Spike in PM2.5 in Singapore catches people off guard, haze hits businesses and outdoor workers
PM2.5 levels climbed above 280 in western Singapore on Wednesday, prompting a rush for N95 masks and air purifiers.
Singapore's hourly PM2.5 reading reached its highest level since 2015 on Wednesday as the worsening haze situation prompted sports facility closures and precautionary measures. Singapore is considering taking action under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act while collecting and reviewing data, said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu.
The minister expressed hope that Indonesia would be able to control the fires despite challenging weather conditions, caused by El Nino. Singapore has offered general assistance to Indonesia in any form that they find suitable and needed, hoping to discuss the issue at the regional level with ASEAN counterparts. Singapore's air quality deteriorated sharply, with the hourly PM2.5 reading in the west reaching 288 at 3pm, the highest recorded since 2015.
The government began the phased distribution of N95 masks on Wednesday, urging patience as they work with different sectors to distribute the masks throughout Singapore.
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