SINGAPORE, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Singapore's air quality crossed into an "unhealthy" classification Tuesday as the city was shrouded in haze caused by fires in Indonesia. A pollutant standards index (PSI) reading of 113 was reported by the city-state's National Environment Agency. Any level above 101 is regarded as unhealthy, and comes with advice to avoid prolonged outdoor physical exercise. It later fell to 111.
"The prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the south or southwest, and hazy conditions can still be expected for Singapore," the NEA said Monday in a statement.
The air quality is blamed on the illegal burning of timber, to clear forests, in nearby Indonesia.
The haze is an annual occurrence but particularly virulent this year, although the Singapore government passed a law in August allowing prosecution of foreign companied involved in illegal forest burning, and has offered to help educate Indonesian farmers about sustainable development. Indonesia has also promised action on air pollution and coordination of efforts between the two countries.
