Coping with smaze

 

It used to be called "smog," possibly a contraction of smoke and fog, the result of heavy vehicle emissions, especially from those running on diesel engines.

But now there's a new term for it: "smaze," a combination of smoke from forest fires in Indonesia and the resulting haze that has already made its presence felt in parts of Mindanao and the Visayas.

The question now is: Would Metro Manila be affected by the smaze in days ahead?

That's a likely possibility. And that would exacerbate what’s already a bad air pollution situation in the metropolis, particularly along the EDSA corridor, where the smog seems to be a permanent fixture.

As the government monitors the thick haze situation in Mindanao, the Department of Health (DOH) is advising people, particularly the elderly, children and those with asthma or other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs) to prepare to cope with the risks of haze.

According to DOH spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, the haze from the forest fires in Indonesia can cause air pollution that in turn can heighten risks for respiratory tract infections and cardiac ailments.

The DOH advisory by Dr. Lee Suy gave these helpful, possibly life-saving, tips:

 • The vulnerable sectors of the population must stay indoors and have good ventilation.

• Appropriate dust masks must be worn when going outside the house.

• Refrain from physical activities in heavily populated areas; this will allow the body to gain and maintain its strength or natural immune system.

• Stay away from low-lying areas where smoke and suspended particles tend to accumulate can help.

• Tune in to the radio or television for more health advisories;

• Consult the doctor if there is difficulty of breathing, cough, chest pain, increase tearing of eyes and nose and throat irritation. Early treatment and better management of one's condition is vital.

• Motorists who encounter haze on the roads should exercise extreme caution to prevent accidents.

Using headlights/fog lights is one way of exercising caution. Follow the required minimum speed limit and ensure that the vehicle is in good running condition. 


Image by www.sunstar.com.ph