Jun 21, 2010
HAZE PROBLEM
Are we prepared?
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THE article, 'Haze 'is bad for your heart'' (last Monday), said that with more hot spots detected in the region in April this year compared with the number last year, the haze may return stronger in the coming months.
Are we now better prepared to counter a thicker haze should that happen?
Would more data on pollutants, such as particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5, be made known when their levels are abnormally high? Should hourly measurements be disclosed?
And do people here know the dos and don'ts if the situation becomes life-threatening? What safety procedures are in place or recommended to deal with a critical situation - at homes and in schools, hospitals, coastal areas and other open areas? What are the ways to inform the public of precautions and procedures?
Freak weather conditions seem to occur quite often around the world these days and must be factored into our disaster preparation planning.
When pollutant levels are dangerously high and an unexpected windless condition suddenly develops, the situation could become life-threatening. Britain experienced two smog disasters in the last 60 years due to freak weather conditions - one in 1952 and another in 1991.
If a freak, windless condition develops here amid a huge gathering of pollutants in the air, what should we do?
Do we have the technology and equipment to create winds or make rain, or protect our drinking water from pollution?
To depend totally or only on our breezy weather to avert haze disasters is unwise.
Ng Ya Ken
HAZE PROBLEM
Are we prepared?
<!-- by line --><!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar --><!-- story content : start -->
THE article, 'Haze 'is bad for your heart'' (last Monday), said that with more hot spots detected in the region in April this year compared with the number last year, the haze may return stronger in the coming months.
Are we now better prepared to counter a thicker haze should that happen?
Would more data on pollutants, such as particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5, be made known when their levels are abnormally high? Should hourly measurements be disclosed?
And do people here know the dos and don'ts if the situation becomes life-threatening? What safety procedures are in place or recommended to deal with a critical situation - at homes and in schools, hospitals, coastal areas and other open areas? What are the ways to inform the public of precautions and procedures?
Freak weather conditions seem to occur quite often around the world these days and must be factored into our disaster preparation planning.
When pollutant levels are dangerously high and an unexpected windless condition suddenly develops, the situation could become life-threatening. Britain experienced two smog disasters in the last 60 years due to freak weather conditions - one in 1952 and another in 1991.
If a freak, windless condition develops here amid a huge gathering of pollutants in the air, what should we do?
Do we have the technology and equipment to create winds or make rain, or protect our drinking water from pollution?
To depend totally or only on our breezy weather to avert haze disasters is unwise.
Ng Ya Ken
