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| The Hazardous weather is too much already, people are taking the difficult of breathing |
1. What is Haze?
The haze we see in our city skyline is caused by tiny particulates suspended in the atmosphere. At high
concentrations, these particulates scatter and absorb sunlight resulting in diminished horizontal visibility
thereby giving the atmosphere a characteristic opalescent appearance. Haze is not confined to urban
environment, it may also be observed in rural areas.
2. Haze Particles - Their Origin
The particles that cause the haze phenomenon can originate from many sources, some of which are natural
and some anthropocentric. Natural sources include the oceans, forests and ground surface. However the
majority of the particulates are from human activities which include open burning, land cleaning, vehicular
use and combustion of fossil fuels in industrial boilers.
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| The burning forests fire can cause the Haze |
3. Is Haze harmful?
Haze originating from natural sources such as sea salt and soil dust is generally harmless to humans. Sight,
transient haze visible in most towns and cities has not been proven to cause any serious long-term health
effects on the population. However, during a severe haze episode, prolonged exposure to high
concentration of particulates can be harmful to health. Associated with previous haze episodes, there have
been reports of increases in incidences of eye and throat irritations and respiratory difficulties among
sensitive groups.
4. How to clear the Haze away?
In our changing atmosphere, just as there are hazy days, there are also days which are clear and clean.
What can bring about this change? Particulates in the atmosphere are removed through several processes.
A proportion, particularly the heavier particles, settles to the ground on onto surfaces by gravitational
sedimentation.
The finer particles are removed by a process called 'rainout' involving condensation of water vapour onto
minute particles to form water droplets eventually producing clouds. Particles are also removed below
cloud by collision and adhesion with falling raindrops through another process called 'washout'.
Yet another removal mechanism involves the role of turbulence in transporting the haze particulates up to
the higher levels of the atmosphere for more effective dispersion. In this case, widespread heavy rain/
thunderstorms with strong updrafts and downdrafts are more effective, whereas light rain showers of short
duration are usually quite inefficient in cleaning the atmosphere in a severe haze situation.
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| After the burning forests fire is done |
4. How to protect ourselves from the Haze?
* To stay indoor
* Open air-condition to stay cool inside
* Keep environment clean
* Drink more water
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| Wear mask to protect your health |
Audience, please always stay to follow up the advice issued by the local health authorities.
