Singapore haze: apps, purifiers, and sites to help you cope

The haze is back in Singapore. But until the Indonesian government finds a permanent fix to this tricky problem, we’ll have to resort to other ways of coping.

Luckily, there are plenty of apps, websites, and gadgets out there to deal with the dusty air, ranging from air purifiers to apps that tell you the current PSI level, to online shopping sites that stock up on masks. Here’s a sampling of ways you can cope:

Apps for checking PSI readings

If you’re outdoors and the view looks suspiciously foggy, it’s time to check the PSI reading. The National Environment Agency has something for you: a really nice mobile app developed by buuuk called myENV (not a great name though). It’s probably the best one for general weather data and PSI readings in Singapore. It has an intuitive and pretty interface that feeds you information at a glance based on your location. It even indicates if where you’re standing on is a dengue hotspot. Available on iOS and Android.

But what if a general weather app isn’t your thing, and all you need is a simple app to tell you whether to don that face mask? You’re well covered. The prettiest and most minimalist of the lot is Haze Singapore on iOS. But if you’d like your cutesy Merlion to go with the PSI reading, download Haze@SG (iOS and Android).

If you’re at your desk and deciding whether to head out for lunch, NEA’s website is a great option. Not everyone agrees with NEA’s three-hour PSI reading however, since it may not give the actual out-of-the-window indication. No Bullshit PSI Readings aims to address this with “realistically now” measurements.

Trapping the haze with air purifiers

Closing the windows and turning on the air-conditioner can fight haze a little bit, but the next step is to get a decent air purifier that’ll trap those micro-particles. Filters aren’t gimmicks, they’re recommended by doctors and help prevent chronic heart and lung problems.

Air filters come in four types: carbon, photo-catalytic, ultraviolet (UV), and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA). Photo-catalytic and UV filters are great for removing bacteria, mould, and viruses. Carbon filters are best at sucking up odor. HEPA filters are probably the best for tackling smog.

Another consideration to make is to buy the right air filters for the right room size. For example, if your air filter covers only half of the living room, getting one more would be adequate. Purifiers from trusted brands like Sharp, Philips, Airion, and Hitachi should do the job, and ecommerce site Lazada carries some of these brands.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, Beijing company Smart Air has filters that work just by putting them over conventional fans. The advantage is that they’re really cheap (no more than S$100). If you understand Chinese, you can buy these HEPA purifiers from Taobao.

Buying your N95 masks online

Avoid the haze with these transportation apps

Getting food to you