Going out in the Haze

While it is true that NEA advisory cannot be ignored. I am curious as to why use 24hr PSI? According to NEA it is the long term effect that is important. I can't disagree. More curious is that the PM2.5 is available only for 24hr PSI. This means that the effect is insignificant for the 3hr PSI?

From a quick search on the matter. I noticed one common point. The PSI (regardless of PM 10 or PM 2.5) is an average value. The gov would stress on 24 hr average as it will usually be lower when the fluctuation is high. 

There are advocates who rather prefer hourly average to reflect current situations. Since the measurements are not local (at best 5 regions in Singapore), the real time situation varies from place to place. 

Most measurements are concerned about long term effects thus many adopt 24 hr average. Only Singapore uses 3 hr average. The hourly figure available is not real one hour average. It is still 3 hr average. 

People like me who take short outdoor ventures for sports are more concerned about the short term effect. The 3hr PSI is good enough gauge for me to decide whether to venture out for about 2-3 hour especially when the hourly trend is going down. Forget about the PM2.5 as it is not even available for the 3hr PSI. 

Please note that e101.gov.sg states that "there are currently no studies on the health effects of exposure to short-term spikes in PM levels."

I could be wrong. It is up to individual to decide for yourself whether you should play safe or be an opportunist like me.