The dust is uncertain, children need more protection than IPU readings

MIRI, Sept 23: The uncertain situation in northern Sarawak, with the Air Pollution Index (IPU) reading likely to change significantly in a short period of time, calls for more attention to those at risk especially involving children's health.

The IPU Miri recorded a high reading of 160 as of 10 am today compared to the same period recorded yesterday, which was 99.

In total there are 12 locations in the state recording unhealthy IPU readings with Serian recording a high of 180.

Senior lecturer in Public Health, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Dr Sapna Shridhar Patil said that IPU readings are important in determining action when it comes to feeding, but child protection shouldn't depend solely on those figures.

In a look shared with the media on Wednesday, he said children may respond differently to dust depending on their age, health level, physical activity and environment.

"This reading is important, but children may respond differently depending on their age, health, physical activity and environment", she says.

He believes that families and schools need to see more than just IPU readings to ensure that the most vulnerable children receive adequate protection.

"Protecting them requires more than monitoring numbers. Families and schools also need to identify individual vulnerabilities, respond to early symptoms, and prepare before things get worse".

Dr Sapna said that the rash can cause a variety of symptoms including cough, stuffy nose, headache, fatigue and difficulty breathing.

"Although mild symptoms can affect student focus, class participation and attendance at school", she explains.

He said children are more vulnerable because their lungs and immune systems are still developing, while they also inhale more air than weight than adults.

Physical activity can increase exposure to PM2.5, which is fine particles that are able to penetrate deep into the lungs.

"Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs and immune systems are still developing".

He says that children with asthma, allergies, eczema, chronic respiratory disease or heart problems need more attention because their condition can get worse even if other children do not appear to be affected.

"Those who have asthma, allergies, eczema, chronic respiratory disease or heart problems are at higher risk and may experience worsening symptoms even if their peers do not appear to be affected".

Dr Sapna said that the effects of dust also override physical health when children are forced to limit sports and social activities and spend longer periods at home.

"The trace of dust is not just physical. Being unable to participate in sports and social activities, spending long periods at home and worrying about worsening symptoms can also affect a child's emotional well-being".

In this regard, parents are advised to monitor IPU readings through the official portal of Malaysian Water Pollutant Index Management System and reduce unimportant outdoor activities when air quality becomes unhealthy or continues to deteriorate.

Dr Sapna also warned parents not to encourage their children to continue outdoor activities if they already show symptoms.

"Children should not be encouraged to 'resist' through coughing, tingling, chest tightness or shortness of breath just to complete outdoor activities".

He said children with asthma or chronic health problems may need to reduce early exposure and follow the advice of their respective health care providers.

In the home, windows and doors can be closed when appropriate, while air filters equipped with HEPA filters can help improve indoor air quality.

Families should also avoid activities that produce fine particles in the home, including smoking and burning incense.

For children who need to be outdoors, he said a well-mounted N95 or KN95 face mask can offer better protection from fine particles than a cloth or surgical mask.

"Face guns must be placed neatly on the face to provide effective protection".

In the meantime, Dr Sapna said schools play an important role in protecting students from dust by having a clear response plan.

"Schools are encouraged to have a robust response plan that includes monitoring IPU, timely communication with families and adjustment of activities".

He said physical education activities, sports, field trips and outdoor gatherings should be moved into the building or postponed when necessary.

Schools should also identify students with chronic health problems and ensure they have access to prescription medication and appropriate support.

"Maintaining a cleaner indoor environment is also important, including reducing the inflow of polluted air from outside by using appropriate filtration when available".

Dr Sapna said that academic adjustment or learning from home can also be considered when symptoms affect student attendance or prolonged dryness to interfere with school operations.

He said parents should seek medical advice if symptoms persist, worsen or interfere with daily activities.

"Children with asthma, chronic lung disease, heart problems or significant allergies need closer monitoring".

Immediate medical attention is needed if a child has severe breathing difficulties, significant chest pain, serious tingling sounds, changes in the color of his lips, nails or face, extreme drowsiness, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Dr Sapna stressed that preparation should not be done only after the child's condition becomes serious.

"Preparation can't be the thing to think about later when a child starts struggling to breathe".

"By taking early action and responding to the needs of individuals, families, schools and health care providers can reduce the devastating impact on children's health, learning and well-being", she explains. - TVS