Singapore is located in close proximity to Indonesia. In specific times of the year, she has been affected by haze that originates from the burning forests of the Riau and Jambi islands situated in Indonesia. Upon the burning of these forests, the haze will be carried of by the wind and blown towards the direction of Singapore. Therefore, haze has now became an annual health concern and a hazard to Singaporeans.

Haze poses detrimental health effects to people. Direct effects to the body includes irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. It aggravates the symptoms in people already suffering from asthma, sinuses and throat infections. After long term exposure, serious health threats such as bronchitis, heart attacks and lungs problems may result.

The government of Singapore has implemented daily PSI measurements that can be accessed by the general public. It gives an indication as to how severe the haze condition is. PSI readings above 300 are considered hazardous, whereas PSI readings below that of 50 is considered healthy. Whenever the haze reaches PSI readings above 300, the government advises the public to refrain from any outdoor activities; as a result, business sectors – especially those outdoor related – in Singapore often crimps.The potential health effects from the haze deters potential tourists from visiting Singapore. Present tourists in Singapore often decide to depart early to escape the haze. Businesses involving construction work and delivery are forced to stop their workers from working to ensure that they are protected them from the haze. According to a Barclays’ analyst, the financial consequence of the 2013 haze might have cost up to 400 million dollars.

In 2013, the supplies of N95 masks ran low in various shops due to the overwhelming demand. Profiteers cashed in on the noxious air quality by inflating the price of not only N95 masks but also surgical masks; these surgical masks were proved ineffective against the haze. However, the public was ill-informed in the difference and usage of these different types of masks. The government’s response was swift,  N95 masks were distributed to the vulnerable demographic of the public. Subsidies were also given to those who suffer respiratory problems. Campaigns to educate the general public on the effectiveness of different types of masks were also carried out. Most commentators acknowledged that the Singapore government could not do much about cross-border pollution due to the fundamental principle of sovereignty in international law. Nevertheless argued that Singapore was not without recourse.

References:

http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/haze-indonesia-may-be-problem-singapore-malaysia-till-least-mid-octo

http://www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com/docs/default-source/health-advisories/rmg-advisory-haze-27052014-public.pdf?sfvrsn=2

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324577904578558413711997252

http://www.nea.gov.sg/anti-pollution-radiation-protection/air-pollution-control/psi/psi