Air quality here hits higher end of moderate band

Air quality here hits higher end of moderate band
Air quality in Singapore hovered in the higher end of the "moderate" range on Thursday, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) three-hour reading hitting a high of 84 at 10am.
PHOTO: Air quality here hits higher end of moderate band

SINGAPORE - Slightly hazy conditions could be observed all around Singapore as air quality hovered in the higher end of the "moderate" range.

The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) three-hour reading stood at 76 as of 4pm today. The number is down from a high of 84 at 10am today.

The 4pm 24-hour PSI stood at 65 to 72.

A number between 51 to 100 means air quality here is within the "moderate" range. A range of 101 to 200 indicates air is of unhealthy levels and anything beyond 300 very unhealthy.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said that a total of 80 hotspots were detected in Sumatra yesterday, mostly in southern Sumatra. Slight smoke haze was visible in the vicinity of some of the hotspots.

As the prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the southeast, the overall air quality for today is expected to be in the Moderate range, NEA said in a media release yesterday.

The health impact of haze is dependent on one's health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity.

NEA said that while Singaporeans are advised to continue with normal activities, reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion can help limit the ill effects from haze exposure.

The agency advised those who feel unwell - especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions - to seek medical attention.

For updates, visit NEA website at www.nea.gov.sg, the haze microsite at www.haze.gov.sg, or follow NEA through their Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore) or Twitter (@NEAsg) accounts.

yamadak@sph.com.sg

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