{
  "id": 14907282,
  "title": "Protecting young lungs: Why proper masks matter during haze",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/protecting-young-lungs-why-proper-masks-matter-during-haze",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T08:00:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1556823/protecting-young-lungs-why-proper-masks-matter-during-haze"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Parents should not take lightly the health dangers posed by long-term exposure to haze, especially its effect on young lungs, warns Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) senior lecturer Dr Noor Haziqah Kamaludin. Children's respiratory systems continue maturing until their early twenties, making them more susceptible to air pollution, she said. When breathing rapidly to meet their higher oxygen needs, children can inhale harmful particles during haze that might disrupt the growth of new alveoli in their lungs. Extended exposure could harm lung development and raise the risk of chronic asthma, recurring bronchitis, and persistent respiratory allergies, she said. Dr Haziqah urged parents to monitor for early signs of respiratory issues, such as frequent dry coughs, especially at night or after exercise, rapid breathing, wheezing, fatigue, loss of appetite, headaches, and eye irritation. If children face severe breathing problems, including chest retractions, gasping for air, or pale lips and fingernails, medical help should be sought immediately. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor activities, stay indoors with good ventilation and air filtration, and carry prescribed inhalers when venturing outside. They should continue their medication as directed by their doctors. Ordinary surgical masks offer little protection against fine haze particles, as they don't create a tight seal. Dr Haziqah recommended properly fitted N95, KN95, or KF94 respirators, which filter at least 94 to 95 per cent of particles. For children, the mask should fit well to prevent air leakage around the edges, and the nose clip should be securely fastened. A properly fitted mask should move slightly inwards when inhaling and outwards when exhaling. Dr Haziqah advised against wearing tight-fitting masks continuously for over two hours due to concerns about breathing resistance and fatigue, particularly among vulnerable individuals. Masks should be replaced when they become damp, dirty, or difficult to breathe through.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Parents should not underestimate the health risks posed by prolonged exposure to haze, particularly its potential impact on children’s lung development.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}