What is the haze? The dictionary describes the phenomenon as the collection
in the atmosphere of very fine widely dispersed particles. The result is,
instead of blue skies, we have grey skies.
What factors cause these
particles to gather? To a certain extent, it must be admitted that the
`hazy' conditions occur regularly in many industrial areas as a result of
air pollution. Emissions from motor vehicles such as cars, lorries and buses
combined with smoke from factories, refineries and open burning all
contribute to the haze.
It is human nature to put the blame on other parties. When air quality in
Malaysia deteriorates, we commonly blame our neighbours. We accuse farmers
in Sumatra and Kalimantan of burning forests to clear land for the
cultivation of food crops. There is 'no smoke without fire' so to some
extent, there is truth in these accusations but Malaysians are to blame too.
'Hot spots' were discovered in our country too. Our farmers and plantation
owners also must bear some of the blame. Malaysians have also discovered
that air quality is a regional problem.
When the haze hit Malaysia in August 2005, Malaysia helped provide cloud
seeding for the Indonesians. The Royal Malaysian Air Force sent aircrafts.
The planes carried salt solution for spraying over clouds in an effort to
produce rain. Rain and wind help to keep the affected areas haze-free.
What are the effects of the haze?
The people most affected are the very young and the elderly. The haze
affects the respiratory system. Babies and old people have weaker lungs and
are therefore more susceptible. People with illnesses like asthma and
tuberculosis are also badly affected in general. The public will develop
more coughs and colds. Eye infections are also common during this time.
People also appear to be more vulnerable to influenza.
Somehow the haze seems to depress many people. Everyone wants blue skies,
not grey. The necessity to stay indoors also makes young people restless and
bored. They yearn to be outdoors, engaging in sports activities or meeting
their friends. For adults in the working world, the effects are felt even
more keenly. After being cooped up in an air-conditioned environment for
half of the day, they have to spend the rest of their time at home as
venturing outside is virtually impossible.
Nature too seems unhappy with the hazy conditions. Gardeners complain
that plants bloom less and as a result, fruit trees also do not bear as much
fruit as they normally do.
The economic impact of the haze is also another cause for concern. When
the hazy conditions reach a dangerous level, corporations and institutions
are forced to close their businesses for the duration in which it is deemed
unsafe to remain open. Consequently, huge financial losses are borne during
this non-productive period.
The authorities publish the air pollution index, which provides the
public with information on the varying levels of pollution as a result of
the haze. The air pollution index acts as a monitoring tool as the
authorities are able to determine which areas are experiencing particularly
potent cases of the haze. The government also advises people to take all
precautionary measures when outside. This includes investing in surgical
face masks and eye drops to avoid the pollutants in the atmosphere and
prevent eye irritation. If the haze reaches critical levels, the government
will also endorse the closure of schools and discourage people from taking
part in outdoor activities.