Latest News

S’pore’s Air Quality May Deteriorate Due To Sumatra Hotspots, Govt Agencies On Standby For Haze

Quality Of Air In Singapore May Deteriorate After More Sumatra Hotspots Surface

On 29 Sep, the National Environment Agency (NEA) warned that the air quality in Singapore may deteriorate.

This is due to an increase in the number of hotspots in Sumatra over the past few days.

NEA has thus advised the public to refer to the 1-hour PM2.5 personal guide when planning outdoor activities.

Meanwhile, the agency will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Air quality in Singapore may deteriorate due to Sumatra hotspots

According to a press release, NEA said the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in the East of Singapore stood at 81, in the moderate range, as of 29 Sep, 3pm.

The possibility of the air quality deteriorating is due to the increase in the number of hotspots over Sumatra in the past few days, with 241 on 27 Sep and 145 on 28 Sep.

Authorities also observed moderate to dense smoke haze over parts of South and Central Sumatra.

For now, NEA expects the winds in the nearby region to continue blowing from the Southeast. This will keep the dense haze away from Singapore.

“While Singapore is not expected to experience severe haze in the coming days, the PSI may deteriorate if there is a shift in wind direction,” NEA said.

If the PSI does drop into the unhealthy range, the government’s Haze Task Force (HTF) is ready to execute their haze action plans.

 

As of Monday (2 Oct) morning, the reading is now 53.

Source: NEA

Check 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings when planning outdoor activities

NEA noted that the public should refer to the current 1-hour PM2.5 concentration to check on current air quality.

They can also use the associated 1-hour PM2.5 personal guide to plan strenuous or outdoor activities.

Source: Tobi on Unsplash

The 1-hour PM2.5 concentration level can be volatile. As such, it may fluctuate throughout the day due to weather conditions, especially when there’s transboundary haze.

As for the health impact of haze, NEA said it will depend on an individual’s health status, the 24-hour PSI level, and the duration and intensity of outdoor activities.

Reducing such activities and physical exertion can mitigate the negative effects of haze exposure.

In addition, patients with chronic heart and lung conditions should ensure their medication is accessible.

Vulnerable persons, which includes those mentioned above and the elderly, pregnant women and children, should seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms or feel unwell.

More tips to reduce haze exposure are available on the haze website, NEA’s official website and the myENV app.

NEA added that they will continue to closely monitor the situation and update further if it deteriorates.

If the 24-hour PSI is anticipated to enter the unhealthy range, NEA will provide daily haze advisories.

This includes the 24-hour PSI forecast, which the public can use to plan their activities and events the day after.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from Unsplash.

Sudeshna Dhar

Sudeshna is a lover of all romcoms, especially Gone Girl (2014).

Recent Posts

Water supply cut off at Woodlands block for more than 1 day, residents shower at swimming pool

Residents queued to collect water from taps in the void deck or PUB water wagons.

14 Nov 2024, 2:15 am

URL on ‘Wicked’ dolls’ packaging links to porn site, Mattel apologises for misprint

The misprinted boxes are now coveted items on eBay.

13 Nov 2024, 6:30 pm

‘It suits you’: Daughter in Thailand asks for car, dad gets her tuk tuk instead

And she named her new purple ride after a popular Thai rum.

13 Nov 2024, 6:01 pm

2 boys rush out of MRT to return laptop left by alighting passenger, praised for actions

They managed to run back onto the train in time.

13 Nov 2024, 5:29 pm

Croatian scientist treats own breast cancer with viruses she developed in lab, has been cancer-free for 4 years

During the treatment, her tumour substantially shrank and was later removed easily.

13 Nov 2024, 5:16 pm

Boy with autism in M’sia refuses to get his haircut, barber patiently plays with him

The barber played with the autistic boy until he was ready for haircut.

13 Nov 2024, 5:15 pm