The current Singapore haze has resulted to an all-time high record of air pollution in the country. Singapore’s Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) recorded a reading of 371 which is way past the hazardous classification that starts at 300. This reading persisted for three hours before settling into a lower reading of 253 which still falls under the very unhealthy classification. In what way can an occurrence of a haze affect human health and the environment?

haze in singapore

PSI Singapore

Source: NEA-Singapore

The Background Story of the Singapore Haze

Singapore has been experiencing the haze since the beginning of this week. This is not the first time that the country has experienced such an occurrence because of its proximity to Indonesia. It is reported that the farmers of Indonesia still practice traditional slash-and-burn type of agriculture. This practice often results to uncontrolled forest fires which likewise result to smog reaching its neighboring countries, specifically Singapore. The effects on Malaysia, another neighboring country, is currently limited to a southern state near the Singaporean border. This is a regular occurrence specifically during the months of May to October.

This latest haze occurrence is straining diplomatic ties between Singapore and Indonesia because of its severity. With a solution yet to be found to remove the thick smog enveloping Singapore, the problem is expected to continue for several more days. One of the proposed solutions being offered is cloud seeding which intends to release torrents of rain that will hopefully extinguish the raging fires in Sumatra, Indonesia. The success of the cloud seeding operation however will depend on the weather condition. In the mean time health concerns persist.

Health Issues Related to Occurrence of Haze

People who are particularly susceptible to the effects of heavy smog include the following:

1. People with heart or lung disease

2. Children

3. Older adults

Any effect of the haze on human  health is primarily caused by the irritant effects of fine dust particles as manifested through:

1. Eye inflammation

2. Nasal irritation

3. Throat irritation

4. Breathlessness/ Asthma or Asthma-like attacks

5. Lung tissue inflammation

The fine particles brought by a haze pose particular risk to humans and animals because they are suspended in the air for longer periods of time, thereby increasing the possibility of inhalation. Less severe haze can result to mild symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, or  dry throat. Sever haze may result to the early onset of specific diseases in healthy people. It can be aggravating or life-threatening to people with high susceptibility.

What to Do During the Occurrence of Haze

Precautionary Measures:

1. Use a mask specifically when going outdoors. Recommended: N95 mask

2. Close all windows, doors, and any other openings that will allow haze to enter your home or office building.

3. Try to keep particulate levels low by using an air purifier at home or an air cleaning device for buildings with centralized air-conditioning system.

4. People with existing heart or lung condition should take their medicines as directed.

5. Do not exacerbate the physical condition by smoking or lighting anything that burns such as a stove, fireplace, or candles.

6. Using a wet towel to cover the nose and mouth can also help prevent inhalation of particles. Using iced water for the towel provides cooling benefit.

Critical Situations:

1. People with existing heart and lung condition should stay indoors and decrease physical activity. During severe haze, even healthy people are advised to do the same.

2. Listen to advisories provided by the concerned government agency in relation to the use of respiratory masks and air-cleaning devices.

3. In extreme haze conditions. going outside will require the use of respirators instead of surgical masks because of the better seal and protection they offer to the nose and mouth against entry of pollutants.

4. People who experience worsening symptoms must consult a doctor immediately.

5. Whatever you do, DO NOT PANIC as panicking can induce breathlessness that can lead to aggravated situations.

singapore haze

My Say

Haze, because of its accompanying pollutants has serious implications both on health and the environment. There is a need to find a less-harmful way of clearing lands aside from burning if this is the cause of this severe haze. Haze has been a critical problem in Southeast Asia since 1991. The Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution has been signed in 2002 by all ASEAN countries except Indonesia. Indonesia is said to be educating its farmers about the possible alternatives to burning. Let us all hope that the solution will come soon enough.