Parents and schools have been urged to look beyond air pollutant index (API) readings when deciding whether children should take part in outdoor activities during haze, with paediatricians warning that health risks can emerge even before the official unhealthy threshold is reached.
Dr G Naveen Nair said an API reading of 101 provides schools with a clear operational trigger to stop outdoor activities, but it should not be treated as the only indicator of whether children can safely remain outdoors.
He said Malaysia categorises API readings between 51 and 100 as moderate, but children may still benefit from limiting outdoor exposure when readings are approaching unhealthy levels, particularly if the pollution level is steadily increasing.
“An API of 95 is not much different to 101,” the paediatric specialist told FMT, stressing that the trend of the reading, duration of exposure and a child’s health condition should also be considered.
Children are more susceptible to haze because their airways are smaller and they breathe more air relative to their body size. Physical activity can further increase exposure as children breathe more rapidly and inhale greater amounts of fine particles.
The Education Ministry recently reminded schools to halt all outdoor activities once the API rises above 101. Under the Environment Department’s classification, readings between 101 and 200 are considered unhealthy, while schools are automatically closed once the API reaches 201.
Naveen said children with asthma or other respiratory conditions require particular attention. Parents and teachers should consider reducing outdoor activity if pollution levels worsen or children begin experiencing coughing, wheezing or breathing difficulties, even if the API remains below 101.
Other warning signs include watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, throat irritation and worsening coughs. Chest tightness or an increased need to use an inhaler should also be treated as more serious symptoms.
“The important thing is to watch the trend instead of just the absolute number,” Naveen said.
Dr N Thiyagar, dean of AIMST University’s Faculty of Medicine, similarly warned that children are more vulnerable to haze because their lungs and immune systems are still developing.
He said children with asthma, allergies or heart conditions face additional risks and should be protected from prolonged outdoor exposure, with extra caution advised even when API readings are between 60 and 90.
Thiyagar stressed that the potential health impact depends not only on the pollution reading but also on how long children are exposed to haze.
“The negative health effects are not just about the API levels, but also the duration children are exposed to haze. Prolonged exposure to haze may result in long-term lung damage,” he said.
The advice highlights the importance of taking a precautionary approach during haze episodes, particularly when pollution levels are rising or vulnerable children begin showing respiratory symptoms.
