Singapore records unhealthy air as Grand Prix haze plans come into focus

Singapore recorded unhealthy air quality on October 6 as smoke from Indonesia drifted towards the city-state before its Formula One Grand Prix. The National Environment Agency said the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index stood at 102 to 135 at 5pm. The readings put the event's previously announced haze preparations into focus as teams and spectators approach race weekend.

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The agency recorded one-hour PM2.5 concentrations of 73 to 103 micrograms per cubic metre, classified as elevated. It observed substantial smoke moving towards Singapore from southern Sumatra and West Kalimantan. With dry weather expected to persist in those parts of Indonesia and prevailing winds carrying smoke towards Singapore, the agency forecast air quality ranging from high moderate to mid unhealthy.

Singapore GP had already incorporated haze into its event contingency planning, according to CNA's August reporting. An organiser's spokesperson told the broadcaster that the arrangements had been developed with government agencies and other stakeholders. Decisions would be taken jointly if pollution created problems for visibility, public health or event operations, rather than being based solely on the existence of haze.

CNA also reported that the government's interagency Haze Task Force would coordinate responses at different pollution levels. Preparations included updating people inside the circuit on conditions and providing access to medical assistance and N95 masks when needed. The task force, chaired by the National Environment Agency, comprises 28 government agencies, including the Singapore Tourism Board, which oversees the race.

The situation has a precedent at the event. CNA reported that unhealthy air affected the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix, when around 268,000 spectators attended and organisers placed first aiders on standby while making masks available. For the current event, the Guardian reported on October 6 that racing disruption was not expected.

The environment agency distinguishes between planning ahead and assessing immediate outdoor activity: it recommends the 24-hour PSI forecast for the former and one-hour PM2.5 readings for the latter. Its latest assessment said smoke was likely to keep drifting towards Singapore; it did not predict that conditions would clear before the Grand Prix.