Haze—a dangerous mix of smoke, dust, and pollutants—can cause serious health problems, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. This complete haze protection guide covers how to stay safe indoors and outdoors, with tips approved by health experts.
🌫️ How Haze Affects Your Health
Haze contains PM2.5 particles (small enough to enter your lungs and bloodstream), leading to:
✔ Short-term effects: Coughing, sore throat, itchy eyes, headaches
✔ Long-term risks: Asthma, heart disease, reduced lung function
✔ Most vulnerable: Children, seniors, pregnant women, people with asthma/COPD
🔍 Check your local air quality index (AQI) daily:
- 0-50 (Good) → Safe for most
- 51-100 (Moderate) → Sensitive groups should limit outdoor activity
- 101-200 (Unhealthy) → Everyone should reduce exposure
- 201+ (Very Unhealthy/Hazardous) → Stay indoors
🏠 How to Protect Your Home from Haze
1. Seal Windows & Doors
- Use weather stripping or damp towels to block gaps
- Close windows when AQI > 100
2. Use an Air Purifier
- Choose HEPA filter + activated carbon (removes PM2.5 & gases)
- Place in bedrooms & living room (where you spend most time)
3. Create a DIY Air Filter (If You Don’t Have a Purifier)
- Tape a 20×20″ MERV-13 furnace filter to a box fan
- Cost-effective alternative for emergencies
4. Keep Indoor Air Clean
- Avoid burning candles, smoking, or frying food (adds more pollutants)
- Use a humidifier to reduce throat irritation
🚶♂️ Outdoor Safety Tips
1. Wear the Right Mask
- N95/KN95 masks (blocks 95% of PM2.5)
- ❌ Surgical/cloth masks don’t filter haze
2. Limit Outdoor Activity
- Avoid exercise outside when AQI > 100
- If you must go out, shower after to remove particles from skin/hair
3. Stay Hydrated
- Drink 2-3L of water daily to flush toxins
- Warm honey lemon water soothes throat irritation
🌿 Natural Ways to Boost Immunity Against Haze
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods (turmeric, ginger, leafy greens)
- Use saline nasal spray to clear pollutants
- Try steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil (helps breathing)
🚨 When to Seek Medical Help
Go to a doctor if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or dizziness
- Worsening asthma/COPD symptoms
Final Tip: Monitor Air Quality Daily
Use apps like AirVisual (IQAir) or BreezoMeter for real-time haze updates.
