‘Why can’t we do better to protect the children?’ Parent questions Singapore’s haze measures for schools

Parents in Singapore are questioning the government's response to the worsening haze situation, which has negatively impacted air quality in the city-state. On October 15, a local Reddit user raised concerns about the risks children are exposed to in schools, expressing disappointment with the current measures in place. On October 10, Education Minister Desmond Lee acknowledged parents' worries, but stated that schools would remain open while activating air purifiers and being prepared to step up measures if necessary.

Schools would only close if the 24-hour PSI reaches 300, which the user believes is too high. They argue that by the time the government would consider school closures, children would have already been exposed to harmful toxins for days. The user pointed out that air purifiers are not effective in naturally ventilated classrooms without windows closed.

In Malaysia, schools close when the 24-hour API reaches 200, which is roughly equivalent to an average PM2.5 concentration of 150 µg/m³. The user emphasized that children are among the groups requiring greater precautions, as severe air pollution can cause cardiovascular and respiratory health issues. The post author highlighted that students are also exposed to unhealthy air when commuting to school and that teachers are also at risk from working in this environment.

They questioned why Singapore does not do more to protect children, calling the current air purifier measures in naturally ventilated classrooms a "placebo rather than a safety protocol."