Air quality in Singapore deteriorated significantly on September 15, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaching unhealthy levels across all regions in the early morning hours before improving slightly by evening. At 6 a.m., PSI readings ranged from 104 to 154, exceeding the threshold of 100 that classifies air quality as unhealthy. By 6 p.m., the index dropped somewhat, registering between 92 and 131. Previous haze episodes typically affected only certain parts of the country, but this recent event marked a more widespread impact.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) forecasted that the PSI on September 16 would remain between high-moderate and mid-unhealthy levels. Officials advise people to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities at these levels, particularly individuals with chronic heart or lung conditions, who are urged to avoid such exposure entirely.

Organisations across Singapore have introduced various measures in response to the worsening haze conditions. Outward Bound Singapore canceled an adventure camp scheduled for students from CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School on September 14 due to elevated PSI readings. The Singapore Hockey Federation (SHF) has implemented a protocol to suspend men’s league hockey matches whenever the PSI exceeds 100, a policy stricter than national sports agency SportSG’s advisory, which recommends suspending outdoor activities only when the PSI exceeds 200. This initiative specifically affects ongoing matches in Divisions 3 to 5 at the Sengkang Hockey Stadium, with the next round planned for September 19. SHF President Aw Bang Hui cited the presence of older players in their 50s and 60s as a key reason for adopting the more cautious approach.

Meanwhile, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has introduced two hydration breaks per half in all Singapore Premier League (SPL) and SPL2 matches as a precautionary measure during haze conditions. These breaks, lasting up to three minutes each, occur midway through each half. The FAS also stated that matches may be delayed, suspended, or postponed if the 24-hour PSI reading surpasses 200, a threshold indicating very unhealthy air quality. Clubs have been briefed on protocols for postponement and match delays, with matches scheduled to start no later than 9:30 p.m. and conclude by 11:30 p.m. Adjustments will be reconsidered based on evolving haze levels.

Healthcare professionals have reported a noticeable increase in haze-related health issues. Raffles Medical clinics observed a 20 to 30 percent rise in conditions such as asthma exacerbations, nose allergies, sinus and throat irritation, and wheezing across all age groups. Similarly, Dr. Lee Joon Loong, medical director of Paddington Medical Clinic, noted that cases of respiratory and skin irritations have nearly doubled. Symptoms frequently include coughing, allergic rhinitis, eye irritation, and flare-ups of eczema.

Pediatrician Lim Ying Chen from the Thomson Paediatric Centre has also seen an uptick in respiratory symptoms among children, including runny noses, coughing, and asthma. Telemedicine provider Rexmend.io reported a 20 percent increase in haze-related consultations for adults. Their medical director, Dana Elliott, warned that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in haze can penetrate deep into the lungs, posing risks of long-term health problems such as heart attacks and diminished lung development.

Lim advised schools and parents to monitor vulnerable children’s health closely, ensure they have quick access to inhalers and medications, and maintain proper air quality in school buses by keeping windows closed and using air-conditioning in recirculate mode.

Medical experts encourage the public to regularly monitor one-hour PM2.5 readings to make informed decisions about outdoor activities, particularly since increased physical exertion leads to higher inhalation of pollutants, potentially intensifying health risks.