Friday, June 21, 2013

Surgical Mask is not effective against Singapore SMOG

Hey people, as you guys know that the haze condition in Singapore is getting worst. It had hit the all high PSI of 371 on 20 June 2013.

As I was walking around on the street today, I saw many people wearing the normal surgical mask. Surgical mask is not useful to combat against the haze and it is a false sense of security. The particles that are responsible for causing the irritation is PM 10 and PM 2.5. Normal surgical mask do not have the capability of blocking these two particles.

Please stop wearing surgical mask and walk around the street thinking that it is effective to combat against the haze. If you want to protect yourself from the haze, get at least a N95 mask.

An example of N95 Mask

Thursday, June 20, 2013

20 June 2013 - PSI @ 371. The new high for Singapore

On 20 June 2013, the PSI reaches a new high of 371 and the PM2.5 index reaches a very unsafe level of 246 (Normal index should be below 40). If necessary, PM Lee will pass an order to stop work and activities when the index goes higher.

Extracted from PM Lee Hsien Loong Facebook Page:

Just back from my Meet-the-People Session. We were all tracking the PSI during the MPS, and dismayed that for a time it went above 300. Minister Vivian has briefed the press to explain what we are doing, and guide the public on how to respond (http://bit.ly/10xFN8c). 

Cabinet had discussed the haze situation fully when it met this afternoon. But as the haze has worsened, I am meeting the relevant ministers again first thing tomorrow, and will brief the press after that. 

Meanwhile, if the PSI reading stays high, please stay indoors where possible and avoid heavy outdoor activities. Look out for one another - we will get through this together. - LHL