Hiaz, U ppl all talking about PSI ('PM10').
Like MOH, forget about other equally if not more important:
'PM2.5'.
Breathe in too much haze and those SGporeans who CAN AFFORD
bypass will follow in the steps of health minister:
Those SGporeans who cannot afford, perhaps they can take another
Minister's (MTI) advice:
"Switching to cheaper products can reduce the cost of living
despite a rise in the CPI."
Haha.
Yeah, LHK's quote prob taken out of context but with MOH's
blatant denial about PM2.5, would you be surprised if LHK's
response would prove true in the future, more so for citizen
healthcare that MOH has failed to protect?
And yeah, in the absence of more concrete action: funding,
education, (provision of education regarding more sustainable
farming methods, infrastructural improvements) I doubt much would
be achieved in regard of the haze situation by any SEA country.
SG Minister's salaries not withstanding of course.
References:
- 'Air pollution associated with heart disease:
AHA': "Fine particulate
matter, which is called PM2.5 by scientists because the particles
have a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, is the type of air
pollution most likely to cause cardiovascular disease..
"[XHN,
China, 10May2010]
- 'Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has by-pass
surgery': "A spokesperson from the Ministry of Health
(MOH) speaking to The New Paper said that Minister for Health Khaw
Boon Wan, 57, had by-pass surgery on Tuesday." [TOC
6May2010]
- 'Please don't follow my example, says Khaw':
"'I am making this confession so that hopefully it can be a
life-saving reminder to others. Please do not follow my example,'
Mr Khaw added."[ST
31May2010]
- 'Haze 'is bad for your heart'': "The PM2.5
average here in the last two years were both above the 'safe' level recommended by the
World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).... " "When asked
if the public should be concerned about PM2.5, Singapore's Health
Ministry said: 'The PSI cut-offs are internationally
accepted standards. People are advised to avoid vigorous outdoor
activities at PSI more than 100 because air quality is unhealthy
beyond this level. However, these are general public health
guidelines and individuals may choose to avoid vigorous outdoor
activities at PSI levels less than 100 if they are still
concerned.'"[ST,
14June2010][alt
source]
- 'Clear the air on pollutant levels' (Andy Ho):
"The AHA concluded that short-term
exposure of 'over a few hours to weeks' to PM2.5 can trigger fatal
heart attacks, heart failure and heart rhythm problems. ...
... Better still, perhaps daily PM2.5 levels should be provided to
the public."[ST,
19Jun2010][alt
site]
