Haze effects on children

What You Need to Know About the Effects of Haze on Children

Are you concerned about the impact of the haze in Singapore on the health of your children? Then, you should limit the time they spend outdoors and keep the doors and windows closed at home to help prevent the haze from seeping indoors.

“Young children, especially those with underlying lung or heart conditions, should minimise prolonged outdoor activity at PSI levels above 100 and avoid outdoor activity if PSI levels exceed 100,” says Dr Biju Thomas, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine Service, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), a member of the SingHealth group.

During periods of haze, children are at higher risk of developing a medical condition because their immune system and lung defence mechanisms are still immature.

What are the Effects of the Haze on Children?

Exposure to the haze can harm the nose, lungs and eyes of otherwise healthy children and result in the following symptoms:

• Itchy, watery or red eyes
• Runny nose
• Blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Dry/sore throat
• Dry irritant cough
• Breathing difficulties
• Reduced tolerance to exercise

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