Haze engulfs Singapore as air pollution levels reach highest levels

Air pollution levels in Singapore have reached their highest level this year as smoke from Indonesian forest fires create a haze at the Marina Bay Circuit.

The Pollutant Standards Index, Singapore's main measure of air pollution, rose to 222 in the early hours of Monday, above the official "very unhealthy" bandwidth of 200, according to the National Environment Agency

Persistent haze over the weekend caused the cancellation of several outdoor events, and the organisers of the Singapore Grand Prix are keeping a close eye on the situation.

"In the event that the haze caused visibility, public health or operational issues, Singapore GP would work closely with the relevant agencies before making any collective decisions regarding the event," race organisers said in a statement.

After touching a high of 222, the pollution index mellowed during the day to 118, classified as "unhealthy." In 2013, the same three-hour index hit a historic high of 401, way above the "hazardous" mark of 300.

Precautions for schoolchildren have already been put in place in Singapore by the Ministry of Education. Should air quality reach "very unhealthy" levels, there will be no exercising in schools, be it indoors or outdoors. Staff and students who feel unwell will be put in an air-conditioned room with an air purifier before being taken to see a doctor.

Once the "hazardous" threshold is reached, the ministry will consider closing all primary and secondary schools, which typically sees students from ages 7 to 16.

Last week, Singapore authorities registered their concerns with Indonesia on the deteriorating haze situation and offered help, including firefighting teams and an aircraft for cloud-seeding operations. Indonesian authorities have since declined the offer.