WEAR AN N95 MASK AT ALL TIMES: CLEAR AIR DOES NOT MEAN CLEAN AIR

3M N95 Disposable Respirator

Please share with your friends and loved ones.

We need to be vigilant and help educate those who do not understand. Despite PSI being in the Moderate range (below 100), it is still shockingly above the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) air quality standards for PM 2.5.

PM 2.5 exposure is very dangerous in the long-term. Be responsible for your health, and the health of your loved ones.  You should wear an N95 mask (or greater) whenever you step outside. If possible, wear your mask at all times, even indoors.

Singapore PM 2.5 (24 hour) 27 June 2013 @ 4pm

EPA PM 2.5 (24 hour) primary standard

Singapore's PM 2.5 24 hour concentration has been 49-58 μg/m³. The EPA 24 hour primary standard is 35 μg/m³. (Primary standards provide public health protection, including protecting the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly.) Based on my understanding, this means Singapore's PM 2.5 concentration is 40% to 65% over the EPA's primary standard!

3M 7500 Half Face Respirator

Consider purchasing a long-term reusable mask instead of the N95 disposables. A reusable mask is far more comfortable, durable, the filters last longer, and it is more affordable in the long-run. Treat your mask like an umbrella or fire extinguisher. Haze is the new normal - it's been 19 years already, let's stop complaining and just protect ourselves. Preparation is more important at this point.

Sources

Singapore PM 2.5 (24 hour) 27 June 2013 @ 4pm

EPA PM 2.5 (24 hour) primary standard

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Great information from the Ministry of Health

MOH | Frequently Asked Questions on Haze

What are the long term effects of the haze?

Studies have shown that long-term exposure to fine particles (i.e. particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5); particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers) include (i) cardiovascular effects, such as heart attacks and strokes, (ii) reduced lung development, as well as (iii) the development of chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, in children. However, these are the results of long term prolonged exposure, which is not the case here, as we do not get haze throughout the year.

Should I still follow the daily Health Advisory if the skies look clearer, since these are based on PSI readings from previous hours’?

While you need not rigidly adhere to the daily Health Advisory, if the situation changes, following the advice for a higher PSI based on previous day’s level would be prudent.