Pollution remedy?

How well are you protecting your skin on this #hazy day?

TIP: On a hot day like today with the environment polluted by haze, it is even more important to protect skin with #antioxidant-rich hydrators. Though some of us may experience slight skin irritation, and for some the effects may not be visible now, but in the long run, the youthful appearance of your skin years later will be the evidence.


Read more options on respite from the haze by clicking on the following:

Astalift
Estee Lauder Nutritious
Kerastase hair - Antioxidants
Moisture
Salt Cave
Snail Cream
YSL sun protection


THE HAZE
The raging fires sparked by the dry weather in the months from May to October that set parts of Indonesia alight, and the clearing of Indonesian land for agricultural reasons through burning, affect those living in Indonesia, Singapore and parts of Malaysia. Smoke haze caused by these fires envelope Indonesia as well as Singapore and parts of Malaysia, when the prevailing Southwest Monsoon winds blow the smoke haze from the fires in our direction.

Haze Levels

The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) determines the level of air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and particulate matter of 10 microns or smaller in size (note: 1 micron is 0.001 mm). 

Following is a set of PSI Values and their corresponding PSI Description for Singapore:

PSI 0 to 50  --> Good PSI Level

51 - 100 --> Moderate PSI Level

101 - 200 --> Unhealthy PSI Level

201 - 300 --> Very unhealthy PSI Level

Above 300 --> Hazardous PSI Level

Another value PM2.5 measures the level of pollutants that are of particulate matter 2.5 microns or 

smaller in size. As a result of their very small particulate size, these pollutants can penetrate deeper 

into the lungs and enter the blood stream, resulting in greater adverse health conditions. 

Effects of Haze

Other than dust and smoke particles, haze also contains sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Depending on the particulate size of the particles in the haze, the smaller particulates are able to penetrate deep into the lungs, and in some cases, enter the bloodstream.  Not all effects of the haze is immediate. The health effects of the haze may have up to three days time lag between exposure to the haze and health effects surfacing. 

Those with sinus problems or sensitive nose are more likely to develop nasal congestion, sore throat and coughing, or eye, nose, and throat irritation. 

Those with eczema or other skin conditions may have skin irritations.

More serious health effects may include respiratory conditions such asthma attacks and bronchitis, and worsening of heart diseases.

Health Advisory
When PSI rises to between 100 and 200, the following with the conditions before are advised to minimise outdoor activities:
- Children
- Elderly
- Those with past medical problems that include:

• respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive lung diseases
• heart diseases especially coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure
• a history of ear, nose and throat problems such as allergic nasal problems with sinusitis
• chronic diseases such as diabetes 

when PSI rises above 200, all are advised to wear N95 face mask to filter out fine particulate, especially when venturing outdoors.

However, I feel that each of us who are more prone to sensitivity to pollution should monitor our own health condition as some like me may feel unwell when PSi hits 50.


Picture Credits: Special thanks to sekchmd