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COVID-19 vs. Haze

When Covid-19 caused panic, haze is kind of out of people's eyes.

By Otis ColonPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Haze to such an extent almost whole years

The new coronavirus broke out in the end of the year 2019 and quickly turned to be a pandamic that caused panic worldwide. It was on the top level of national and international emergency.

People are suggested to stay at home. If they need to take buses, they have to wear a mask. They have to show their health QR and have a body temperature check if they want to enter stores or buildings in addition to wearing a mask.

We often heard at the beginning of Covid-19 that some or even many people died of this new coronavirus somewhere every day. But we didn't know who and how many on earth died of this virus. And soon after, we heard the numbers of confirmed cases in some countries and its everyday updates.

Among them, it's significantly reported that the number of infected people with this new coronavirus in the U.S. exceeded ten million every day. And the daily mortality was around ten thousands.

All of these facts are gaining people's attention as if this infectious disease was the only threat to human beings.

Actually another big threat to people is still the haze. It's mainly PM2.5 particles and usually a mix of suspended dust, emitted gases, smoke, ozone and sometimes a fog.

Haze lingers in low sky above ground. So it's a critical factor of air quality that directly affects people's health. As the air is usually polluted and contains toxic substances, exposing long in haze is dangerous. Toxic fine particles are accumulated in the lung through breathing and probably into the blood to damage other organs. It's difficult to be released out. This process is chronic and almost irreversible. Therefore, it's really a big potential threat to humans.

And haze is always associated with a number of bacteria, fungi and viruses in the air. It's easy to cause some acute diseases such as pneumonia in a serious case.

So one day, if a person who is ever in health feels a little uncomfortable and can't tell clearly where it sits, for example, dizziness or a headache, a chest distress or pain, insomnia, fatigue, nausea, etc., haze is just that culprit for the most possibility.

Moreover, people don't realize its existence in short distances unless they take a far look. When the AQI (Air Quality Index) reaches over 150, there will be a significant low visibility. In such hazardous situation, active people ought to avoid prolonged outdoor exertion and it's better to stay inside door for children and sensitive members.

Coverage of Covid-19 vs. haze

Originated in Wuhan China, the infectious Covid-19 has spread to 219 countries and territories so far.

Since haze is not still, it has become a tricky problem globally. Forming in the developing countries such as China and India, the haze has gone across border and sea then over the skies of developed countries or wherever it will be.

Deaths from Covid-19 vs. haze

As of Mar.31, 2021, Covid-19 has caused cumulatively confirmed 2,808,308 deaths globally according to WHO.

While haze (polluted air) contributed to 6.67 million deaths in 2019 as reported by State of Global Air. It's now a leading risk factor of global premature deaths associated with heart disease, lung disease and cancer.

People's reaction toward Covid-19 vs. haze

Due to governments' intervention: banning parties and gatherings, body temperature test, cities and villages lockdown, etc., people are a little nervous at each other. Those who cough or sneeze in a public area without wearing a mask will get strange or even hatred eyes.

While most people act as nothing has happened though the haze continues for weeks, months and years. Before the time of Covid-19, people who wore a mask walking or riding in the street seemed freaky. We rarely heard people talking or complaining about the haze, neither any live report (as during Covid-19) on how many polluting factories are shut down or things like that.

Victims of Covid-19 vs. haze

The older, little and weak are the most easily threatened by Covid-19, as well as the medical staff in this battle.

While anyone has no luck before haze especially those sensitive to the air. The more people expose themselves outdoor, the higher they risk getting respiratory trouble.

Although haze doesn't cause such immediate harm or panic as Covid-19, it has been a global issue. It's really an invisible killer to people's health. Some countries suffer haze the whole year.

The good news is that people can take vaccine shots today against Covid-19. Before long the new coronavirus will be under control. At that time, the haze will come ferocious and closer to people if we don't take any measure and still enjoy the victory over Covid-19.

health
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About the Creator

Otis Colon

Please read my book (memoir) "Determined to Leave" at ko-fi.com/determinedtoleave

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