Politics · Singapore Bureau
Singapore braces for possible hazardous air quality as haze season looms
Singapore's environment minister has warned that air quality could deteriorate to hazardous levels depending on weather patterns, as authorities accelerate deployment of mask vending machines across the island.
LSN Singapore ·
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu cautioned on Tuesday that fluctuating air quality in the coming weeks could push pollution levels into the hazardous range, contingent on prevailing weather conditions.
"Depending on the weather, we can expect air quality to fluctuate, including the possibility of reaching hazardous levels," Fu said, underscoring the unpredictability of haze patterns during the critical season.
In preparation for potential air quality deterioration, authorities plan to have mask vending machines fully operational across Singapore by October 16. The machines are intended to ensure ready access to protective equipment for residents in areas where air quality degrades significantly.
The statement comes as the region enters its typical haze season, when transboundary pollution from land and forest fires in neighbouring countries can significantly impact air quality across Southeast Asia. Singapore has previously experienced severe haze episodes that pushed the Pollutant Standards Index into hazardous territory, prompting widespread public health advisories.