# Experts warn high-risk groups vulnerable to haze

> Health experts say children, seniors and pregnant women face heightened haze risks despite no single group being most vulnerable.
- Title: Experts warn high-risk groups vulnerable to haze · Malay Mail
- Summary: Health experts say children, seniors and pregnant women face heightened haze risks despite no single group being most vulnerable. High-risk groups like…
- Keywords: haze, children, seniors, pregnant women, respiratory problems, cardiovascular conditions, pm2.5, health risks, haze exposure, medical conditions, news, world
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/24/experts-say-all-high-risk-groups-vulnerable-to-haze-including-those-with-medical-conditions/240185
- Author: Ben Tan
- Published: 2026-10-24T07:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: haze, children, seniors, pregnant women, respiratory problems, cardiovascular conditions, pm2.5, health risks, haze exposure, medical conditions, news, world
## Haze health risks
Health experts say high-risk groups like children, seniors and pregnant women face heightened haze risks despite no single group being most vulnerable.
## Who is most vulnerable
Children below five years, older adults over sixty, and pregnant women with medical conditions face higher haze risks due to developing lungs, age-related health issues, and pregnancy complications.
## Haze health impacts
Haze exposure can worsen asthma, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular health, increasing risks of hospitalization, heart attacks, and strokes for vulnerable groups.
## PM2.5 risks
Fine particulate matter PM2.5 can penetrate deep into lungs and bloodstream, worsening respiratory and cardiovascular conditions for high-risk groups.
## Children's risks
Children below two years face higher haze risks due to underdeveloped lungs, which can aggravate asthma and trigger worsening respiratory symptoms.
## Pregnant women risks
Pregnant women with medical conditions face increased risks of preterm birth and low birth weight due to haze exposure during pregnancy.
## Health precautions
Wearing N95 masks, staying indoors, and monitoring air quality are recommended to reduce haze exposure for vulnerable groups.
## Expert recommendations
Health experts advise taking extra precautions for children, seniors, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or heart conditions during haze episodes.
## Haze exposure timing
Brief haze episodes do not necessarily cause pregnancy complications, but prolonged exposure increases health risks for vulnerable groups.
## Haze health monitoring
Diagnosis of haze-related illnesses requires symptoms, exposure history, medical conditions, and clinical findings, with no single test confirming causation.
## Key takeaway

High-risk groups like children, seniors and pregnant women are more vulnerable to haze effects than the general population, with health risks including respiratory issues and cardiovascular problems.