KUALA LUMPUR: Parents should not underestimate the health risks posed by prolonged exposure to haze, particularly its potential impact on children's lung development.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Faculty of Health Sciences senior lecturer Dr Noor Haziqah Kamaludin said children's respiratory systems continued to develop into their early 20s, making them more vulnerable to air pollution.
She said children breathed faster to meet their bodies' higher oxygen demands.
"Outdoor activities without proper face masks during haze expose children to harmful particles that could disrupt the development of new alveoli in the lungs.
"Prolonged exposure could impair lung development and increase the risk of chronic asthma, recurrent bronchitis and persistent respiratory allergies," she said when contacted today.
Haziqah urged parents to watch for early signs of respiratory problems, including persistent dry coughs, particularly at night or after physical activity, rapid breathing, wheezing, fatigue, loss of appetite, headaches and eye irritation.
She said parents should seek immediate medical attention if their children experienced severe breathing difficulties, including chest retractions, gasping for air, or pale lips and fingernails.
She advised vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and those with existing respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities and remain indoors with adequate ventilation and air filtration.
"Those with respiratory conditions should carry their prescribed inhalers when going outdoors and continue taking their medication as directed by their doctors.
"People should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, as these increase the amount of polluted air inhaled. Staying adequately hydrated is also important," she said.
Haziqah said ordinary surgical masks offered limited protection against fine haze particles because they did not provide an airtight seal.
She recommended properly fitted N95, KN95 or KF94 respirators, which are designed to filter at least 94 to 95 per cent of particles.
"For children, parents should ensure the mask fits their faces properly to prevent air leakage around the edges, while the nose clip should be secured firmly.
"A properly fitted mask should move slightly inwards when inhaling and outwards when exhaling," she said.
Haziqah advised against wearing tight-fitting masks continuously for more than two hours, citing concerns about breathing resistance and fatigue, particularly among vulnerable individuals.
She said masks should be replaced when they became damp, dirty or difficult to breathe through.
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