As Singapore anticipates the arrival of the haze season, businesses are preparing for a surge in demand for masks and air purifiers. The combination of an anticipated El Nino and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole suggests a more intense and prolonged dry season, extending until October. With the region expected to face higher risks of dust and smoke particles, authorities have advised the public to protect themselves. As a result, mask suppliers are scaling up production, and families are seeking ways to improve indoor air quality.
Preparing for Haze Season
The potential impact of El Nino and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole has raised concerns about the severity of this year’s dry season in Singapore. Businesses and individuals are gearing up for the upcoming haze season, with mask suppliers increasing manufacturing orders by 30% to meet the rising demand for N95 masks. Additionally, families are actively seeking solutions to enhance the air quality within their homes.
Escalating Demand for Masks
The recent heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures in Asia have prompted the surge in demand for masks. Pharmex Healthcare, a medical supplies company, has experienced a threefold increase in N95 mask sales over the past few weeks. To cater to the growing demand, the company has expedited its manufacturing processes and ensured that retail outlets have ample stock available.
Cleaner Indoor Air
While masks offer protection outdoors, families are also prioritizing cleaner indoor air quality. Dyson, a household electronics firm known for its air purifiers, has observed a 25% increase in customers connecting their machines to its app during haze events in 2019. This trend suggests that people not only use air purifiers more frequently during the haze season but also seek information about the air quality in their homes.
Anticipating a Prolonged Dry Season
The combination of El Nino and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole points to a potentially intense and prolonged dry season until October, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore (Met Service). This period typically experiences low rainfall and increased risks of vegetation fires, leading to haze. The Inter-Agency Haze Task Force is actively coordinating action plans to mitigate the impact of seasonal air pollution.
As Singapore prepares for the haze season, businesses are gearing up to meet the rising demand for masks and air purifiers. The anticipated El Nino and positive Indian Ocean Dipole indicate a potentially more intense and prolonged dry season, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect against dust and smoke particles. By prioritizing public health and ensuring cleaner indoor air, Singapore aims to mitigate the impact of the haze and safeguard the well-being of its residents
