Experts warn PM2.5 fine particles pose health risks to vulnerable groups

KUALA LUMPUR: Prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can pose serious health risks beyond respiratory problems, particularly among vulnerable groups.

Malaysian Environmental Health Practitioners Association chairman Prof Dr Jamal Hisham Hashim said a 2024 study in The Lancet Planetary Health found that about a million premature deaths globally each year were attributable to short-term exposure to PM2.5 lasting several hours to days.

He said PM2.5, produced by combustion processes, was small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and reach the alveolar region where gas exchange occurs.

"This represents 2.08 per cent of the total annual global deaths between 2000 and 2019.

"The country with the higher percentage of global deaths attributable to PM2.5 was China with 3.2 per cent of global deaths in 2019."

Dr Jamal said prolonged exposure was particularly concerning for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and people with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

These include those with asthma, rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and diabetes.

Meanwhile, Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia president Dr Abu Hasan Samad said outdoor workers faced greater exposure to haze as physical activity could cause them to breathe more frequently and deeply.

He said this could also place additional strain on the heart, particularly among older workers and those with existing conditions.

Dr Abu said employers should have interim measures in place during prolonged haze episodes.

He said unhealthy Air Pollutant Index levels should prompt employers to reduce strenuous outdoor work and working hours, provide more frequent breaks, ensure workers are equipped with appropriate respiratory protection and encourage sufficient hydration.

He said vulnerable workers should be assigned to indoor duties where possible.

"They should not be allowed to return to work without proper protection, work adjustment and supervision."

If unhealthy air quality persisted this month, Dr Abu said the Human Resources and Health ministries should issue guidance for workplaces, including provisions for working from home.

"Some form of financial assistance may have to be extended to the affected workers who can no longer earn a reasonable income due to prolonged or more severe haze, more so for the informal and gig workers."