Singapore smog could put a stop to outdoor work

Singapore smog could put a stop to outdoor work

SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore said yesterday all outdoor work
should stop if the smog which had settled over the island
republic got any worse.

If the Pollutants Standard Index (PSI), which measured the
quality of the air, topped 400 then all outdoor work should shut
down apart from emergency and essential services, the Ministry of
Labor said in a statement.

Even at PSI readings of 100, outdoor workers with heart or
respiratory problems should consult their doctors and use
respirators if necessary.

Employers should shift sufferers to nonstrenuous indoor work
if the index topped 200, it said. At 1 p.m. the PSI was 137.

Singapore has escaped relatively lightly from the choking
smoke spewing from Indonesian forest fires which has covered
Malaysia, Singapore and parts of Thailand and the Philippines.

Malaysia has been worst hit. Its Borneo state of Sarawak was
virtually closed for 10 days last month as the smoke, combined
with industrial pollution and vehicle emissions, reduced
visibility to arm's length in the capital of Kuching.

Singapore's PSI hit a high of 226 one day last month, but has
mostly lingered between 100 and 150, levels at which the old and
ailing are advised to stay inside and people told to cut down on
vigorous outdoor activity.

The ministry statement said if the PSI topped 300, all outdoor
workers should use respirators which employers must provide.

Strenuous work should be minimized and work at heights should
not be allowed. Workers over 55 should join those with heart or
respiratory problems indoors, it said.

Some foreign entertainers have already decided Singapore's
smog is too much for them.

The Straits Times newspaper said yesterday that Grammy-
nominated American folk singer Shawn Colvin had canceled two
Singapore shows this weekend because the smog had put her off
coming to the region.

It said British band Bush also pulled out of a show Monday for
the same reason.