{
  "id": 16241633,
  "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-16241633",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "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": "KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — Haze this year reached hazardous air quality levels in several parts of Malaysia, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) peaking at 519 in some areas of Sarawak on September 1. Readings above 300 are considered hazardous, while readings between 101 and 210, observed in parts of the Peninsular Malaysia, including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor, were classified as unhealthy. Although haze is typically linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, medical professionals warn that it can also impact the skin and eyes.\n\nDr Norafiza Mohd Yasin, a medical specialist, explained that fine particles known as PM2.5 can infiltrate the lungs and bloodstream, as well as impair the skin's protective barrier. When these particles penetrate the skin's pores, they can trigger sensitivity, dryness, and irritation, potentially exacerbating conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Dr Bala Murali Sundram, a public health medicine specialist at Universiti Malaya, noted that pollutants deposited on exposed skin can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to the skin barrier, resulting in itching, dryness, and redness, or worsening pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis.\n\nDr Mohamed Amin Kader, a consultant internal medicine specialist at Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat, cited the potential for fine particles in haze to cause dry eyes, redness, and a stinging sensation. If left untreated, these symptoms can progress to eye infections like conjunctivitis. He emphasized that airborne pollutants can disrupt the tear film and irritate the eye's surface, leading to discomfort and potential complications for those with dry-eye disease, allergies, or contact lens use.\n\nTo minimize exposure to haze, Dr Norafiza advised individuals to limit outdoor activities, especially when the API reaches unhealthy levels. Staying indoors and maintaining clean indoor air are essential preventive measures. When outdoor exposure is unavoidable, wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator can help reduce the inhalation of fine particles, although it does not protect against gaseous pollutants. Those experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms should seek medical attention, particularly if they experience eye pain, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, or worsening asthma symptoms. Prevention is key, she stressed, highlighting the importance of monitoring air quality, reducing unnecessary outdoor exposure, and taking appropriate precautions to protect vulnerable groups during haze episodes.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — Haze pushed air quality to hazardous levels in parts of the country this year, with the Air...",
  "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."
}