Smog hits the ceiling, city not so fine!

On Saturday 7 Oct 2006, Singapore’s air quality enters unhealthy range with a reading of 150+ PSI (Pollutant Standard Index). This is the highest bad air reading for the year. The highest recorded was in September 1997, the PSI was 226. Satellite pictures on showed more than 200 huge fire raging, probably started by farmers and plantation owners in Sumatra, Indonesia. They uses the slash-and-burn agriculture techique to clear and fertized forest plot. Southwesterly winds have carried the smoke northeast to Singapore, Malaysia and even parts of southern Thailand. Singapore’s National Environment Agency advises people to reduce outdoor activity. So grab your shopping bag, put your sneakers and then head on to the mall. By the way, Vivo City, Singapore BIGGEST mall, opens its door to the public today. Cough, cough... if the 24-hr PSI goes beyond 150, the public is advised to obtain respiratory masks which can be bought from most pharmacies. Should the situation go into the very unhealthy range (when the PSI hits between 201 and 300), the public is advised to stay in a room equipped with a portable air cleaner.

Updated On: 15.02.10