Haze in the Air, Take Extra Care

Have you noticed the sky looking gray, smoky, or unusually hazy lately?

For many of us in the Philippines, especially in parts of the Visayas, hazy skies may be more than just an unusual sight. The air can contain smoke and tiny particles that may irritate our eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

Recently, haze associated with fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia has reached parts of the Philippines. With the help of prevailing winds and the southwest monsoon (Habagat), smoke and fine particles can travel across countries and reach communities in the Visayas, especially areas in and around Western Visayas. Philippine authorities have advised the public to take precautions and reduce unnecessary exposure.

The current haze affecting parts of the Philippines is associated with forest, land, and peatland fires in Indonesia.

When these areas burn, they release smoke and very small particles into the atmosphere. One of the main concerns is PM2.5, or fine particulate matter that is small enough to be inhaled deep into our respiratory system. Because these particles can travel with the wind, smoke from fires happening hundreds of kilometers away can eventually affect communities here in the Philippines.

HOW CAN HAZE AFFECT OUR HEALTH?

Not everyone will experience the same effects, but breathing air affected by smoke and fine particles can cause irritation and discomfort.

You may experience:

• Coughing

• Dry or irritated throat

• Runny or irritated nose

• Watery or irritated eyes

• Headaches

• Wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Chest discomfort
  

For some people, especially children, older adults, and those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, exposure to polluted air may pose a greater health concern.

This is why it is important not to ignore haze, even if you only notice it as a gray sky or reduced visibility.

For many Filipinos, going outside is part of everyday life. We commute to work, bring our children to school, run errands, exercise outdoors, or spend time outside.

When haze levels are elevated, a few simple precautions can help reduce exposure.

DO:

✓ Wear a proper mask when going outdoors.

✓ Limit prolonged outdoor activities.

✓ Reduce strenuous outdoor activities.

✓ Keep updated on local air quality.

✓ Take care of your nose.

DON'T:

✕ Don't stay outdoors unnecessarily when the haze is heavy.

✕ Don't ignore persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest discomfort.

✕ Don't assume that haze is harmless just because it looks like fog.

DON'T FORGET YOUR NOSE

When we talk about haze, we often think about our lungs. But our nose is one of the first parts of our respiratory system to come into contact with the air we breathe.

Exposure to smoke and irritating particles can leave the nasal passages feeling dry, irritated, or uncomfortable. And for those of us who already spend time outdoors, whether commuting under the heat, riding a motorcycle, walking to work or school, or running daily errands, taking care of our nasal passages can be an important part of our everyday nasal-care routine.

CARE FOR YOUR NOSE WITH SNIZEL^®

Snizel® Moisturizing Gel provides lasting hydration and relief for dry and irritated nasal passages.

When your nose feels dry or irritated, Snizel® can help provide the moisture your nasal passages need for more comfort. However, it is important to remember that Snizel® Moisturizing Gel does not protect against haze or PM2.5 exposure.

Breathe with care. Whether you're heading to work, going to school, commuting, exercising, or simply spending time outdoors, pay attention to the air around you and take the necessary precautions.

Stay informed. Limit exposure. Wear proper protection. And don't forget to care for your nose. Reference: World Health Organization: WHO. (2019b, November 26). Wildfires.

Xing et al (2016). The impact of PM2.5 on the human respiratory system. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles