Singapore implements measures to mitigate impact of haze

SINGAPORE - Singapore government agencies have implemented measures to mitigate the impact of haze as the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (24hr PSI) entered the "Unhealthy” range today.

The government’s interagency Haze Task Force (HTF) led by the National Environment Agency (NEA) said the 24-hr PSI had first entered the Unhealthy range (24hr PSI >100) at 7am this morning in the east region.

"This was followed by the central region entering the Unhealthy range at 11am,” it said in its latest update posted on NEA’s website.

The HTF agencies that convened this morning have rolled out their respective action plans and advisories for the protection of the health and well-being of the public.

HTF said NEA will begin providing daily haze advisories from this (Saturday) evening and will include the 24-hour PSI forecast, which can be used by the public in planning their activities and events for the next 24 hours.

Among others, HTF said N95 masks are not required for short exposure, like commuting from home to school or work, or in an indoor environment.

In general, HTF said a healthy individual who has to be outdoors for several hours may wear an N95 mask to reduce exposure when the forecasted air quality is in the Hazardous range (PSI >300).

Vulnerable persons are advised to avoid or minimise outdoor activity when the forecasted air quality is Very Unhealthy (PSI >200).

If they have to be outdoors for several hours, they may reduce exposure by wearing an N95 mask.

The elderly, pregnant women and those with severe lung or heart problems who have difficulty breathing at rest or on exertion should consult their doctors on whether they should use the N95 mask, said the task force.

As for the motorists, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has alerted them to drive with care and switch on headlights when visibility is low through the Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System (Emas) electronic signboards. - BERNAMA