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.