Summary
Singapore residents reported blackish-grey rainwater after heavy rain, raising concerns over worsening haze pollution and its potential health effects.
Air quality reached the very unhealthy range, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hitting 203 in western Singapore.
Sport Singapore temporarily closed outdoor ActiveSG facilities, while eligible Singaporeans can collect N95 masks at designated points.
SINGAPORE: Heavy rain brought little comfort to residents worried about Singapore’s haze after some households found blackish-grey water collected outside their homes.
The discoloured rainwater prompted questions about airborne pollution, with social media users also raising concerns about their lungs and the effects of the haze on their surroundings.
Malay Mail reported the developments on Oct 16, citing reports by AsiaOne and footage shared on the Singapore Parents Instagram page.
Blackish-grey rainwater raises concern among residents
An Ang Mo Kio resident identified only by her surname, Zhong, collected three buckets of rainwater that appeared blackish-grey.
A video posted on the Singapore Parents Instagram page showed several buckets of similarly murky water. The footage drew worried reactions, including from another local who said their home fish pond had turned a similar colour.
These reports have fuelled public concern about what the haze may be carrying through the air. However, the colour of collected rainwater alone cannot identify the pollutants present or establish their concentration. Testing would be needed to determine its contents.
Falling raindrops can capture airborne pollution particles. However, haze contains fine smoke and other particles that rainfall may not remove completely or immediately.
The discoloured water therefore doesn’t, by itself, show how polluted the air is. Air quality readings provide a separate measure of the pollution people may breathe in, a Channel NewsAsia (CNA) video explained.
Singapore haze reaches very unhealthy levels
Singapore’s 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index reached 203 in the western region on Wednesday, entering the very unhealthy range.
Air quality improved slightly earlier on Thursday, then deteriorated again. Readings in the central region reached 205 micrograms per cubic metre at 5 p.m.
The PSI and fine-particle concentration measure different aspects of air pollution, so their figures shouldn’t be compared directly.
Outdoor facilities close as N95 masks become available
Sport Singapore temporarily closed outdoor and non-air-conditioned ActiveSG facilities as a precaution.
Eligible Singaporeans can also collect a pair of N95 masks. Residents can check eligibility, collection points and mask availability through the HazeMaskGoWhere website.
Fine particles in haze can enter deep into the lungs, making it important to limit exposure when air quality deteriorates. Residents can check official air quality updates, reduce strenuous outdoor activity when readings are unhealthy, and use a suitable N95 mask when needed.
Rain may wash some particles from the air, but it is no substitute for checking air quality. Until conditions improve, practical precautions matter more than the appearance of rainwater alone.
Read related: Free N95 masks for vulnerable individuals to mitigate haze’s negative health effects in Singapore