Oxygen tanks, purifier sales spike as haze crisis hits Southeast Asia
Toxic haze from wildfires burning in Indonesia has spiked a demand for oxygen tanks and air purifiers across the region, manufacturers say, as they work the clock on equipment providing life-saving clean air.
The weeks-long haze plaguing Southeast Asia has led to school closures and a surge in respiratory issues, prompting families to purchase air-cleaning devices. AA Alive, a medical equipment firm near Kuala Lumpur, is working at full capacity to meet the surge in demand for oxygen tanks and concentrators, with sales up by 35%. Surgeon Rafina Firdaus, a sales representative for AA Alive, noted the significant increase in oxygen tank sales since the haze began.
The oxygen tank can provide continuous use for about three hours, while an oxygen concentrator can operate for approximately 24 hours. Md Noor Bin Bujang, a 69-year-old hospital patient, received his first oxygen concentrator on Thursday evening after being in the hospital for more than a month. He expressed concern about shortness of breath, particularly exacerbated by the haze.
Mubassar Khan, a technician at AA Alive, mentioned that an oxygen concentrator's filter typically lasts 1,000 hours of usage, but the haze's pollutants have reduced that lifespan by half. The company currently provides around 40 rental units daily and stated they have successfully handled the heightened demand due to the recurring nature of the haze.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to haze pollutants may cause body inflammation, categorizing the situation as a multisystem public health threat. Professor Juliana Jalaludin, an environmental health specialist at Universiti Putra Malaysia, expressed concern over future generations experiencing a higher burden of respiratory illnesses if repeatedly exposed to haze and air pollution, particularly during childhood.
She emphasized the importance of reducing exposure now to protect children's health and prevent long-term consequences for future generations.
Air purifier retailers have also reported a sharp increase in demand, with regional electronics retailer Courts experiencing a 600% rise in air purifier sales from September 28 to October 12 compared to the same period last year. Courts spokesperson stated that customers are becoming more conscious of indoor air quality and actively seeking solutions for healthier and more comfortable home environments.
Similarly, Singapore-based retailer Gain City observed a significant surge in air purifier demand, with sales climbing to nine times the level recorded at the start of the haze season in August.
Written by urgent.news from VnExpress International's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
