Riding in the haze – should or shouldn’t you?

Riding Masks - tracking-1

It is apparent that hazy days are here again, and everyone will be up in arms complaining and ranting on social media or otherwise. But the situation being what it is, what can a motorcyclist do about it?

While those with access to four-wheeled enclosed vehicles will have it easier, some are still forced to use two-wheelers for daily transport. Since it is known that exposure to the haze can be hazardous to health, riders can take some measures to minimise their exposure to haze, notably in breathing in particulates.

The health authorities will post information about using face masks, but not all face masks are created equal. We have seen riders using paper surgical masks that are sold cheaply at RM3 for a pack of 10, but these type of masks do nothing to filter particulates. These are used to capture bacteria coming out of the wearer’s mouth and nose, and not vice-versa.

Riding Masks - all -1

There are also cheap paper cup masks – priced at RM1 or RM2 per piece – that cover the nose and mouth. Usually unmarked, these simple masks only filter out dense particulate such as sawdust or sand. They are not designed to capture the fine particulates that are found in haze.

For simple, easy, daily use, especially while riding, use a proper cup mask that is marked “N95”. These N95 masks – we got ours at RM6 each – are designed to capture at least 95% of a challenge aerosol with the mask material and filter media. The ‘N’ designation means the mask material is not oil-resistant.

On a higher scale in terms of respiratory protection, single- and double-respirators provide the best protection against the haze. The respirators, available in hardware stores for around RM22, provide a closer fit to the face than N95 masks, and the filter element can be changed when its efficiency drops.

The rating on respirator filters follow the ‘N’, ‘R’ and ‘P’ designations, where N is non-oilproof, R is somewhat oil resistant and P is oil-proof. The numbering on the respirator filter, 95, 99 or 100, indicates the percentage of particulates arrested by the filter.

We did a comparison wear test with various masks, and found that all the masks would fit under an open-face helmet with no issues. Using a full-face meant the respirators were out, due to interference with the helmet’s chin bar.

This meant that the only real choice for the rider is the N95 cup mask. The N95 mask would be the best compromise between filter efficiency and ease of use, especially on a daily basis.

Riding in the haze also means the rider’s eyes may be affected by particulates in the haze, so proper eye protection should be worn, or the visor kept down at all times while on the move. Should the eyes be irritated, wash them with water or a simple saline solution, and seek medical attention immediately if the eyes are inflamed or itchy.

Do remember that visibility on the road will be cut down during the haze, so ensure that all the lights on your motorcycle are functioning, and of the correct wattage. Broken or discoloured lenses should be replaced.

It is also a good idea to ride while wearing bright coloured clothing, or to wear a reflective vest, whether in day, or night. Avoid prolonged journeys while riding in the haze, and take as many indoor breaks as possible if having to ride long-distance. Drinking a lot of plain water will help.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Mohan K Ramanujam

Coming with diverse and extensive experience in heavy engineering, Mohan enjoys making anything with wheels go fast, especially motorcycles. His weapon of choice is the Desmoquattro engine, and he has a penchant for anything with a dash of Italian design. Strangely enough, he insists he's a slow rider.

 

Comments

  • alfarabi on Aug 29, 2016 at 7:54 pm

    Fullface helmet + Specs + N95 + Exhale = Tak nampak jalan.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 33 Thumb down 0
  • Good article

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
    • Lee Kum Kee on Aug 30, 2016 at 1:21 pm

      Thanks for the clarity. I’ve always preferred N95 over the surgical masks. Had a box of those since the last bad haze in 2013 – its expensive yes, but cheaper in the long run since it is durable.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Headamage on Aug 29, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    Even in a helicopter you are not safe from the haze. Check out the haze from up in the sky. https://youtu.be/V5-PnvzPxsU

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Little Miss on Aug 29, 2016 at 10:02 pm

    Good article, captions could do with a bit of work. Helpful to identify which masks are which.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Henry on Aug 30, 2016 at 12:28 am

    Our “good” next door neighbour continue to poison us without fail each and every year.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 3
  • Thumb up

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Hafiz Imran on Aug 30, 2016 at 7:06 am

    “While those with access to four-wheeled enclosed vehicles will have it easier, some are still FORCED to use two-wheelers for daily transport.”

    Nope. Some just CHOOSE to ride than spend 700 hours a year inside a car.

    Otherwise, a thoughtful and much appreciated article.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
    • Yeah…I wish i have a motorcycle license…so fed up of being stuck in the traffic jem on daily basis….

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • thank you so much
    i learn a lot from this article
    uncle mohan can think out of the box for paultan.org

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Adrian on Aug 30, 2016 at 7:59 am

    Thanks. Informative.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • gaviny on Aug 30, 2016 at 8:40 am

    my buddies dropping like flies, sore throat, running nose.

    By the way , you should mention that there are also valved masks and those without valves. Generally there are people who will suffer dizziness from using ones without valves because the carbon dioxide exhaled doesn’t pass through the filter material easily.

    With the valved type this helps to prevent that.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Kunta kinte on Aug 30, 2016 at 10:20 am

    this article no need, let them mat rempit suffer, motorcyclist are the reason why accident rate goes up 400%.
    less mat rempit..more convenient for us.
    kapchais and superbike are same, both are trouble maker.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 26
    • are u nuts???…just imagine if all those motorcyclist choose to drive to work..Massive traffic jam!!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Keep it up.
    The motorcycle related articles, be it review or news or educational pieces like this, are all very good.

    Just 1 complain Mohan, We Want More! Where is the Kapchai / Scooter shootout?! The best 250cc motorcycle money can buy in Malaysia? We are counting on you Mohan…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • transformer on Aug 30, 2016 at 10:47 am

    also please take note when visibility are low, must switch on headlight, check if all light are in working condition, cars, motorcycles, buses & trucks…. train and aeroplanes too…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • palon on Aug 30, 2016 at 10:51 am

    luckily cigarette smoke not haze category…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • helmi on Aug 30, 2016 at 10:55 am

    Good article for the benefit to all. Salute..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Ben Yap on Aug 30, 2016 at 11:19 am

    more motorcyclists die in a bike crash than those breathing in the haze.

    so this is not so severe yet.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Haze is free smoke for those who luv to puff WHILE RIDING their bikes

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Kucing Terbang Tinggi on Aug 31, 2016 at 10:54 am

    At least Paultan.org is doing something here.

    The GOVT seemed to be clueless and hopeless with the haze problem every year without a miss.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Bernard on Aug 31, 2016 at 11:34 am

    Motorcyclists are wonderful people , law abiding , follow all the rules, towering msians all of them…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • Susukotak on Aug 31, 2016 at 11:45 am

    kpdnkk.. please control price of this mask.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Thank you BN for taxing our cars 200%. Now most poeople are forced to ride scooters, just like in Vietnam. Wawasan 2020!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Justin on Sep 01, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    There are better anti-pollution mask which are available in Malaysia called Respro. It’s imported from the UK.
    http://respro.com/pollution-masks
    I’ve been using this mask and can vouch for its effectiveness especially during the haze.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required