The haze may lift, but its health toll could emerge years later

Malaysia continues to grapple with unhealthy air quality due to transboundary haze, with the issue persisting for years. The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Serian, Sarawak, reached a concerning 500 level in September, prompting a state of emergency. By the 15th of the same month, 40 out of 68 monitoring stations nationwide reported unhealthy air quality, up from 23 the previous day.

While the skies eventually clear and normalcy returns, experts warn that the cumulative exposure to polluted air may have long-term health consequences. Dr Anand Sachithanandan, president of Lung Cancer Network Malaysia, emphasized that chronic exposure to annual transboundary regional haze increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly among non-smokers and younger adults.

PM2.5 particles, which can penetrate deep into the lungs, are a major concern, potentially causing chronic inflammation and activating dormant cancer-causing genes. The immediate effects of haze include triggering or worsening respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis. Restaurant owner Farrrah Adeeba noted that her eatery's open-concept setup leaves staff exposed to the haze for longer periods.

In the short term, businesses may face reduced operations, while the longer-term impact could include a decrease in customer footfall due to people staying indoors. Farrrah advocated for clear guidelines from authorities and enhanced protection for workers. Anand stressed that while individuals can take precautions such as limiting outdoor activities, wearing masks, and using air purifiers, addressing the root cause of the haze problem is crucial for the well-being of the nation.