CONTENTS
Quick Answer:
Haze can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and airways. Common symptoms include dry cough, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, eye irritation and breathing discomfort. People with asthma, chronic lung disease or heart conditions may experience worsening symptoms.
Most mild irritation improves after exposure is reduced. Consult a doctor if your symptoms persist, worsen or include breathing difficulties.
Why Are More People Feeling Unwell During the Haze?
Some clinics in Singapore have reported up to a 30% increase in patients with haze-related illnesses amid the recent smoky conditions. Most reported cases were mild to moderate, while many affected patients had underlying health conditions. Channel NewsAsia
The main pollutant of concern during haze periods is particulate matter. This includes PM2.5, which refers to fine particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller. These particles can irritate the respiratory system and aggravate existing heart or lung conditions. National Environment Agency
The effect of haze varies according to:
- Your general health and existing medical conditions
- The current air quality
- How long you remain outdoors
- The intensity of your outdoor activity
Symptoms may not appear immediately. According to the Ministry of Health, there can be a delay of one to three days between haze exposure and the development of symptoms.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Haze Exposure?
Short-term haze exposure may cause:
- Dry cough
- Sore or irritated throat
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Red, itchy or watery eyes
- Headache
- Breathing discomfort
- Wheezing in people with sensitive airways
- Worsening of existing asthma or respiratory symptoms
In otherwise healthy people, mild irritation often improves after exposure to haze particles is reduced.
Haze symptoms can resemble a cold, influenza or an allergy. Fever, chills and significant body aches are less typical of haze irritation and may indicate an infection or another condition. A medical assessment may be needed if the cause of your symptoms is unclear.
Who Is More Vulnerable to the Effects of Haze?
People who may be more sensitive to poor air quality include:
- Children
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- People with asthma
- People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- People with chronic heart or lung conditions
These groups should monitor their symptoms carefully and follow the appropriate health advisory when air quality worsens.
People with an existing condition should also keep their prescribed medication readily available. Do not increase or change the dosage without medical advice.
How Should You Use PSI and PM2.5 Readings?
The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index, or PSI, reflects Singapore’s overall air quality. A PSI reading from 101 to 200 is classified as Unhealthy.
The two readings serve different purposes:
| Air-Quality Reading | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| 1-hour PM2.5 reading | Helps you decide whether to carry out an activity within the next few hours. |
| 24-hour PSI forecast | Helps you plan activities for the following day. |
Reducing prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity as air quality worsens can lower your exposure to haze particles. Check the latest readings and advisories through the NEA haze portal.
How Can You Reduce Haze Exposure?
Limit strenuous outdoor activity
Physical exertion increases your breathing rate, which may increase the amount of haze particles you inhale. Move exercise indoors or reduce its duration and intensity when air quality is poor.
Keep indoor air cleaner
Close windows and doors when outdoor air quality is poor. If available, use an air purifier with a suitable particle filter in the room where you spend the most time.
Avoid activities that add particles or smoke to indoor air, including smoking, burning incense and using candles.
Stay hydrated
Drink sufficient water throughout the day. This can help relieve dryness and discomfort in the mouth and throat, although it does not remove inhaled haze particles from the lungs.
Reduce eye irritation
Limit the use of contact lenses if your eyes become dry or irritated. Avoid rubbing your eyes and rinse them with clean water if necessary. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor before using medicated eye drops.
Do You Need to Wear an N95 Mask?
An N95 mask can reduce exposure to fine airborne particles when it fits properly. However, current government guidance states that it is generally unnecessary for short periods of exposure, such as travelling between home and work or school.
A healthy person who must remain outdoors for several hours may consider an N95 mask when the forecasted air quality reaches the Hazardous range, above PSI 300.
Vulnerable people should minimise outdoor activity when air quality is Very Unhealthy, above PSI 200. If prolonged outdoor exposure cannot be avoided, an N95 mask may help reduce exposure.
Older adults, pregnant women and people with severe heart or lung conditions who experience difficulty breathing should consult a doctor about whether wearing an N95 mask is suitable. NEA haze advisory
Surgical masks may help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets, but they are not designed to provide the same level of filtration against fine haze particles as a properly fitted N95 mask.
When Should You See a Doctor for Haze-Related Symptoms?
Consult a GP if:
- Your cough, sore throat or eye irritation persists or worsens
- You develop wheezing or breathing discomfort
- Your asthma or existing respiratory symptoms become more frequent
- Your usual medication does not control your symptoms
- You are uncertain whether your symptoms are caused by haze, an infection or an allergy
- Your symptoms interfere with sleep, work or normal activities
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, fainting or bluish lips.
How Can a GP Help?
A GP can assess your symptoms, breathing and medical history to determine whether they are consistent with haze irritation or may be caused by another condition, such as an infection, allergy or asthma flare-up.
Treatment will depend on the symptoms and diagnosis. Your doctor may also review your existing asthma or respiratory medication and advise you on managing your condition while air quality remains poor.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general health information and does not replace an individual medical consultation.
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