Singapore Haze: How to Protect Yourself and the Everyday Essentials to Keep at Home
When haze affects Singapore, it can be tempting to carry on with your usual routine and hope the air clears up soon. But when air quality deteriorates, taking a few sensible precautions can help reduce your exposure and make it easier to look after yourself and your family.
Whether you're commuting to work, exercising outdoors or spending the day at home, understanding Singapore's haze advisories is a useful first step. It's also a good time to check your household supplies and keep everyday essentials within reach.
In this guide, we'll cover what causes haze in Singapore, how to check air quality, practical ways to reduce exposure and some everyday wellness and comfort essentials worth keeping at home.
What Causes Haze in Singapore?
Singapore experiences haze from time to time, usually due to forest and vegetation fires in the region. Smoke and fine particles can travel across borders, affecting air quality depending on wind direction, weather conditions and the intensity of fires.
Haze contains airborne particles that can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Exposure may also affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, particularly among people with existing heart or lung conditions.
How someone responds to haze depends on several factors, including the air quality, the length and intensity of exposure, and their individual health.
That's why it's important to monitor official air quality readings rather than relying only on how hazy the sky looks.
How to Check Singapore's Haze and Air Quality Levels
Before planning outdoor activities, check the latest air quality readings published by Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA).
Two measurements are particularly useful:
24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI)
The PSI provides an indication of overall air quality and helps you plan activities for the next 24 hours. It is especially useful when deciding whether to adjust outdoor exercise, errands or other planned activities.
1-hour PM2.5 concentration
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. The 1-hour PM2.5 reading helps you assess current air quality when making decisions about immediate outdoor activities.
You can check current readings and advisories through the NEA website or the myENV app.
For the latest guidance, visit the Ministry of Health's haze advisory or the NEA website.
5 Practical Ways to Protect Yourself During Haze
1. Adjust your outdoor activities
When air quality worsens, consider postponing strenuous outdoor exercise, long runs and other activities that involve prolonged physical exertion.
If you normally exercise outdoors, consider moving your workout indoors when conditions call for reduced outdoor activity. If you need to head out, check the latest advisories and adjust your plans accordingly.
Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic heart or lung conditions may need to take additional precautions.
2. Keep indoor air as clean as possible
When outdoor air quality is poor, spending more time in a suitable indoor environment can help reduce exposure.
Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor pollution is elevated, and avoid activities that introduce additional smoke or fumes into enclosed spaces. When outdoor conditions improve, ventilate your home as appropriate.
An air purifier with a suitable particle filter may help reduce airborne particles indoors. Choose a unit appropriate for the room size and maintain its filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Understand when a mask may be appropriate
An N95 respirator or an equivalent respirator can help reduce exposure to haze particles when worn correctly and when its use is appropriate under current health guidance.
Fit is important. A respirator that leaks around the edges may provide less protection, and some people with heart or lung conditions may need medical advice before using one.
Ordinary surgical masks do not provide the same level of filtration against fine haze particles as a properly fitted N95 respirator.
Follow the latest MOH recommendations for your health circumstances and the current air quality. Do not assume that everyone needs an N95 mask for every short trip outdoors.
4. Stay hydrated throughout the day
Singapore's warm and humid weather makes it easy to overlook hydration when you're busy at work or on the go.
Keep water nearby and drink regularly throughout the day. Drinking water may also help relieve throat dryness or irritation associated with haze.
A reusable water bottle is a simple everyday item that makes it easier to keep water within reach, whether you're at your desk, travelling or spending time outdoors.
5. Pay attention to symptoms
Haze may cause symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing or breathing discomfort. People with asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions may be particularly affected.
If you feel unwell, reduce further exposure and follow appropriate medical advice. Seek prompt medical attention for significant breathing difficulties, chest pain or other severe symptoms.
People with existing heart or lung conditions should also ensure their prescribed medication is readily available and continue following their healthcare professional's advice.
Haze Season Essentials: Everyday Items to Keep at Home
While the most important haze precautions involve monitoring air quality and reducing exposure, it can also be useful to keep your everyday wellness and comfort essentials organised.
These products are not substitutes for haze-protection measures, but they can form part of your usual self-care routine.
When haze affects Singapore, the most important steps are to monitor air quality, reduce exposure to polluted outdoor air and follow official health advice. Alongside these precautions, it can also help to keep your everyday wellness essentials within reach.
Here are a few items to consider adding to your routine.
Vitamin C for everyday nutritional support
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that supports normal immune function and helps protect cells from oxidative damage. If you're looking to maintain a balanced wellness routine, explore vitamin C supplements and follow the recommended directions on the product label.
Manuka honey for a little everyday comfort
A spoonful of honey can help soothe a cough for some people. Comvita Manuka honey is an option to keep in your pantry for everyday use. However, honey is not a treatment for haze exposure or respiratory illness.
Lozenges for temporary throat relief
If your throat feels dry or irritated, suitable lozenges may provide temporary relief. Check the product label for directions and age restrictions, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
A water bottle to keep hydration close at hand
It's easy to forget to drink water when you're busy at work or on the go. Keeping a reusable water bottle nearby is a simple reminder to stay hydrated throughout the day.
These items can complement your everyday routine, but they do not prevent the health effects of haze or replace measures that reduce exposure to polluted air.
Shop everyday wellness essentials at Australia Health Warehouse and find products to support your daily routine, all in one place.
Who Should Take Extra Care During Haze?
Although anyone may experience irritation during periods of poor air quality, some groups may be more vulnerable to the effects of haze.
These include:
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Children and older adults.
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Pregnant women.
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People with asthma or other chronic lung conditions.
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People with existing heart conditions.
Follow the official health advisories when planning outdoor activities. If you have a chronic condition, keep your usual prescribed medication accessible and follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
If you or someone in your care develops significant symptoms or feels unusually unwell, seek medical advice promptly.