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Monday, September 23, 2019

Horrid Haze - what to do?

I have given up swimming in Asia during the haze.

Malaysia has been cloud seeding. Comments I have heard from Singapore Residents (capitals incidcate not a description but a government status) are:
'Too little too late.'
'They have tried it befiore. It's not enough - fires cover a huge area.'

I have friends in Toastmasters saying they have bought masks and are struggling to speak at meetings. I have noticed several people with 'sore throats, cold, losing my voice'. They didn't mention the haze and only in restrospect do I realise that the cause or aggravating factor could be the haze.

Now for a mask? Which one?

For a start, any one is better than nothing. But better a better one.

The air conditioners for buildings are best when they can be set like the ones in cars to recirculate the inside air and not draw more in from outside.

In the newspapers and online check for the PSI. The letters stand for Pollutant Standard Index

https://www.wonderwall.sg/health/how-effective-masks-against-the-haze/?fbclid=IwAR29G1UNrylsV8yyqOafyMnVemu-VqQSKKcQ9KlNNJ5GYNiccdZBTnkv1I8

If the haze continues many days, I shall have to consider going back to the UK or Europe or a trip somewhere out of the region. It can cost  a thousand pounds or dollars to get a return flight from Asia to Europe, about half that to Australia.

Cost
A lot of money. Especially if you have to return for an event, or the haze abates then resurrects.

Against that, the cost of the purchase of an air conditioner, if it lasts without breaking down, might be a good investment.

Even if you take a taxi or a Grab, you wait outdoors, in an open sided void deck or outside. You can track the approach of a taxi and go out at the last moment.

Photos
The white skies and bland light are not great for photos either. So here is a photo of me taken indoors.

About the Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer.

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