Source: www.thestar.com.my
#AskHaze: Q&A via twitter- T.AVINESHWARAN
It was a fruitful session for MIMPA founder, Dr. S. Dhesi Baha Raja as he answered questions related to haze ailments in the #AskHaze session conducted by The Star Online.
The session which was conducted via Twitter saw many people from all walks of life asking questions to the 29-year-old future public health specialist.
Tweeting from his personal account, @DhesiBahaRaja, he addressed the #AskHaze session with good humour and also carefully crafted his answers.
He first encountered the mask dilemma in which Tweeters asked him whether surgical masks can filter out the haze. Some even asked how to wear the N95 mask properly.
Twitter user @Bedof_Ros3s asked, “Does it make a difference which way the mask is facing?,” and Dr.Dhesi replied, “It’s important that the top metal piece faces & fits your nasal bridge,”
Some even complained about the N95 mask.
@Tawautown asked “In what condition we should wear this kind of mask, @DhesiBahaRaja? As N95 mask a bit suffocating.” Dr Deshi said, “Yes, I understand that N95 is uncomfortable. Even I hate to use it but we have no choice if haze has reached hazardous level.”
Dr.Deshi also joked that the N95 being referred to is a face mask, not the Nokia phone model.
He also briefed tweeters on the long-term effects haze inhalation when @runner_yc asked, “What are the long term health effects of breathing in the #haze on a daily basis for 3 straight months?
Dr.Dhesi said that long term effects include throat & nasal irritation, respiratory problems, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, eye inflammation and conjunctivitis.
@runner_yc also asked about the increase of mortality rate for every 24-hours of #haze inhaled at API greater than 200, and Dr. Deshi said that the total for all cause mortality is approximately 20% due to air pollution. This differs by specific group age.
Dr.Dhesi also said that this is a worldwide issue when @malayrhapsody asked, “After all these years, why does the haze issue keep on repeating and the government does little to prevent it?
“Haze is not an issue for the Malaysian government only but its a world phenomena due to irresponsible acts by human. I hope world leaders will take action to combat this issue,” he said
A concerned Tweeter, @farahrofii also asked, “Is it illegal if a school hosts its annual sports day during this haze condition,”
He replied, “Yes! Its against the law. When a state declares an emergency, all schools should be closed. Everybody should stay indoors!”
For Dr.Dhesi, the #AskHaze session was a good platform for healthcare professionals to share their views and educate the public on health-related issues.
These days, social media engagement is common in many discussions and he said that it’s the best way forward as people use the internet to clarify doubts.
“I can serve the community by studying all these diseases and health concerns.
“We should move towards a concept of behavioural change. Not just through education and creating awareness, but also studying ways to control a disease, whether it’s environmental, infectious or occupational in nature.”
He also urged people to consult credible sources when it comes to environmental health hazards.
“I would recommend people to check World Health Organisation’s (WHO) website and also Center for Disease Control (CDC) as they have guidelines which are followed around the world,”
Dr. Deshi advised the public to practice universal precautions when it comes to haze.
“People should bathe often and drink lots of water to keep themselves hydrated. Try your best to reduce outdoor activities and make sure you wear the right mask.”
*Original article published in The Star Online