When the Haze Comes Knocking
The National Environment Agency (NEA) warned on 9 September that Singapore is poised to slice its fresh‑air slice with a fresh dose of haze, especially if the fiery hotspots in Sumatra stay lit. The looming risk: a “slightly hazy” atmosphere that could push the Public Sector Index (PSI) into the unhealthy zone. With that in mind, let’s pull the blankets tighter for our most vulnerable: newborns and pregnant women.
What the Haze Means for Newborns
Newborns are like fragile solar panels—anemic, under‑developed lungs, and a very eager—yet weak—immune system. When the air turns dusty, their tiny throats and tiny lungs become a soft‑target.
As PSI reaches 100 or keeps climbing, parents are urged to keep the baby inside the house—especially the place that is utterly cost‑free to the baby’s lungs.
Otherwise, the little one may develop asthma, bronchitis or other nasty respiratory conditions that require urgent medical attention.
How to Shield Your Baby from the Haze
- Close Windows & Doors—think of it as putting a protective bubble around your infant.
- Keep the Room Cool—fans or air‑conditioning helps; just remember to poll the filters daily to avoid dust build‑up.
- AC Temperatures Matter—according to Associate Prof. Victor Samuel Rajadural from KKH, keeping the thermostat between 22‑24 °C is safe for a baby’s lungs.
- Air Purifier Is Your Best Friend—use one in rooms that lack AC; choose a model that boasts HEPA filters and is dust‑tolerant.
Maintain Skin & Nourishment
- Breastfeeding? Keep Going—even if you’re nursing a bit of a tickle or throat trouble, mask yourself while feeding to keep stray germs out.
- Formula‑Fed? Check the Water—use fresh, covered water so dust can’t sneak in.
- Moisturize Baby’s Skin—the haze and the AC can dry out their delicate skin; a gentle baby moisturizer goes a long way.
- No Masks for Newborns—tiny babies shouldn’t wear masks; that could choke the little ones or cause suffocation.
What’s at Stake for Expecting Mothers?
US studies are alarming: heavy pollution during pregnancy can double the risk of autism in kids. The culprits? Diesel fumes, lead, mercury, and other heavy‑metal toxins.
But this haze is fueled by PM2.5 particulate matter, the smoke from Indonesian forest fires—fine ash, not industrial chemicals. The science says it’s less likely to derail fetal brain development. Still, tweak the usual precautions.
Precautions Every Pregnant Woman Should Take
- Limit Outdoor Exposure—stay inside if PSI breaches the “unhealthy” threshold.
- Think Twice About N95 Masks—the Raffles Medical Group advises that if you’re in your 2nd or 3rd trimester, you might feel out of breath with an N95; consult your doctor first. Keep the mask on for only brief intervals if you do decide to wear it.
- Speak Up at Work—if haze episodes upset you, discuss a shift to work‑from‑home with your employer.
- Balance Your Plate—greens, fruits, and water keep you hydrated and equipped to fight the haze.
- Traditional Chinese Herbs?—many herbal remedies are mild and good for clearing heatiness and coughs. Double‑check with your health practitioner before adding them to your routine.
Bottom Line
Haze is here and it’s the boss in controlling the quality of the air. Newborns and pregnant women are the frontline warriors; keep them shielded with closed windows, cool airflow, an HEPA purifier, and smart dietary choices. If health drops, seek medical attention promptly and consider flexible work arrangements. A little preparation keeps the babies and moms breathing easy and happy, even when the skies look a bit grey.
