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Haze returns to Singapore on Friday

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Singapore on Friday (26 August) woke up to the acrid smell that usually signals the return of the haze. Photo: Yahoo Singapore.

[UPDATED 4pm: Readings have been updated to reflect levels as of 4pm]

Many people in Singapore reported a burning smell when they woke up as haze readings surged on Friday (22 Aug).

As of 4pm, the 3-hour PSI level stood at 157, according to the website of the National Environment Agency.

The 1-hour PM2.5 pollution index, as of 4pm, was 55-104, within the normal to elevated levels.

“The 1-hr PM2.5 concentration over the next 6-12 hours is expected to remain in Band III (High) and Band II (Elevated) range,” the NEA said in an update at 2pm.

The reading is a “good indicator of the current air quality”, according to NEA, which advised using it as a guide for immediate activities such as going for a jog.

The agency said the hazy conditions have persisted, “as haze from central Sumatra continued to be blown in by the prevailing westerly winds”.

The burning of forests in Indonesia to clear land for planting creates acrid smoke that is often carried by winds to neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore.

Meanwhile, the 24-hour PSI reading, which is the basis for health advisories, was in a range of 76-105, a “moderate” level, as of 4pm. It would be within the “unhealthy” level if it reached the 101-200 range.

The PM2.5 pollutant is one of six types of pollutants, including carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide, that the PSI measures. Long and regular exposure to PM2.5 is linked to higher risk of death from complications like lung cancer or heart disease. There are four bands of measurements for the PM2.5 index.

More people were seen on the streets donning face masks today.

For an outdoor photography trip that was planned “quite a while ago,” student Adrielle Chua had put on a surgical mask.

“My surgical mask does not cover up the nose area well, and I can still smell the haze, but the N95 mask is too hot to wear outside,” said the 18-year-old.

Polish IT programmer Pawel Urafizuu donned a face mask while walking to the bank. Having lived here for one year, the 28-year-old was “surprised” at the haze in Singapore.

“I thought Singapore is clean and green,” he said.

Netizens took to Twitter, with #SGhaze trending on Friday.

Woke up to a burnt smell. Thot someone left the stove on.. till i looked out the window. #sghaze

Oh guys, it’s not the haze that is outside your window. It’s just Gastly. #sghaze pic.twitter.com/XxjorwG7aE