10-10-2023 (SINGAPORE) Following a two-day respite from the haze, air quality in Singapore has once again deteriorated, with the 1-hour PM2.5 reading edging into the elevated range.
As of 11 am, the reading in the eastern part of the city-state stood at 56, placing it in the second band (56-150), which is above the normal range. Meanwhile, readings in the north, west, south, and central areas remained within the normal range.
The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that air quality will remain in the moderate range for all regions, according to data from the National Environment Agency (NEA).
Over the weekend, Singapore experienced a drop in air quality, entering the unhealthy range for the first time since 2019, as winds carried haze from forest fires in Indonesia.
In its daily haze advisory on Monday evening, the NEA had predicted a low likelihood of haze for Tuesday, as regional rainfall was expected to improve the hotspot situation in Indonesia. The agency noted that wetter conditions were observed in many parts of the surrounding region on Monday.
The health impact of the haze varies depending on one’s health condition, the level of the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI), and the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. The NEA categorizes a PSI reading of 101-200 as “unhealthy.” For immediate outdoor activities, the public should consult the 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings and personal guidance. A reading between 56 and 150 is considered elevated.
Air quality readings and advisories are accessible on the NEA’s website and the myENV app.
On Saturday, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu stated that Singapore has an ample supply of masks in case the haze situation worsens. She affirmed that preparations had been made to ensure mask availability, adding that Singapore would acquire more masks if necessary.
According to the interagency haze task force, N95 masks are not required for short exposures, such as commuting from home to school or work.
