Take control of what we put into our lungs
LETTERS: Haze is far more than a seasonal nuisance.
Haze is more than just a brief inconvenience; ignoring it can lead to serious health consequences. The Air Pollutant Index (API) numbers reflect the reality that pollution impacts people of all ages, from schoolchildren to the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Authorities advise reducing outdoor activities during poor air quality, but a pertinent question arises: why would anyone risk exposing their lungs to cigarette smoke, especially when the surrounding air is already contaminated?
Cigarette smoke comprises over a thousand chemicals that can harm the lungs and cardiovascular system, and during a haze event, it compounds the respiratory strain. The burden extends beyond smokers; secondhand smoke also exposes loved ones and the general public to hazardous substances. Thus, the haze should not only prompt people to stay indoors but also to consider quitting smoking.
Public health messaging needs to be more cohesive, combining air quality advice with tobacco control. Haze episodes offer an excellent opportunity to educate people on the dual threat posed by polluted air and tobacco use. While individual responsibility is crucial, it is equally essential for government bodies, healthcare providers, employers, and educational institutions to play their part.
Breathing polluted air should never be considered normal, nor should smoking during haze be viewed as merely a personal choice.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
