Public focus inevitably shifts to the Air Pollutant Index (API) when haze returns. In order to determine when outdoor activities should be curtailed or schools may need to close, we keep an eye on whether readings are moderate, harmful, or dangerous.
These readings are essential, but children may respond differently depending on their age, health, physical activity and environment.
Protecting them therefore, requires more than watching the numbers. Families and schools must also recognise individual vulnerabilities, respond to early symptoms and prepare before conditions become severe.
Haze can disrupt health and learning
Haze may cause coughing, nasal congestion, headaches, fatigue and breathing difficulties. Even relatively mild symptoms can affect a student’s concentration, classroom participation and attendance.
Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs and immune systems are still developing. They also inhale more air relative to their body weight, with physical exertion further increasing their exposure to PM2.5, fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs.
Those with asthma, allergies, eczema, chronic respiratory disease or heart conditions face greater risks and may experience worsening symptoms even when their peers appear unaffected.
The effects are not only physical. Missing sports and social activities, spending prolonged periods indoors and worrying about worsening symptoms may also affect children’s emotional wellbeing.
Haze preparedness must therefore protect their learning and daily routines, not only prevent medical emergencies.
Preparedness should reflect individual needs
Parents should monitor readings through the official Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System portal and reduce non-essential outdoor activities when air quality becomes unhealthy or continues to worsen. Children should never be encouraged to “push through” coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or breathing difficulties to complete an outdoor activity.
API readings should be considered alongside a child’s health and symptoms. Children with asthma or other chronic conditions may need to reduce exposure earlier and should follow advice from their healthcare provider.
At home, windows and doors should be kept closed where appropriate. Air purifiers fitted with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters may help improve indoor air quality. Families should also avoid smoking, burning incense and other activities that generate fine particles indoors.
When children need to go outdoors, a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask may offer better protection from fine particles than cloth or surgical masks. The mask should fit securely around the face to provide effective protection.
Schools play a vital role
Schools are encouraged to have clear haze-response plans covering API monitoring, timely communication with families and adjustments to activities, in line with Malaysia’s National Haze Action Plan.
Physical education, sports, field trips and outdoor assemblies should be moved indoors or postponed when necessary. Schools should also identify students with chronic health conditions and ensure they can access prescribed medication and appropriate support.
Maintaining cleaner indoor environments is equally important. Classrooms should minimise the entry of polluted outdoor air by using suitable filtration where available. Academic accommodations or home-based learning may be considered when symptoms affect attendance or prolonged haze disrupts normal school operations.
Recognising when medical help is needed
Medical advice should be sought if symptoms persist, worsen or interfere with normal activities. Children with asthma, chronic lung disease, heart conditions or significant allergies require particularly close monitoring.
Urgent medical attention is needed for severe breathing difficulty, significant chest pain, marked wheezing, bluish discolouration around the lips, fingernails or face, unusual drowsiness, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Preparedness cannot be an afterthought once a child begins struggling to breathe. By acting early and responding to individual needs, families, schools and healthcare providers can reduce the effects of haze on children’s health, learning and wellbeing.
Dr Sapna Shridhar Patil is a Senior Lecturer in Public Health at the School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University.
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