{
  "id": 16238866,
  "title": "Haze can irritate skin and eyes, not just lungs, experts warn",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/haze-can-irritate-skin-and-eyes-not-just-lungs-experts-warn",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/24/haze-can-irritate-skin-and-eyes-not-just-lungs-experts-warn/240281"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On October 24, experts cautioned that haze not only harms the lungs but also poses risks to skin and eyes. The Air Pollutant Index (API) reached hazardous levels in parts of Malaysia this year, peaking at 519 in six areas of Sarawak on September 1. Readings above 300 are classified as hazardous, while those in various regions of Peninsular Malaysia, including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor, ranged from 101 to 210, falling within the unhealthy category.\n\nMedical professionals emphasize that haze affects skin and eyes beyond respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Dr Norafiza Mohd Yasin, a specialist, explained that fine particles (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and disrupt the skin's natural barrier. This disruption leads to heightened sensitivity, dryness, and irritation, potentially triggering flare-ups of conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.\n\nDr Bala Murali Sundram, a public health medicine specialist, noted that pollutants deposited on exposed skin can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to the skin barrier. This may result in itching, dryness, redness, or exacerbate existing conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis.\n\nDr Mohamed Amin Kader, a consultant internal medicine specialist, highlighted that fine particles in haze can cause dry eyes, redness, and a stinging sensation. This can lead to eye infections like conjunctivitis if not treated promptly. The tear film disruption can cause redness, burning, stinging, watery eyes, and dryness.\n\nTo minimize exposure, Dr Norafiza advised reducing unnecessary outdoor activities, especially when the API is unhealthy. Staying indoors, maintaining clean indoor air, and using a properly fitted N95 respirator during outdoor exposure are recommended. For those with underlying medical conditions, seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms is crucial.\n\nDr Bala advised minimizing unnecessary outdoor exposure when the API exceeds 100, avoiding rubbing irritated eyes, and not using harsh soaps or vigorous scrubbing on the skin. He also suggested removing contact lenses before rinsing eyes with clean water or sterile saline and keeping windows closed during heavy haze while using suitable air filtration to maintain cleaner indoor air.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — Haze pushed air quality to hazardous levels in parts of the country this year, with the Air...",
  "key_points": [
    "Haze affects skin and eyes, not just lungs, according to experts.",
    "API reached hazardous levels in parts of Malaysia, peaking at 519.",
    "Fine particles in haze cause skin sensitivity, dryness, and irritation."
  ],
  "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."
}