Is There Haze in Singapore Again? Here’s What You Need at Home

Haze season is coming. Singapore is now officially at medium risk of experiencing a severe haze event this year. That’s according to a new report by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), which highlights rising deforestation and surging fire hotspots in Sumatra and Borneo as key drivers.

The question, “Is there haze in Singapore?”, is no longer seasonal. It’s structural. We’ve entered a cycle of recurring Singapore haze, and the impacts on health, indoor living, and daily comfort are only becoming more real.

Let’s get specific about what this means, and what works to protect your home.

 

What is haze?

Most people throw around the term “haze” without understanding the mechanics. So, let’s get technical.

What is haze? Here, it refers to the fine particulate pollution that travels from land-clearing fires in nearby countries. These tiny particles, especially PM2.5, are airborne solids so small they bypass the usual filters in your nose and lungs. Once inhaled, they reach deep into your respiratory system and bloodstream.

This is not just smog. It's a cocktail of burnt vegetation, chemicals, and carbon delivered straight into the air we breathe.

The worst part? You usually won’t even see it until it’s too late.

Though often confused, mist, fog, and haze are quite different in origin and impact. Mist and fog are both natural phenomena made up of tiny water droplets suspended in the air. They form when moist air cools quickly, typically in the early morning or after rain.

The main distinction between the two is density: fog is simply a denser form of mist, and visibility during fog falls below 1 kilometre. Neither pose serious health risks. Haze, on the other hand, isn’t water. It’s made up of airborne pollutants like smoke, dust, and especially PM2.5 particles. These often originate from land-clearing fires, industrial emissions, or vehicle exhaust. Unlike mist or fog, haze carries serious health risks, especially when inhaled over long periods.

 In Singapore, haze is a seasonal issue with growing health implications, especially during the dry months.

Feature	Mist	Fog	Haze
Main Component	Water droplets	Water droplets	Pollutants (PM2.5, smoke, dust)
Origin	Natural (cool, moist air)	Natural (denser mist)	Man-made (burning, emissions)
Visibility	Slightly reduced	< 1 km	Can vary, often poor
Health Risk	Minimal	Low (visibility concern)	High (respiratory, long-term)
Common in SG?	Rare	Very rare	Seasonal and increasing

 

 

The haze Singapore doesn’t see

Singaporeans are used to clean skylines. So, when visibility drops or PSI rises, people panic. But the more dangerous threat isn’t always visible.

Even moderate haze conditions can result in indoor air pollution. Once windows close and the aircon goes on, many assume they’re safe. They’re not.

Studies show that indoor PM2.5 levels during haze episodes can match or exceed outdoor exposure, especially in closed rooms without active air filtration.

In short: staying indoors isn’t protection. It’s delay.

 

Why Singapore haze is different

Singapore’s geography and housing design (condos, HDBs, centralised air systems) mean poor circulation during haze episodes. We spend 90% of our time indoors, yet most homes have no dedicated air-cleaning solution.

If you're asking, “Is there haze in Singapore?”, the answer is yes, maybe not every day, but certainly often enough that you should treat it as a recurring environmental risk.

And if you live with children, elderly family members, or anyone with asthma or sinus conditions, the stakes are even higher.

 

Most air purifiers don’t cut it

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: a lot of air purifiers on the market aren’t built for haze Singapore.

They might use vague terms like “HEPA-grade” or “multi-layer filter,” but unless it’s clearly rated HEPA-13 and above, you're getting partial protection at best.

Let’s compare:

• HEPA-11: captures about 85% of particles
• HEPA-13: captures 99.95%
• HEPA-14: captures 99.995% of particles at 0.3 microns or larger

That 0.045% difference matters when you’re dealing with haze conditions daily, for months.

 

How to protect yourself against Singapore haze

Living with haze in Singapore is a health hazard, especially for children, seniors, and anyone with heart or lung conditions.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Track PM2.5, Not Just PSI

The PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) is a lagging indicator. By the time it spikes, exposure has already begun. Instead, check real-time PM2.5 levels, which measure the fine particulate matter responsible for the health risks.

NEA’s website and apps like MyENV give you location-specific PM2.5 data. For best protection, take action once readings cross 55 µg/m³.

2. Limit Outdoor Activity

When PM2.5 levels are “elevated” (56–150), reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. Once it hits “very unhealthy” levels (151+), stay indoors with windows closed.

That said, indoors without filtration doesn’t mean clean air.

3. Use a HEPA Air Purifier Indoors

The single most effective way to improve indoor air during haze? Run an air purifier, especially in bedrooms and living areas.

Make sure the purifier is:

• Sized for your room (in m² or ft²)
• Uses true HEPA, not “HEPA-type”
• Runs continuously during haze spells

This traps PM2.5 and prevents recirculation.

4. Hydrate and Rinse

Haze dries out mucous membranes. Drink more water and wash your face and hands frequently, especially after coming in from outside. Rinse eyes with sterile saline if they get irritated.

5. Avoid Burning Anything Indoors

No incense, no candles, no smoking. All of these add to the indoor particle load. The goal is to keep indoor air as clean as possible not just less polluted than outside.

6. Use N95 Masks Outdoors (if needed)

Surgical or cloth masks don’t filter PM2.5. If you must be outdoors for extended periods when PSI is high, use a N95 respirator with a proper seal. These filter out fine particles that cause lung irritation.

 

Built for real homes, not brochures

We designed our HEPA-14 Air Purifier to address Singapore haze directly.

What you get:

• Covers up to 520 ft²
• Real-time PM2.5 sensors
• Auto-adjust filtration based on current air quality
• HEPA-14 filtration that removes up to 99.995% of airborne particles
• Quiet operation so it runs day and night

 

Is there haze in Singapore now?

The more important point is this: it’s unpredictable, and it’s recurring.

The PSI index only updates a few times daily. PM2.5 levels fluctuate by the hour. And by the time the air smells smoky, you’ve already inhaled it.

Instead of refreshing the weather app, get control over your indoor air.

 

Why Singapore haze demands action

Let’s bring it together:

• What is haze? Fine particulate air pollution caused by burning biomass, mostly PM2.5.
• Is there haze in Singapore? Yes, regularly and increasingly so, especially from July to October.
• Why worry? PM2.5 causes real health damage and penetrates indoor air, especially without filtration.
• What works? A HEPA-14 air purifier, sized for your space, with real-time sensors.

 

Final thoughts

The question “Is there haze in Singapore?” shouldn’t be answered with a shrug. It should be answered with a plan.

The simplest way to get started is this: clean your indoor air with tech that works. At NNIO, we’ve stripped the noise and priced it fairly because breathing clean air shouldn’t be a luxury in a modern home.

Singapore haze is not going away. But you don’t have to live in it.