Planning to head out for a run despite the haze? One Malaysian man is urging others to reconsider after experiencing a health scare himself.
According to Sin Chew Daily, a local man said he had been coughing for nearly a week and a half after training outdoors in hazy conditions.
He has since begun noticing blood in his phlegm.
Suspects a lung infection
The man further explained that his health problems began after recent outdoor training sessions and he suspected they could be linked to the haze.
He said he was at the hospital awaiting the results of a chest X-ray and tests on a phlegm sample for a suspected lung infection.
The cause of his symptoms has yet to be confirmed.
Urges others to move their workouts indoors
Following his experience, he urged those planning to run, jog or take part in other outdoor activities to temporarily change their exercise plans.
His advice: move the workout indoors and avoid further exposure to the haze.
He also reminded others to take the potential health risks seriously and look after themselves, saying the haze was “no joke”.
Minimise outdoor exercise during haze
Sin Chew Daily also reported that the Ministry of Health had reminded the public to minimise outdoor activities, particularly strenuous exercise, to reduce exposure to pollutants.
During hazy conditions, fine particles known as PM2.5 can be inhaled into the respiratory system.
These can cause coughing, throat irritation and breathing difficulties, and worsen existing heart and lung conditions, including asthma.
The ministry advised the public to avoid outdoor activities as much as possible when the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 100, entering the unhealthy range.
Those who need to head outdoors are advised to wear an N95 mask to help reduce exposure to fine particulate matter.
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