Showing posts with label PSI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PSI. Show all posts

Monday, October 5, 2015

Singaporeans band together to fight haze

My Paper, Monday, October 05 2015, Page A6, Top Stories
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/epc/en/2015-10-05/
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/singaporeans-band-together-fight-haze-20151005
By Lee min Kok, mypaper, mklee@sph.com.sg, Published on Oct 05, 2015


Bad haze conditions bring the best out of S’poreans
PHOTO: Bad haze conditions bring the best out of S’poreans
Posted by Belmont Lay on 14 September 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6F1PQxJMU45AnuRVjbUWjNkomKbN93c-cn9ARPJwBtnnzslmHDmluRl6wa5Tu2y5sfdCDXYksCHqoiNiHzJbEfLcaSJyNbECJsk3DOVzAYBnZqtjhNUdTdBJenzfx-SDZQcdg6R24ik/s1600/bad-haze-good-photoshop-06.jpg
http://cdn.mothership.sg/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/bad-haze-good-photoshop-06.jpg
http://mothership.sg/2015/09/bad-haze-conditions-bring-the-best-out-of-sporeans-photoshop-skills/



EXPECT air quality today to be similar to yesterday's.

The National Environment Agency said yesterday at 6pm that the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) for the next 24 hours is expected to be in the high end of the moderate range (51 to 100) and the low end of the unhealthy range (101 to 200).

It may enter the mid-section of the unhealthy range if denser haze is blown in.

But even amid the hazy weather and grey skies that have plagued Singapore over the past few weeks, there have been bright spots to chase the gloom away.

Examples of Singaporeans looking out for each other and performing acts of kindness can be found on social media, while different initiatives have emerged to help combat the haze.



ACTS OF KINDNESS
For instance, Facebook user Josiah Ng was touched to receive a message from his driver after booking a cab on Sept 24, which read: "Hello Mr Ng, I am your taxi booking. The haze is very bad. You stay indoor (sic) first. I will SMS you again when I am here, so you don't need to wait in the haze. Will not start meter first."

Mr Ng said that the driver had been sending the same message to his other customers.

While there were reports of people cashing in by reselling N95 masks at a higher price during the last haze crisis in 2013, one hardware shop is doing the opposite.

Home - located on the ground floor of Block 442, Clementi Avenue 3 - was spotted bearing a sign in English and Chinese that read: "Free mask for children and senior citizens."


Free mask for children and senior citizens.
PHOTO: Home - located on the ground floor of Block 442, Clementi Avenue 3 - was spotted bearing a sign in English and Chinese that read: "Free mask for children and senior citizens."
Photo: ST
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZC4j85RbYAoOFzZ5yVebfcThRMU91DUd7E51lALep1G5Pgy-wZhgM6sNpVXo_25-7jOoEmRrviaRLLFn-pn7CBTQn5094670y7NBoyqiAiLmK-Pw255su-l2evWw0EVAHYni6GoSAD8/s1600/Free+mask+for+children+and+senior+citizens.jpg
My Paper, Monday, October 05 2015, Page A6, Top Stories
 

INITIATIVES TO HELP PEOPLE COPE WITH HAZE
The people behind local kindness movement Stand Up For Singapore last month kickstarted a fund-raising campaign called I Will Be Your Shelter to buy air purifiers and filters for the elderly and needy in the North Bridge Road area.

So far, it has raised about $6,000 through crowdfunding site Indiegogo and donations. It distributed 40 air filters and 10 purifiers to the residents on Sept 19.

For Cai Yinzhou, the health of Singapore's homeless and migrant workers was foremost on his mind when he embarked on his 3,000 Masks, 1 Singapore project to help his target demographic.

Meanwhile, sisters Cheryl and Charlene Lie launched their mask-collection drive, Let's Help Kalimantan, which aims to help Indonesians cope with severe haze conditions that have reportedly hit PSI levels of nearly 2,000. In Indonesia, a PSI reading above 350 is considered hazardous.



EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS
Several volunteer groups have also sprung up, such as the Haze Elimination Action Team (Heat) and People's Movement To Stop Haze, which aim to raise public awareness of the companies that are responsible for causing the forest fires.

Besides publishing tips on Facebook to help Singaporeans guard against hazy conditions, Heat intends to sue the companies.

The People's Movement To Stop Haze has been particularly vocal on advocating the use of products made from sustainable sources. Its campaign, We Breathe What We Buy, is trying to collect 50,000 pledges from Singaporeans to show that there is a demand for sustainable products.

By Lee min Kok, mypaper, mklee@sph.com.sg, Published on Oct 05, 2015


When a blizzard hits, or the temperature drops into a dangerous range, school will be canceled.
PHOTO: When a blizzard hits, or the temperature drops into a dangerous range, school will be canceled.  This past June, although public schools were on holiday, some private schools canceled when the haze became so bad that our air was rated as dangerous.

Posted by Expat Bostonians on January 28, 2014
https://expatbostonians.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/screen-shot-2014-01-25-at-1-55-21-pm.png
http://expatbostonians.com/category/travel-by-continent-country/north-america/us/boston/




Reference

Monday, October 20, 2014

Morning PSI reading in unhealthy range of 113

Source Website: http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/morning-psi-reading-unhealthy-range-113
By AsiaOne on Monday, Oct 20, 2014


Morning air quality gets poorer
PHOTO: Morning air quality gets poorer
Posted by AsiaOne on Monday, Oct 20, 2014
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBUPESzPurWT-z9oFULZ_SqJy4JASEszdFLEWp0gxYs0N-d4QE0YfaXBKx_wLi31MJ5QBmfSGraTlex8bJt64xiGuy0A5FAcuHEG8mpuPnsE0oiVaOqyyGI61FaBxhWrfTIfOT31WIRs/s1600/Haze.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/full_left_image-630x411/public/original_images/Oct2014/Haze.jpg?itok=aKPL6Gbo
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/morning-psi-reading-unhealthy-range-113



SINGAPORE - The three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit 113 at 9am after it went into the unhealthy range at the 8am reading when it was 106.

Today's reading began poorly with a reading of 97 at 7am, which is in the high-end of the moderate range.

The 24-hour PSI stands at 83 to 103, which straddles the moderate and unhealthy range.

There might be some reprieve later in the morning and early afternoon as the National Environment Agency expects thundery showers over northern, eastern and western Singapore.

The agency said in an update on Sunday, that 14 and 126 hotspots had been detected in Sumatra and Kalimantan respectively.

On Sunday, the three-hour PSI peaked at 113 at 3pm before dropping to 89 four hours later.

When the reading is above 100, it is recommended that people cut down on prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activity.

By AsiaOne on Monday, Oct 20, 2014



Reference

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Dealing with the haze

My Paper, Monday, July 01, 2013, Page A4, News
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/emnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2013-07-01
Source Website: http://www.mypaper.com.sg/news/dealing-haze-20130701
By mypaper, Published on Jul 01, 2013


Particulate Matter (PM) are grad of size<br>PM2.5 (2.5µm) & PM10 (10µm) compared to a 60µm diameter hair.
PHOTO: Particulate Matter (PM) are grad of size
PM2.5 (2.5µm) & PM10 (10µm) compared to a 60µm diameter hair.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69NlOCyVW59ADmagHRxByyLcGxBMyeP09WgNZAAzZqDe_jZjWzPXMIHyDue9UtAnPLbWXxYnyuGrJxXbAHO970c__ZIqZl36kvZrK27GOYRGy4KRB1YB_ZybIf0BdlmwoTbnwiuADPMV2/s484/PM2.5+&+PM10.jpg
http://www.mypaper.com.sg/sites/default/files/field/graphic/20130701/MY_20130701_HAZEGUIDE_G1_3725768.gif
My Paper, Monday, July 01, 2013, Page A4, News



HOW does one cope with the haze? This is a pertinent question, especially since schools reopened today amid the current haze situation. My Paper has prepared a guide on dealing with the haze.


How can the haze affect my health?

The haze contains particulate matter (PM), which are graded by size.

PM10 refers to particles less than 10 micrometres in diameter, while PM2.5 refers to particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter.

PM2.5 particles are more hazardous to humans as they can get lodged deep in the lungs, causing complications for those with respiratory illnesses.

Healthy people can get irritated or watery eyes, conjunctivitis or nasal irritation due to the haze. Other symptoms include throat irritation, shortness of breath and dry cough.

For those with respiratory illnesses, the haze can cause shortness of breath, and worsen conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis when haze conditions are bad.

In children, long-term exposure to PM2.5 may lead to chronic respiratory diseases.

For pregnant women, long-term exposure to haze can cause birth complications.

Seniors, as well as those with heart problems or are stroke victims, are more susceptible to the haze, which can exacerbate health problems.


Haze reaches ‘unhealthy’ level in Singapore.
PHOTO: Haze reaches ‘unhealthy’ level in Singapore.
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.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sp2PglTP7vk8e2fygjYNmk-xQPy5fIhAUdlMKpf89MAlGFqBhPJlf-ewvMohINd68ntJLp2lJTaC42gvcSWUjDgHCoDSwXAXh6HHSDUUKm5puV8KD6oWtqaPODBl-aXm1_5Zqah-yj3f/s907/1016513_656901504324841_1548622310_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1016513_656901504324841_1548622310_n.jpg
http://mitsueki.wordpress.com/tag/check-psi-singapore/



What can I do when it gets hazy?

Pay attention to the National Environment Agency's (NEA's) hourly PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) updates, and follow the daily advisories found on its website (www.nea.gov.sg/psi).

When the PSI hits very unhealthy levels (above 200), healthy people should avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities, or wear an N95 mask otherwise. Prolonged and strenuous activities refer to those that last several hours and lead to people taking in more breaths than normal, such as swimming.



The NEA summary of air quality by categories based on PSI, and how they affect your general health.


PHOTO: The NEA summary of air quality by categories based on PSI, and how they affect your general health.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqJ-QcTPrUgOx2naWFXqkBQYqRPFAbRI9ZzUBSQNnAiyeUpVMJo8KlYClH3Zt7Eawk5lLTGSd7etL82PAGzxs3awp1yY_WlUwBp_D50Te-OmhFgYcALE-nfaOSeCwkcUZ2184dB7Fildt/s482/998891_10151675458520979_631118876_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/998891_10151675458520979_631118876_n.jpg
http://mitsueki.wordpress.com/tag/check-psi-singapore/



Vulnerable groups of people - including children, pregnant women and the elderly - should avoid outdoor activities when the PSI is above 200, or wear an N95 mask if they cannot avoid being outdoors.

Air purifiers can help filter particles from the air. Visit NEA's website (www.nea.gov.sg) for a list of portable air cleaners.

Air-conditioners can help, but not all can filter PM2.5 particles.

If you are suffering from an existing illness, take your medication regularly. If you feel uncomfortable, seek medical attention immediately.



Hello Kitty PSI Index & Limited Edition Singapore Haze Kitties


PHOTO: Hello Kitty PSI Index & Limited Edition Singapore Haze Kitties
NOTE: "PSI" refers to "(the)common abbreviation for "Pollutant Standard Index". It is a method of measuring air pressure" - with currently the most sort after set of numbers in Singapore (after a person's salary … J/K) measured in reference to the degree of air pollution now, due to the Haze situation originating from Indonesia, Sumatra.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM_yUim1hELCNOlYNpYzonVqX99IcxFuFS_qOEmQNIhpiVSsWX38PiCf0S9OlY40RN9g8PH1OhWpSrMhVOXwZ0-DzgL9y9fy0ucHMcedS7prDiGgydDrmsRTESoOl_yukEn6Cx33Jx9gC/s500/9112693662_167bb5b797.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/9112693662_167bb5b797.jpg
http://toysrevil.blogspot.sg/2013/06/hello-kitty-psi-index-limited-edition.html



Drink more water, which can relieve an irritated throat, and eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.

Cut down on alcohol and coffee.

Use a warm towel to wipe eyelids and apply eye drops when eyes are irritated.

Get medication, like antihistamines and decongestants, if you are suffering from a runny nose.



N95 mask 
PHOTO: N95 mask
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaExlHKOX3qj-G8HVHOj6REcAEIblRkUI6X-OzdmkO09KI5T8wLDpatP_Xsu3DZzg6hE9abgHs19mGjcY7y5M49AGdEeQXHTAMpRUbBAUvQztkzDXCpapNMxV-ZNv1Po3pbIdPzSBlfrUA/s456/N95+Mask+from+3M.jpg
http://www.mypaper.com.sg/sites/default/files/field/graphic/20130701/MY_20130701_HAZEGUIDE_G2_3725769.gif
My Paper, Monday, July 01, 2013, Page A4, News



Should I use a surgical or N95 mask?

The N95 mask has been scientifically proven to filter out microscopic particles, including haze particles, effectively.Most surgical masks do not effectively filter small particles. Still, in cases where an N95 mask is not recommended, healthy people can use a surgical mask instead.

The N95 mask increases the effort required to breathe, so using it may cause discomfort, tiredness or a headache.



PSI higher than PSY


PHOTO: PSI higher than PSY
Posted by F. Y. C. BlueKelah, Thursday, June 20
The N95 mask has been scientifically proven to filter out microscopic particles, including haze particles, effectively.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Jg2ERVPF5FQLGEODSAbim_-_0miAS0JAIcukaPAn-gRgMZKchHECMMJyf7wlXvziSjweHUwZbfSuuFX_fcVOGVadXVx7xcmHJxmEtrtaKMGJIji_jaTRPeh77hgGc2C1wncbTQUce55X/s960/1012295_10200199349894601_80230134_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1012295_10200199349894601_80230134_n.jpg
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/eat-drink-man-woman-16/gpgt-zehzeh-mask-jin-sexy-4260942-3.html



Seniors, people with chronic lung or heart disease, those who have suffered a stroke, and pregnant women in their second and third trimesters should consult their doctor on whether they can use an N95 mask.

N95 masks are not certified for kids' use, so they should remain indoors as much as possible when haze conditions are bad.

To learn how to wear an N95 mask, visit the Ministry of Health's website (www.moh.gov.sg).
By mypaper, Published on Jul 01, 2013


Visitor numbers at the Singapore Flyer have returned to pre-haze levels. The giant observation wheel suspended operations temporarily for a few hours per day on 20th and 21st June, when PSI reached above 300. Operations returned to normal on 22 June.
PHOTO: Visitor numbers at the Singapore Flyer have returned to pre-haze levels. The giant observation wheel suspended operations temporarily for a few hours per day on 20th and 21st June, when PSI reached above 300. Operations returned to normal on 22 June.
From Channel NewsAsia Singapore's Photos, Channel NewsAsia Singapore's Page, 01 July 2013.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozQDgCnFHM1Po0JKDVSrOz-rFuBR8fpuBLN9TEStN5hNY5k3CEFN8iFjdq8LlExIpcI9LwkdIjvESOzlUoiNXaDSiD0EhcKm0M34I6nVy5zsuCmY2Zk0R4SmJ8IN4sSySvitqELCkaOGy/s960/993618_10151513951082934_1874188285_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/993618_10151513951082934_1874188285_n.jpg
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151513951082934&set=a.106297597933.96699.93889432933&type=1&theater


 The giant observation wheel although suspended from operations temporarily on 20th and 21st June, responsibily answered to the call of duty for the nation. PSI then has reached above 300 ~ 400.


PHOTO: The giant observation wheel although suspended from operations temporarily on 20th and 21st June, responsibily answered to the call of duty for the nation. PSI then has reached above 300 ~ 400.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQtovrAj8WRVZNJcYdONHFEnrDHo1hQC56LpND5osnoKOkEsN1Z2XiOjHn6-qEzJbGuqXtnkxYrjphlh9yRv2XLxA40PFvx_qaJoeKah2OzYrHBE6vsYbfNkYlQnBlj_uovl-1nstNYtv/s960/BNcCq3cCYAAA0EF.jpg+large.jpg
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BNcCq3cCYAAA0EF.jpg:large
http://twicsy.com/u/AlisaAriffin


 Hello Kitty PSI Index & Limited Edition Singapore Haze Kitties


PHOTO: Hello Kitty PSI Index & Limited Edition Singapore Haze Kitties
Anti-HazeKitty spotted on Mitsueki (http://mitsueki.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/the-haze-is-getting-worst/)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OewcR9LIfZSr4hCRnPyuSNNPbOW963GusoRN1C1vMrcZo1dU5gWXXWX6nOsgVtwisgLTP28tL-Cas-aJy87Q-76jLNW0Fj781bRF_JtP2-qAfjz9AiPvLV_PgXIH-LApS0tn7bKbnzJ_/s500/9104582171_519a7530cf.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/9104582171_519a7530cf.jpg
http://toysrevil.blogspot.sg/2013/06/hello-kitty-psi-index-limited-edition.html


 雾锁南洋 wù​ suǒ Nán ​yáng 风雨同舟 fēng yǔ​ tóng zhōu - The Awakening. FengYuTongZhou 1984


PHOTO: 雾锁南洋 wù​ suǒ Nán ​yáng 风雨同舟 fēng yǔ​ tóng zhōu - The Awakening. FengYuTongZhou 1984
Photos of SAFRA
The haze is the best reason to head on down to EnergyOne gyms
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HqVJNTVKWuVIbya8cF6xEwtkX6oUcwKRqM3BTNACl0y45xcpUCenfPK-oTwZ0ZSAWCxAq7Ofe9AsmICAJMs2040KfRzq9V8gxa07vUOTFoo8eLcoM6S0rDE6mC1ZETZ3noFd0JztZkzC/s640/971452_10151783044521833_1383178066_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/971452_10151783044521833_1383178066_n.jpg
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151783044521833&set=o.138131312885745&type=1&theater


 城裡的月光 chéng lǐ de yuè​ guāng @豆腐街 dòu​ fu jiē ( Tofu Street )


PHOTO: 城裡的月光 chéng lǐ de yuè​ guāng @豆腐街 dòu​ fu jiē ( Tofu Street )
The haze shrouded skyline of Singapore late June 19, 2013.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxMBEbKrDnHXXXYNrfaQUGOmjZ8ag2qEPZSJd-VwoEeAX2xPOngTBrG90UxuMoE5ncSuRUKO4gxczXWPmVwxBoXEwzHPb4wLa_i9-4bRrhtaEc9oYXyFFQZ-kLLBzjRgUam-T24mJq_NG/s630/693278-268871_b.jpg
http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/L8bdZ4A_ZMlGqV73_FQ5Sg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00MjA7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-06-19T181133Z_2070494540_GM1E96K05VV01_RTRMADP_3_SOUTHEASTASIA-HAZE.JPG
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/photos/haze-situation-in-singapore-enters-hazardous-range-slideshow/tourist-poses-photo-against-haze-shrouded-skyline-singapore-photo-181133834.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOytyCxLiGo&list=PLA784DA10CEED8A30


  New movie: The HazeNow showing already. Look out of your window for part 16 in HD and 3D.


PHOTO: New movie: The Haze
Now showing already. Look out of your window for part 16 in HD and 3D.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBm5Ffwdkj1w3GTQrbcLzBVNsZHeLIy0wlwLhLk9r61MycgBYL1PTJT1fAggtUWlTRjiCQ_rfyteSbm_lzKZOHTGivMQ7NUSdhRXwcLGlhU0Auyv3ogcVLPSnjXFd4f9GhLd-NTQLABya/s1000/2ywxw7a.jpg
http://oi41.tinypic.com/2ywxw7a.jpg
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2ywxw7a&s=5




Reference