300 as Very Unhealthy and 300 and above as Hazardous.
Tips to Minimize the Effects of Haze on your Health
- Cut down on outdoor activities.
- Avoid (obviously) or cut down on smoking.
- It is crucial to remember to drink a lot of water. Try for 2 litres a day.
- Wash your face and hands after any outdoor activities.
- Make sure to stock up on medicine especially if you suffer from asthma or heart disease.
- See a doctor immediately if you get sick.
Story from: The Star Online
What are your thoughts on this article? Let us know by commenting below. No registration required.
"ExpatGo welcomes and encourages comments, input, and divergent opinions. However, we kindly request that you use suitable language in your comments, and refrain from any sort of personal attack, hate speech, or disparaging rhetoric. Comments not in line with this are subject to removal from the site. "
