{
  "id": 4372465,
  "title": "Haze: Experts urge public to monitor API, take health precautions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/haze-experts-urge-public-to-monitor-api-take-health-precautions",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-30T07:25:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1522070/haze-experts-urge-public-monitor-api-take-health-precautions"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Health experts in Malaysia are urging the public to monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) and take necessary precautions during the current haze. The Department of Environment (DOE) provides daily API readings, and Dr Anas Ahmad Jamhari, a lecturer at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), advises people to check these readings before engaging in outdoor activities when the readings exceed 100. For essential outings, wearing an N95 mask with a proper seal is recommended, especially when dealing with fine PM2.5 particles. However, its effectiveness diminishes if the mask is loose, frequently removed, wet, damaged, or worn with facial hair affecting the seal. Children should also wear appropriate-sized masks with proper seals. The public is advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities like running, cycling, and sports, as they increase breathing rates and expose the respiratory tract to more fine particles. Dr Anas also recommends keeping indoor doors and windows closed, reducing indoor pollution sources, using recirculation settings in air-conditioned vehicles, and stopping open burning immediately. Toxicology expert Dr Anas highlights that haze consists of fine particles and harmful chemicals, with PM2.5 particles being particularly dangerous, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, cell damage, and impaired respiratory function. Public health specialist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar emphasizes the importance of considering temperature and humidity in addition to API readings, advising adequate water intake to prevent heatstroke and dehydration during haze episodes. He stresses that a comprehensive approach should address both haze and heatstroke rather than focusing solely on API readings. The Health Ministry reported a significant increase in asthma and conjunctivitis cases during recent weeks, urging continuous public awareness through simple and understandable information to avoid complacency during higher API readings.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The public should monitor daily Air Pollutant Index (API) readings and take appropriate precautions to reduce health risks during the current haze, according to health experts.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Haze: Experts Urge Public To Monitor API, Take Health Precautions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/general-haze-experts-urge-public-to-monitor-api-take-health",
        "published": "2026-08-30T05:10:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}