Haze Is Back: What Every Parent Should Know to Protect Their Child

When haze returns, it's natural for parents to become a little more cautious.
 
Haze isn't simply about the sky looking grey. It contains tiny particles and other pollutants that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Exposure to haze can cause symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, runny or stuffy noses and eye irritation.

For parents, the goal isn't to panic or keep children indoors indefinitely. Instead, it's about reducing unnecessary exposure, keeping indoor air as clean as possible and knowing when your child may need medical attention.

Here are some simple ways to protect your little one during haze season.

Check the Air Quality Before Heading Out

Before taking your child to the playground, going for a walk or planning an outdoor family activity, check the Air Pollutant Index (API) first.

The API gives parents a better idea of current air quality than simply looking outside and deciding whether the haze “looks bad”. 

If air quality is poor, consider moving outdoor activities indoors or postponing them until conditions improve.

Parent tip: Make checking the API part of your morning routine during haze season. 
Click this website to check the API in real time: https://aqicn.org/network/my.apims/ 

Reduce Outdoor Activities When Haze Is Bad

When the air quality is poor, reduce the amount of time your child spends outdoors.

This is especially important for activities that involve lots of running around, such as outdoor sports and playground time. 

Physical activity makes us breathe faster and take in more air, which can increase exposure to air pollutants. 

Parent tip: You don't have to turn every haze day into a boring day at home, either. Bring out the colouring books, puzzles, storybooks or indoor games and make it a cosy indoor day instead.

Keep Indoor Air as Clean as Possible

Staying indoors can reduce exposure to outdoor haze, but indoor air matters too.

When outdoor air quality is poor:

• Keep windows and doors closed where practical.
• Use air conditioning appropriately.
• If you use an air purifier, maintain and replace its filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Minimise unnecessary sources of indoor smoke, such as incense or burning candles.  
  

Indoor air can also contain pollutants so keeping the home free from unnecessary smoke is particularly important when children are around. 

Keep Your Child Protected During Car Rides

For many Malaysian families, the car is where children spend a significant amount of time outside the home.

During haze:

• Keep the windows closed when outdoor air quality is poor.
• Use your car's air-conditioning system.
• Use the recirculation setting where appropriate.
• Install an in-car air filter to help filter particles from the air circulating inside the vehicle.

Malaysia's Ministry of Health specifically recommends using air conditioning and recirculation when travelling by car during haze. 

Should Children Wear a Mask During Haze?

A mask may help reduce the amount of haze particles a child breathes in, but not all masks offer the same level of protection. A mask also needs to fit properly to be effective.

For young children, especially babies and toddlers, getting a mask to fit comfortably and safely can be difficult. This is why parents should not rely on a mask alone to protect their child.

Instead, reducing exposure, particularly avoiding unnecessary outdoor time when pollution is high, remains an important first step.

What to Do After Your Child Has Been Outdoors

Even if your child only spends a short time outside, getting into the habit of cleaning up afterwards is crucial.

Once you're home:

• Wash their hands and face.
• Change to clean clothes.
• Give them a bath as part of their normal routine if needed.
• Keep outdoor shoes away from areas where your baby plays.
• Encourage children to drink enough fluids. 

These may sound like small steps, but they can easily become part of your family's usual “coming home” routine.

Pay Extra Attention If Your Child Has Asthma or Respiratory Problems

If your child already has asthma or another respiratory condition, haze season is a time to be especially mindful.

Air pollution can aggravate respiratory symptoms, so parents should:

• Follow their child's existing treatment or asthma action plan.
• Make sure prescribed medication is available.
• Reduce unnecessary exposure to haze. 
  
• Pay attention to any changes in their usual symptoms.
• Seek medical advice if symptoms become worse. 

Don't start, stop or change your child's medication based on haze conditions alone. If you're unsure what to do, speak with your child's doctor or a healthcare provider.

When Should Parents Seek Medical Attention?

Most parents know when their child is “not quite themselves”. During haze season, it's worth paying closer attention to any new or worsening respiratory symptoms.

Watch for:

• Persistent or worsening cough
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest discomfort
• Significant throat or eye irritation
• Unusual tiredness
• Existing asthma or respiratory symptoms becoming worse 

If your child is having difficulty breathing, experiencing severe symptoms or getting progressively worse, seek medical attention immediately.

A Simple Haze-Day Routine for Parents

Haze can make parents wonder whether they need to change their entire daily routine. You don't. A few simple habits can help reduce your child's exposure.

In the morning: Check the day's API at https://aqicn.org/network/my.apims/ before planning outdoor activities.

During the day: If air quality is poor, move outdoor play and exercise indoors. Keep windows and doors closed where practical.

When travelling: Keep car windows closed and use the air-conditioning system with recirculation when appropriate.

After coming home: Wash your child's hands and face. If they have spent a significant amount of time outdoors, bathe them and change their clothes.

Throughout the day: Keep your child comfortably hydrated and continue their usual meals and routines.

Before bedtime: Pay attention to how your child is feeling. Look out for unusual coughing, wheezing or breathing difficulties.

The goal isn't to keep your child indoors all day throughout haze season. It's about making sensible choices based on the air quality that day.

Final Thoughts

Haze season can feel unsettling when you're a parent, but protecting your little one doesn't have to mean completely changing your family's routine.

Check the air quality, reduce unnecessary outdoor exposure, keep indoor air clean and pay attention to your child's symptoms.

And remember, if your child has asthma or another existing health condition, follow their healthcare plan and seek professional advice when needed.

A few simple habits can go a long way towards helping your family get through haze season more comfortably and safely.

References

1. Malaysia Ministry of Health. Health Advisory For Workplaces During Haze. (2025) Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.my/en/core/health-information/jerebu/artikel-dan-panduan-pengguna-berkaitan-jerebu/health-advisory-for-workplaces-during-haze 
   
2. Bahagian Pendidikan Kesihatan. Jerebu. Retrieved from https://infosihat.moh.gov.my/isu-semasa/51-jerebu.html