NEA closely monitoring air quality as PSI nears unhealthy range in central Singapore
There could be occasional periods of haze affecting Singapore, said NEA.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) in Singapore is monitoring air quality closely as the 24-hour PSI in central Singapore edges closer to the unhealthy range, according to a report on Aug 24. The PSI, which stands for the Pollutant Standards Index, measures the concentration of pollutants in the air. At 1pm, the PSI was between 68 and 90, indicating moderate air quality with the highest reading of 90 in central Singapore.
By 9pm, the PSI had risen to 98, nearing the unhealthy threshold of 101 to 200. The one-hour PM2.5 levels ranged from 37ug/m3 to 59ug/m3, generally within the normal to elevated range. Doctors have advised vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with lung or heart conditions, to take precautionary measures.
Schools are conducting visual checks on students, especially those with pre-existing lung or heart conditions. NEA will issue necessary advisories to the public if air quality deteriorates. Measures and action plans are tiered based on the intensity of the haze. While the situation is not expected to be as severe as the 2015 haze episode, there is still a risk of periods of haze due to fires, particularly during dry periods.
The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) noted that an El Nino event could further strengthen, increasing the risk of dry conditions.
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