Singapore haze: residents queue for free N95 masks as smoke from Indonesian fires lingers
Air quality has hit unhealthy and very unhealthy levels. Singapore's environment minister says the haze will persist for some time and should ease with the monsoon in three to four weeks.
At a glance
- Smoke from forest and land fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia, has pushed Singapore's air quality into unhealthy and, in places, very unhealthy ranges.
- Free N95 masks are being handed out at community clubs and vending machines to seniors, pregnant women, young children and people with medical conditions.
- Environment Minister Grace Fu says the haze will persist for some time and should improve over the next three to four weeks as the monsoon arrives.
- Malaysia has closed schools in affected areas, and Singapore has capped treatment costs for haze-related illnesses.
Singaporeans are queuing for free face masks as thick haze from Indonesian wildfires hangs over the city-state for a second week.
Air quality in the danger zone
Smoke from forest and land fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra has been carried towards Singapore by south-easterly winds. On October 15, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reached 188 in the west and 186 in the central region — firmly in the unhealthy range — while fine-particle (PM2.5) levels were high across the island. By Friday, October 16, readings in parts of Singapore had reached the very unhealthy range, and residents described a strong smell of smoke.
Masks and shelters
The authorities began distributing free N95 masks after PM2.5 levels climbed above 250 in some areas. Seniors, pregnant women, young children and people with medical conditions can collect two masks each from community clubs, and masks are also available from vending machines, including at Toa Payoh MRT station, where people queued at midday. Some pharmacies have sold out.
Air-conditioned "haze shelters" have opened at community clubs, and schools have moved recess indoors and paused outdoor physical education. Singapore has also capped treatment costs for haze-related illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis at S$10 for most eligible citizens and S$5 for seniors.
How long will it last?
Environment Minister Grace Fu warned on Friday that the haze would "persist for some time". She said it should improve over the next three to four weeks as the monsoon season brings rain, and advised people to check both the 24-hour PSI and the one-hour PM2.5 reading before planning outdoor activities.
A regional problem
Malaysia has closed schools in the worst-affected areas, including parts of Johor, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, and flights between Malaysia and Singapore's Seletar Airport were suspended for several days. Experts blame a severe, El Niño-driven dry season and slash-and-burn land clearing. Malaysia plans to raise the issue with fellow ASEAN members.
Protect yourself
- Stay indoors and keep windows closed when readings are high.
- Use a properly fitted N95 mask outdoors; surgical masks give little protection against fine particles.
- People with asthma, heart or lung conditions should keep medicines to hand and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
Questions people are asking
Why is there haze in Singapore?
Smoke from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan and Sumatra regions is being blown towards Singapore and Malaysia by the prevailing winds.
How long will the Singapore haze last?
Environment Minister Grace Fu said on October 16 that the haze would persist for some time and should improve over the next three to four weeks as the monsoon season begins.
How we verified this story
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