The National Environment Agency (NEA) has released a haze forecast and health advisory for Jul 1, 2013.
Here is the full statement from the NEA:
SINGAPORE - The 24-hr PSI for the next 24 hours is expected to be in the 51-100 band, but the 24-hr PM2.5 level is expected to remain slightly elevated. Therefore, the health advisory for this period corresponds to the PSI 101-200 band in the MOH Health Advisory for the General Public and Workers.
Haze Forecast
As at 4pm today, the 24-hr PSI is 57-62 and the 24-hr PM2.5 is 46-61µg/m3.
The showers this morning helped to improve the air quality over Singapore. The prevailing southwesterly winds are expected to persist for the next few days. For tomorrow, slightly hazy conditions can still be expected. Thundery showers are forecast in the late morning and early afternoon.
The 24-hr PSI for the next 24 hours is expected to be in the 51-100 band, but the 24-hr PM2.5 level is expected to remain slightly elevated.
Health Advisory (Jun 30, 2013, 6pm - Jul 1, 2013, 6pm)
Based on the 24-hr PSI and 24-hr PM2.5 forecast, the health advisory for this period corresponds to the PSI 101-200 band in the MOH Health Advisory for the General Public and Workers:
Healthy persons: Minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion
Elderly, pregnant women, children: Minimise prolonged outdoor activity
Persons with chronic lung disease, heart disease, or stroke: Avoid all outdoor activity. If outdoor activity is unavoidable, wear an N95 mask.
The use of N95 mask increases the effort in breathing and may cause discomfort, tiredness or headache. As some people with chronic lung disease, heart disease or stroke may already have reduced lung volumes or breathing issues, they should stop using a N95 mask if they feel uncomfortable. They should consult their doctor as to whether they can use the N95 mask.
Note: Persons who are not feeling well should seek medical attention
For Employers: Deploy susceptible employees to work indoors or provide them with N95 masks if outdoor activity is unavoidable.
Note: The health impact of haze is dependent on one's health status, the PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. Reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion can help limit the ill effects from haze exposure. The MOH health advisory for general public and workers provides general advice on the preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the health impact of haze when the air quality is poor. Persons who are not feeling well, especially those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention.
spanaech@sph.com.sg
