NTU student launches haze calculator to quantify air pollution exposure

The website, created by the engineering student, converts complex air quality data into a simple, relatable figure that resonates with the general public. By expressing haze exposure in terms of cigarette equivalents, the tool provides a more visceral understanding of pollution levels than traditional air quality indices alone.

According to the developer, the project emerged from a desire to address information overload. "I wanted to create a straightforward website because many of my family members and friends found themselves confused by the multiple metrics used to describe air quality," the student explained. "The goal was to offer them an accessible tool that simplified this information."

The calculator comes at a time when Singapore and the broader Southeast Asian region remain vulnerable to transboundary haze events, particularly during the dry season. Such episodes have repeatedly prompted public health concerns, with residents seeking clearer guidance on exposure levels and associated health risks.

The tool represents a growing trend of tech-enabled civic initiatives in the region, where individuals leverage digital platforms to improve public understanding of environmental and health issues. By making complex scientific data more digestible, such initiatives can contribute to greater public awareness and informed decision-making during air quality emergencies.