Accra:The public is advised to wear N95 face masks if they need to engage in outdoor activities during the haze due to their ability to filter fine particles sized 2.5 microns (PM2.5) that can enter the respiratory system and harm health.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, wearing appropriate face masks is crucial to reduce exposure to air pollutants, especially when the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 100, which is at an unhealthy level. The Ministry of Health (MOH) stated that if N95 face masks are unavailable, three-ply face masks can be considered as a limited additional protection measure.

The ministry emphasized that the most effective step to minimize the adverse health effects of haze is to avoid outdoor activities when air quality reaches unhealthy levels. "However, if it is necessary to conduct activities outdoors, the public is advised to use appropriate face masks," it stated.

This advice was issued following the haze situation affecting several areas in the country over the past few weeks, with air pollution levels fluctuating according to location and current conditions. The ministry urged the public to remain vigilant, reduce exposure to the haze, and prioritize their own and their family's health.

The ministry reported that 35 air quality monitoring stations recorded API readings at the Unhealthy level (101 to 200), involving nine states and two Federal Territories. Johor recorded the highest number of affected areas with eight, followed by Selangor with six, and Perak and Pahang with four each. Negeri Sembilan and Melaka each had three areas, while Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak recorded two areas, and Putrajaya, Terengganu, and Sabah each recorded one area. No areas recorded API readings at the Very Unhealthy or Hazardous levels.

MOH stated that it will continue to monitor the haze situation and its impact on residents' health, ensuring health facilities, medicine supplies, and medical personnel are always ready to provide the necessary services.