The Socio-Economic Impact of the Haze in Singapore
Since 1997, during the annual June to October period, South East Asia would be shrouded in a blanket of haze and smoke, Singapore is no exception. The haze is a recurring annual problem in South East Asia caused by forest fires raging in Indonesia due to the local farmers’ “Slash and Burn” method of clearing land for agricultural purposes. Just last month, the haze in Singapore worsened to unprecedented levels, with the 3-hourly Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hitting a record 401 on June 21, far from 1997’s 226. Air becomes hazardous when the index crosses 300. The social and economic costs arising from the haze are significant.
Haze will certainly disrupt the daily activities of the people as more will stay at home to avoid inhalation of pollutants. Many outdoor activities will have to be cancelled and schools will have to be closed if the PSI reaches unhealthy range. The cancellation of the various activities will cause reduced interactions among people. The loss in recreation activities will impact the wellbeing of the people physically and psychologically. School programs will have to be revised to take into account of the closure and may delay the progress of their studies.
At the individual level, the haze will cause a surge in medical costs as many people demand treatment for illness brought about by it. The unhealthy air quality will cause an increasing number of people infected with upper respiratory tract infections, eye irritation, sore throat, sneezing and coughing. Young children and elderly people are very vulnerable to respiratory problems and cases of bronchitis and asthma will increase. People flock to purchase health products such as eye drops, face masks and air purifiers to keep themselves healthy. Loss in visibility will force car drivers to switch on headlights during the day and may also result in more car accidents on the road.
The haze is not just a health hazard but it also has great economic repercussion. People fall ill and fewer
Haze will certainly disrupt the daily activities of the people as more will stay at home to avoid inhalation of pollutants. Many outdoor activities will have to be cancelled and schools will have to be closed if the PSI reaches unhealthy range. The cancellation of the various activities will cause reduced interactions among people. The loss in recreation activities will impact the wellbeing of the people physically and psychologically. School programs will have to be revised to take into account of the closure and may delay the progress of their studies.
At the individual level, the haze will cause a surge in medical costs as many people demand treatment for illness brought about by it. The unhealthy air quality will cause an increasing number of people infected with upper respiratory tract infections, eye irritation, sore throat, sneezing and coughing. Young children and elderly people are very vulnerable to respiratory problems and cases of bronchitis and asthma will increase. People flock to purchase health products such as eye drops, face masks and air purifiers to keep themselves healthy. Loss in visibility will force car drivers to switch on headlights during the day and may also result in more car accidents on the road.
The haze is not just a health hazard but it also has great economic repercussion. People fall ill and fewer