How does it come about?
In Singapore, the Air Quality is classified through a number figure between 0 – 500, using an index known as Pollutant Standard Index (PSI). The different level of PSI, and the suggested course of preventive action are shown through the table below:
The Air Quality in Singapore is usually around the range of 50, but fluctuates throughout the year.
There are certain period of the year where Singapore will be directly affected by neighbouring countries, such as Indonesia, where certain part of the country practices Slash and Burn techniques in their plantations, causing large amount of forest fires in the country, resulting in the PSI of Singapore to reach the unhealthy ranges between 100 and 300 during that period.
As such, we will mainly be focussing on the short term effects of haze in Singapore.
Short Term Effects of haze on Singapore
Adverse Medical Effects on Individuals:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat in Healthy individuals
- Aggravate lung diseases, causing asthma attacks and acute bronchitis
- Increase susceptibility to respiratory infections
- Lead to heart attacks sand arrhythmias
- Develop nasal congestions, sore throat and coughing
- Increase incidents of skin irritations as well for those with eczema or other skin conditions.
Children and the elderly would be more vulnerable to the above effects as children have faster breathing rates and their lungs are still developing and the elderly are more prone to adverse health conditions because of past medical conditions.
Possible Economical Impacts:
As seen from the PSI Chart figure above, when the Air Quality reaches an unhealthy range above 100, the general public would be encouraged to stay indoors and are discouraged to do vigorous outdoor activities.
This would create a negative impact in the day to day activities of Singaporeans, disrupting the work-play cycle balance which the government so encourages.
This in turn would lead to less productivity in the workforce, which is detrimental to the economy of Singapore.
Also, with poor Air Quality during certain periods of the year, this may affect the viability of Singapore as a place of tourism.
Certain touristy places in Singapore, such as the Singapore Flyer, Merlion or Singapore River requires good Air Quality and Field of Vision in order to enjoy the wonderful cityscape of Singapore.
Should there be serious haze, tourist would be less inclined to visit such places, or even come back to Singapore in the future, detrimentally affecting the tourism aspect of Singapore.
References
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/HPB051226
http://www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com/docs/default-source/health-advisories/rmg-advisory-haze-27052014-public.pdf?sfvrsn=2