Impact of Haze and How to Protect Your Respiratory Health
By Dr Low Teck Boon, Specialist in Respiratory Medicine, Raffles Medical Group
Haze can affect air quality and may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system. People with existing heart or lung conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may experience worsening symptoms after exposure to haze.
This is particularly relevant during periods of El Niño, which can bring warmer and drier conditions to Singapore and the surrounding region. These conditions can increase the risk of regional fires and transboundary haze.
Knowing how haze can affect your health and what you can do to reduce exposure can help you stay prepared.
What is haze?
Haze occurs when fine particles and other pollutants are suspended in the air. In Singapore, transboundary haze can occur when smoke from regional fires is carried across borders by prevailing winds.
One of the main pollutants of concern during haze is PM2.5, which refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller. These tiny particles can travel deep into the respiratory system when inhaled.
Does El Niño cause haze?
Not directly.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon that can bring warmer and drier conditions to Singapore and the surrounding region. During prolonged dry periods, the risk of regional fires can increase. Smoke from these fires can then contribute to transboundary haze.
The severity of haze depends on several factors, including fire activity, weather conditions, and wind patterns.
How does haze affect your health?
Haze can irritate the:
Eyes
Nose
Throat
Airways
You may experience:
Coughing
A dry or itchy throat
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Eye irritation
Chest discomfort
People with existing heart or lung conditions, such as asthma, COPD, or other chronic conditions, may be more sensitive to haze. The effects can also vary depending on the level and duration of exposure, as well as an individual's underlying health.
Who should take extra care during haze?
Some people may be more sensitive to the effects of haze, including:
Children
Older adults
Pregnant women
People with asthma
People with COPD
People with other chronic lung conditions
People with chronic heart conditions
If you fall into one of these groups, pay closer attention to air-quality readings and health advisories when haze levels increase.
If you have a chronic heart or lung condition, make sure you have your prescribed medication readily available and follow your doctor's advice.
How can you protect yourself during haze?
There are several steps you can take to reduce your exposure to haze.
1. Check the air quality
Before heading outdoors, check the latest air-quality information and health advisories.
In Singapore, the National Environment Agency (NEA) provides 1-hour PM2.5 readings and 24-hour PSI forecasts.
1-hour PM2.5 reading
Useful for deciding whether to carry out an activity now, such as exercising outdoors.
24-hour PSI forecast
Useful when planning activities for the following day.
Check the latest readings before planning prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.
2. Adjust your outdoor activities
When haze levels increase:
Reduce prolonged outdoor activities.
Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise when advised.
Consider exercising indoors instead.
Choose less strenuous activities where appropriate.
Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with existing heart or lung conditions should take additional precautions.
If you have asthma, COPD, or another chronic condition, follow your doctor's advice on physical activity during periods of poor air quality.
3. Keep indoor air clean
When haze levels are elevated, keep windows and doors closed to reduce the amount of outdoor air entering your home.
You can also:
Use an air purifier if available.
Use air-conditioning where appropriate.
Avoid smoking indoors.
Reduce activities that produce additional indoor air pollutants.
Clean surfaces regularly to remove settled particles.
When outdoor air quality improves, you can open your windows and doors to ventilate your home.
4. Consider wearing an N95 mask
If you need to spend several hours outdoors during periods of high haze, a properly fitted N95 mask can help filter fine particles such as PM2.5.
An N95 mask is generally not necessary for short periods outdoors or when you are indoors.
If you wear an N95 mask, make sure it fits properly around your nose and mouth, with minimal gaps around the edges.
If you have difficulty breathing or are unsure whether an N95 mask is suitable for you, speak with a healthcare professional.
What should you do if you develop symptoms?
If you develop mild symptoms such as a dry or itchy throat during haze, reducing your exposure and drinking enough water may help.
Seek medical attention if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms such as:
Persistent coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort or pain
Difficulty breathing
If you have an existing heart or lung condition and your symptoms worsen, seek medical attention promptly.
Stay informed during periods of haze
Haze conditions can change depending on weather, wind, and regional fire activity.
Staying informed can help you make decisions about outdoor activities and reduce unnecessary exposure.
For the latest information, check:
NEA's myENV app
NEA's air-quality information
The latest 1-hour PM2.5 reading
The latest 24-hour PSI forecast
Official health advisories
Dr Low is a specialist in respiratory medicine. He graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland with an honours degree and completed his dual certificate of completion of specialist training in Ireland in General Internal Medicine and Respiratory Medicine. He subsequently obtained his Doctorate of Medicine by research from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Dr Low’s clinical interests include chronic cough, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, lung cancer and advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy.
