Haze in Singapore: How to protect yourself when PSI readings creep above 100
We all smell it; a foul stench hangs in the air (ack!). The haze has become an almost-annual recurrence; we’re understandably paranoid after last year’s smoky crisis that had PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) readings soaring to an alarming 471! Well, there’s no need to declare a state of emergency as of yet, but heck, we’re not taking any chances this year. To make sure we’re well prepared for the next smog invasion, we’ve enlisted the help of Senior ENT (ear, nose and throat) Consultant, Dr. Lynne Lim, to get us clued in on why we should protect ourselves against deteriorating air quality in Singapore – but let’s keep our fingers crossed we won’t have to.
First off, how do we know if the PSI is in the unhealthy range?
The easiest way to keep track of a 24-hour PSI reading is to check the National Environment Agency’s website for updates. When the numbers hit 100 and above, that’s when it’s cause for concern. “This 24-hour PSI reading is based on PM 2.5 concentration levels and other pollutants like sulphur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide – and PM 2.5 refers to ultrafine particulate matter more than 25 times finer than the diameter of your hair. That’s why they are dangerous, as our respiratory systems are not able to remove them as well as larger particles.” says Dr. Lim.
Why should you care?
Your health could be affected in a number of ways: short term effects include increased tearing, nose sensitivity, scratchy throats, difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing. And that’s not all – according to Dr. Lim, continuous exposure may lead to an increase in heart and vessel disease, lung disease and asthma. In extreme cases, a high PM10 has been linked to more strokes, heart attacks and heart failure, too.
What can we do to avoid these nasty side effects?
“Children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with heart and lung diseases are more at risk. They should minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion,” advises Dr. Lim. Even those who are healthy should reduce their time outside. Give your immune system a boost with vitamin C, multivitamins, omega 3 fatty acids, or invest in an air purifier with HEPA filters (check out our guide to choosing the right one for your home or office). When you’re out and about for more than 10 minutes, don’t forget to put on an N95 or EN-149 mask, which helps reduce the amount of PM2.5 particles inhaled.
How do we relieve symptoms of irritation caused by the haze?
If you’re feeling a little under the weather, using nasal anti-allergy, decongestant or steroid spray medication may help relieve nasal passages. Dr. Lim also recommends hydrating by drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins, while avoiding dehydrating liquids containing caffeine or alcohol. Of course, it goes without saying that you should definitely avoid smoking, and don’t hesitate to head straight to the doctor if these symptoms persist.
Adj Assoc Prof, Lynne Lim, is Senior ENT Consultant at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard). Her clinic provides a one-stop service for treatments of ear, nose, allergy, snoring, throat and hearing problems for both children and adults. Dr. Lim graduated with medical degrees from National University of Singapore (MBBS) in 1992, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCS, ENT) in 1996, and Harvard School of Public Health(MPH) in 2005.
Her further sub-specialisation Healthcare Manpower Development Program awards were in paediatric ENT, and for reconstruction surgery of complex microtia/ atresia/ middle ear bones pathology at the Stanford Medical Centre (USA), University of Virginia Medical Centre (USA), and Nagata Plastic and Ear Reconstruction Clinic (Japan).
LynneLim Ear Nose Throat & Hearing Centre, #17-07 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510, p. 6737 7787.
This article is sponsored by LynneLim Ear Nose Throat & Hearing Centre