Today Online 23 Mar 15;
SINGAPORE — Hazy conditions persisted over the weekend, although the situation was improved from Friday, when the three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading crossed the 100 threshold.
The three-hour PSI rose to a reading of 77 at 4pm yesterday, before tapering off to 59 by 7pm, following thunderstorms across the island.
A PSI reading ranging from 51 to 100 is moderate, while anything from 101 and 200 is considered unhealthy.
As of 7pm yesterday, the 24-hour PSI reading was 65 to 70. In comparison, the 24-hour reading as of 7pm on Saturday was 71 to 81.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has said the hazy conditions were due to particulate matter accumulating under light wind conditions, and burning activities in the region could have contributed to an increased concentration of particulate matter.
On Friday, clusters of hot spots were detected in Myanmar. The three-hour PSI reading peaked at 6pm at 106, before dipping below 100 at 8pm. The 24-hour PSI at 7pm that day was 72 to 93.
Under moderate air-quality levels, the public can continue with normal activities. But the NEA said the health impact of the haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level and the length and intensity of outdoor activity.
