SHARES
It has been a week since I’ve last seen the blue, blue sky – sunlight peeking through the window blinds and the smell of fresh air in the morning. Everyday we wake up to a cloud of smoke shrouding the sun. But more tragically, it serves as a constant reminder of the forests aflame.
The haze is a meshwork of both smoke and dust particles. Although, look closer and you will find a concoction dangerous enough to intoxicate the vulnerable. Additionally, exposed long enough and even the strong succumb.
The air pollutants we can find in the haze include those of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Due to their minute nature, the pollutants easily make their way into our respiratory tract and in some cases our bloodstream.
The highest health risk is posed by a particulate matter called PM 2.5. These particles have a diameter of 2.5 micrometers, which is about 3% of human hair. Attributable to their minuscule size, these particles easily bypass our mouth and throat and, end up in the small air sacs in our lungs and even the bloodstream.
Why Should You Care About PM2.5 ?
Studies have found a close link between exposure to fine particles and premature death from heart and lung disease. Fine particles are also known to trigger or worsen chronic disease such as asthma, heart attack, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that long-term exposure to PM2.5 may lead to plaque deposits in arteries, causing vascular inflammation and a hardening of the arteries which can eventually lead to heart attack and stroke.
Scientists in the study estimated that for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) increase in fine particulate air pollution, the mortality risk rises. Increases rising in the order of 4%, 6% and 8% in medical (all-cause), cardiopulmonary and lung cancer mortality, respectively.
An association between mothers’ exposure to fine particles and birth defects are cited in several reports. Children, older adults and individuals with a weak immune system and/or those suffering from lung and heart disease should take extra precautions in times like this.
How Do I Read The Readings ?
When it comes to deciphering the severity of the haze it is first important to note which country you’re in. For example, Singapore (PSI) measures particulate matter up to 2.5 micrometers in diameter, whilst Malaysia (API) measures up to 10 micrometers in diameter. Pollutants of PM 2.5 are deemed more hazardous to health than the larger particles.
A reliable source suggests to add 25% to Malaysia API reading to include PM 2.5 pollutants.
Generally, a reading of the 24-hour concentration of PM2.5 from
- 100-200 is unhealthy,
- 200-300 very unhealthy,
- beyond 300 hazardous.
Why 24-hour and not a shorter duration when evaluating the health impact of fine particles?
This is because the potential damage caused by air pollutants depends on two things. One, the concentration and two, the duration of exposure. The longer you are exposed to PM2.5, the higher the risk of developing adverse effects caused by the exposure. That’s why a 24-hour measurement is a better reflection of the health effects of fine particles than a three-hour reading.
All in all, I hope everyone takes the necessary precautions in safeguarding themselves from the negative health impacts. If there’s one thing I’ve learned to not take for granted – clean air. Oh, and sunlight gently kissing your skin.
I hope you don’t too.
by Yashwini Ravindranath
Born & raised in Malaysia, Yashwini earned her M.D. studying in Moscow's Russian National Research Medical University. With an affiliation towards research, all things coffee and the startup ecosystem, she now contributes articles to GetDocSays View all articles by Yashwini Ravindranath.
