From Malay Mail · · 1m 20s
Haze harms children's health
Haze threatens children's health beyond school closures.
In brief
Haze threatens children's health beyond school closures. Haze exposes children to harmful air pollution that affects respiratory and cognitive development, requiring year-round protection. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
School closures due to haze
Malaysian states closed schools on October 9, 2026, as haze worsened.
Haze impacts children's health
Haze contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that affects respiratory and cognitive development in children.
Children more vulnerable

Children's developing lungs and higher breathing rates increase their exposure to polluted air.
Immediate health effects
Children may experience nasal irritation, coughing, eye irritation, and breathing difficulties during haze.
Long-term risks
Prolonged haze exposure can impair lung development and cognitive function in children.
Children with medical conditions
Children with pre-existing respiratory conditions need extra precautions during haze episodes.
Warning signs for parents
Persistent coughing, wheezing, and reduced activity in children may indicate serious respiratory issues.
Immediate protective measures
Parents should monitor air quality, close windows, use HEPA filters, and avoid outdoor activities during haze.
Long-term health concerns
Repeated haze exposure can lead to chronic respiratory problems and impaired cognitive development in children.
Year-round protection needed
Protecting children from air pollution requires sustained efforts beyond episodic haze events.
Haze health responsibility
Children's respiratory health depends on the environment they grow in, requiring daily attention.
The headline
Haze exposes children to harmful air pollution that affects respiratory and cognitive development, requiring year-round protection.

