The Singapore haze has already reached unhealthy levels this year and we all want to protect our children by taking the right precautions. If you lived through the prolonged 2015 haze, which was particularly severe, you’ll remember people buying masks in a frenzy, appeals on social media for where to locate masks for their kids and parents asking why they can’t find a mask to fit their infant or toddler. Before you make your child wear a mask, it’s essential to know that they aren’t suitable for all kids, they could restrict your child’s breathing – and you must . To help separate fact from fiction around haze masks for children, HoneyKids spoke to Dr Michael Lim, Consultant, Paediatric Pulmonary & Sleep Service at National University Hospital, and Dr Natalie Epton, Specialist Paediatrician and Neonatologist at International Medical Clinic for some sound advice. Don’t miss our guide to surviving the haze for tips on precautions to take, how to understand the PSI and pm 2.5 readings and how to choose an air purifier.

And if you need inspiration for places to entertain your kids indoors, check out our guide to Singapore’s best indoor play centres, 10 places to escape the haze with kids, and ideas for family friendly indoor activities. Dr Epton: The best advice continues to be that children should minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoors activities if the PSI is above 100, and avoid outdoor activities altogether if the PSI is above 300 (and above 200 for younger children and those with existing heart or respiratory conditions such as asthma).paasche airbrush cleaning kit Dr Lim: You are right about the N95 masks not being certified for use on children. air duct cleaning canton maThe smallest mask that is probably effective is the AIR+ Smart Mask, available in Watsons, but that is designed for children seven years old and up. advanced air duct cleaning reviews charlotte nc

Below that, Totobobo has been popular in China, but again only for children aged five years and up. You do work harder with breathing through these masks (which is why the Air+ Smart masks with the ventilator fans are popular – and they do seem to work but only for kids seven years upwards). Furthermore, the efficacy is unproven in the very young – getting a good seal is an issue, but the worry of hypoventilating in these masks is there too. So I tend to recommend the more sensible approach, which is staying indoors with windows closed, air conditioning, and a HEPA-grade air purifier. Dr Epton: Although masks for children have recently been made available through a local manufacturer, these have not received US FDA or Singapore HSA approval. Local studies leading to approval are planned. If you choose to use these masks for your children, be aware that they may make breathing more difficult, and you should discontinue their use immediately if your child experiences any dizziness, difficulty breathing or discomfort.

Dr Epton: Surgical masks are designed to protect other people from the wearer’s saliva or spit, not to protect the wearer from particulate matter. Although a surgical mask may provide some barrier against larger particles, thereby reducing some irritation, it will be of no help in reducing exposure to small particulate matter (PM 2.5 microns). Dr Epton: Minimise outdoors exposure when the PSI is greater than 100, and avoid any outdoors exposure when the PSI is greater than 200. Note that , whether they are indoors or outdoors. According to the neonatology unit at KK hospital, when the PSI levels are greater than 100, it is safest to keep your baby indoors, in an air-conditioned room. Dr Epton: For toddlers, avoid outdoor activities altogether if the PSI is above 200. Dr Epton: Symptoms range from mild irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, to worsening difficulty with breathing. Minimising exposure is the best strategy; close all windows and doors and use your air conditioner.

Consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter, especially for your child’s bedroom. Increase your child’s fluid intake and antioxidant-rich fruits such as blueberries, vitamin C-rich fruits such as oranges; vitamin E-rich foods such as nuts and seeds, and foods rich in omega oils (oily fish). Any child with difficulty in breathing or severe irritation of the eyes, nose or throat should be seen by a doctor to ensure there is no serious illness. Dr Epton: Although exposure to haze has been linked to a potential increased risk of severe illnesses such as heart disease and lung cancer, the actual risk from short-term exposure is estimated to be extremely low. Most studies looking at long-term risk were evaluating populations with prolonged continuous exposure. Studies in Singapore are ongoing. To put things in perspective, on a day when PM2.5 levels hit 100 micrograms per cubic metre, a person will take in around 1,100 mcg of these pollutants if he or she stays outdoors throughout the day.

For comparison, a smoker will inhale between 10,000 mcg and 40,000 mcg of PM2.5 pollutants for every cigarette consumed. (Taken from Straits Times, 24 Sept 2015) Dr Epton: Any child with increased difficulty in breathing should be assessed by a doctor. If your child has asthma or other breathing problems, your doctor may have already given you a plan of action (a written asthma action plan) for you to use in such situations – follow it, but be prepared to take your child immediately to a doctor if your child deteriorates. Signs such as lethargy and poor feeding in younger children, or inability to speak in full sentences (out of breath) in older children are signs of severe compromise – seek immediate medical attention. If you need help organising an emergency response plan for your family, see our guide to essential medical contact numbers, services and hospitals in case of an emergency. Honeywell F115C1005 Commercial Ceiling Mount Media Air Cleaner with 95% Media Filter, CPZ Canister and Prefilter

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