How to Prevent the Harm Caused by Haze

Generally, the hazards of haze can be prevented through measures such as reducing time spent outdoors, wearing masks, purifying indoor air, enhancing personal hygiene, and protecting vulnerable populations. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Reduce outdoor exposure

During haze weather, try to avoid outdoor activities, especially in the early morning and evening. When outdoor travel is necessary, shorten the duration of exposure, avoid heavily trafficked areas and industrial zones, and choose relatively open areas with more vegetation such as parks to reduce inhalation of pollutants.

2. Wear masks

Wear protective masks that meet national standards when going outdoors, as they offer higher filtration efficiency for PM2.5. Before wearing, check the mask's seal to ensure it fully covers the nose, mouth, and chin without air leakage. Do not wear a mask continuously for more than 4 hours, and replace it promptly when contaminated.

3. Purify indoor air

Keep doors and windows closed to reduce the entry of outdoor pollutants, and use air purifiers simultaneously, regularly replacing the filters to ensure purification effectiveness. Avoid indoor activities that generate pollutants, such as smoking and burning incense or candles. Indoor plants such as pothos and ivy can be placed indoors to assist in air purification.

4. Enhance personal hygiene

After returning indoors, immediately wash the face, nose and mouth, and exposed skin with running water and soap, and change outer clothing. During haze weather, increase water intake appropriately to maintain moist respiratory tracts. When possible, use saline solution to gargle and rinse the nasal passages to reduce residual pollutants in the respiratory tract.

5. Protect vulnerable populations

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and individuals with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other respiratory diseases are particularly sensitive to haze. During haze episodes, these individuals should minimize physical exertion, avoid strenuous exercise that increases breathing depth and rate, and thus increases pollutant intake. Patients with respiratory diseases should take prescribed medications regularly, keep emergency medications on hand, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as worsening cough or difficulty breathing occur.

Long-term exposure to haze may increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, in addition to daily protective measures, it is important to monitor changes in air quality to reduce health risks.