Danger in the air we are breathing

We complain about the haze when it's around, but forget about it when it's gone, not realising the potential long-term impact it can have on almost our entire body. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star

Air pollution doesn’t usually make headlines – at least not until the haze rolls in, flights are delayed, or schools are forced to close.

Even then, it is often treated as a temporary inconvenience, an issue forgotten once visibility improves.

However, a new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in Britain, A Breath of Fresh Air, makes one thing clear: the air we breathe is slowly and silently undermining our health, our economy and our future.

The science is sobering.

Air pollution not only affects the lungs, but it is also now linked to heart disease, stroke, dementia, low birth weights, and even mental health problems.

According to the report, almost every organ in the human body can be affected.

To make things worse, there is no known “safe” level of exposure, even low concentrations can do harm over time.

For Malaysians, this shouldn’t come as a surprise.

We’re no strangers to hazy skies, thanks to a combination of local emissions and regional events.

What’s more worrying is how little we’ve done to treat air pollution as a health emergency, rather than just an environmental or seasonal issue.

A larger problem

The RCP estimates that in Britain, air pollution contributes to around 30,000 premature deaths each year and could cost the economy up to GBP50bil (RM288bil) annually.

While Malaysia lacks the same level of granular data, the scale of the problem is likely comparable when you factor in the haze, traffic congestion, industrial emissions and widespread open burning, not to mention indoor pollutants from poor ventilation.

What the report does well is connect the dots.

Air pollution isn’t an isolated problem; it intersects with urban planning, housing, transport, education and health.

That means the solutions need to be systemic too.

We must go beyond the obvious culprits like cars and factories.

Yes, reducing vehicle emissions is crucial, but we also need to confront agricultural burning, industrial waste disposal, diesel generators and poorly maintained construction sites.

The haze crisis, which has become an annual fixture, needs to be met with domestic accountability, not just finger-pointing across borders.

Indoor air quality also deserves more attention.

In many Malaysian homes – especially in lower-income areas – cooking with gas in poorly-ventilated kitchens, exposure to damp and mould, and the use of toxic cleaning agents all contribute to chronic respiratory issues.

A national strategy on indoor air – from better ventilation standards to cleaner household appliances – is long overdue.

Another big point the RCP makes is about fairness.

The reality is, air pollution does not affect everyone equally.

Children, the elderly and low-income communities often bear the brunt of exposure.

In Malaysia, this means we need targeted interventions, like HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters in schools and clinics, more greenery in dense neighbourhoods, and pedestrian zones that don’t double as traffic thoroughfares.

Involve healthcare ­professionals

Like the RCP report itself, we should bring more healthcare professionals into the picture.

Doctors and nurses can be ­powerful advocates, but they need the training and tools to understand, track and respond to the health impacts of pollution.

Imagine if every clinic recorded air pollution exposure the way they do smoking history; we’d be able to build a clearer picture of how bad the problem really is, and what’s working to fix it.

Of course, these solutions require political will and money.

But these are not just costs, they are investments.

Cleaner air means fewer hospital visits, less time off work, and better educational outcomes for children.

It’s good public health and smart economics.

The RCP report reminds us that the consequences of inaction are measured not just in emissions, but also in hospital beds, lost potential and lives cut short.

This is a moment to reset how we think about air.

Not just as something that surrounds us, but as something that shapes our health and our lives.

Clean air should be a right, not a privilege.

And certainly not a seasonal luxury.

Dr Helmy Haja Mydin is a consultant respiratory physician and Social & Economic Research Initiative chairman. For further information, email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.