When did haze start in Singapore?
There were sporadic reports of haze over Singapore in the 1980s. During that period, the haze was generally caused by dry weather conditions that increased the amount of dust in the air,13 occasional bushfires in Singapore14 and forest fires in Indonesia.
Where did the haze in Singapore come from?
Singapore experiences smoke haze from time to time. The haze is caused by forest fires in the region which arise when open burning is carried out to clear land for agricultural uses. It can be made worse by dry seasons, changes in wind direction, and when precipitation is low.
What is the content of haze?
HAZE consists of sufficient smoke, dust, moisture, and vapour suspended in air to impair visibility. HAZE pollution can be said to be “transboundary” if its density and extent is so great at source that it remains at measurable levels after crossing into another country’s air space.
What is the PSI now in Singapore?
PSI Readings over the last 24 Hours
| Region/Time | 3pm | 9pm |
|---|---|---|
| East | 58 | 56 |
| West | 51 | 54 |
| Central | 56 | 54 |
| Overall Singapore | 46 – 58 | 45 – 56 |
What’s the highest PSI ever recorded in Singapore?
Haze in Singapore hits PSI all-time record high of 371. Any reading between 101 and 200 is considered “unhealthy”. The smoky-smelling haze from Indonesia shrouded skylines and was visible on street level at various places. Marina Bay Sands was cloaked in smoke as the burnt smell pervaded the central business district.
How much did the haze in Singapore cost?
The economic cost of the haze that year, which coincided with the Asian Financial Crisis, was estimated at US$300 million (S$428.3 million). Cable cars to Sentosa disappear from view as the three-hour PSI hit 401 at noon on June 21, 2013. PHOTO: ST FILE
When did the air quality in Singapore get bad?
Air quality also reached hazardous levels in late September, which resulted in the unprecedented closure of all primary and secondary schools on Sept 25. But the haze is not new – records show that the issue has plagued Singapore from as far back as 1972.
What was the cause of the 1997 Southeast Asian haze?
The 1997 Southeast Asian haze was caused mainly by slash-and-burn techniques adopted by farmers in Indonesia. Slash and burn has been extensively used for many years as the cheapest and easiest means to clear the lands for traditional agriculture.