Singapore Air Quality Dips Back Into Unhealthy Range as Haze Drifts From Sumatra
Air quality across Singapore deteriorated overnight, pushing the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index into unhealthy levels early on Oct 24, The Straits Times reported. Early morning readings at 7 am reached 115 in the north and south regions, 117 in the east, 142 in the west, and 133 in the central region, according to official figures.
The spike broke a brief respite experienced early on Oct 23, when PSI readings sat comfortably in the good-to-moderate range. Air quality began worsening just before noon that day as hourly PM2.5 concentrations climbed, peaking at 146 at midnight just five points shy of the high threshold.
National Environment Agency Forecasts Moderate to Unhealthy Conditions
The National Environment Agency reported that smoke haze from Sumatra drifted toward Singapore and was observed over Kalimantan on Oct 23. Health Advisory Healthy persons :PSI Forecast-Unhealthy. Prevailing south-southeasterly or south-southwesterly winds continue to push the smoke across the island, even as meteorologists forecast showers for the region on Oct 24.
Relief may arrive starting Oct 25. The National Environment Agency stated that winds are expected to shift from the south-west or west, reducing the volume of smoke transported from Sumatra while afternoon showers help clear the remaining haze.
Ministry of Manpower Implements Workplace Guidelines for Elevated PM2.5 Levels
Employers must adjust outdoor operations based on hourly PM2.5 readings following guidance issued by the Ministry of Manpower. While normal activities continue when PM2.5 is in the normal band, elevated readings require employers to mitigate risks through mechanical aids, job rotation, and instituting indoor rest breaks while reducing strenuous outdoor work.
When readings enter the high band, vulnerable employees including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions must avoid outdoor work entirely. Employers are required to maintain at least a one-week supply of masks as part of their business continuity plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Haze and Health Advisories
What protection do vulnerable groups need when the PSI is unhealthy?
The National Environment Agency advises the elderly, pregnant women, and children to minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion when the 24-hour PSI enters the unhealthy range. People with chronic heart or lung diseases should avoid such activities completely.
When should the public use N95 masks?
For immediate outdoor decisions, the Ministry of Health advises checking the one-hour PM2.5 readings. When readings reach the high band, vulnerable individuals should wear a well-fitting N95 mask or equivalent if they must go outdoors. Healthy individuals should minimise outdoor activities only when readings reach the very high band of 251 and above.
How are workplaces managing the haze conditions?
Many offices have implemented flexible working arrangements, including working from home, to protect employees from polluted air, according to discussions shared by workers on Reddit. Some commercial buildings have also established distribution points for free N95 masks at reception. Not everyone has air purifiers at home; hence, to ensure everyone benefits from the HEPA-filtered air in the office, 5 days of WFO has been implemented.
With timely adjustments to work arrangements and the right protective measures, we can better safeguard workers while supporting business continuity,
he said.
When did Singapore first experience unhealthy air quality in this period?
Singapore has faced intermittent unhealthy air quality, marked by 24-hour PSI readings above 101, since Oct 5.
Keep reading