Members of the public generally do not need to wear N95 masks when commuting to work, school or while indoors, the Ministry of Health has clarified in an update to its haze advisory on Thursday (Oct 15) night.
The advice comes as haze conditions continue to worsen in Singapore, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in the central region reaching 226 at 10am on Friday, within the very unhealthy range.
In the updated advisory, the ministry emphasised that reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion remains an important way to limit exposure to haze particles.
However, those who need to spend several hours outdoors when PM2.5 levels are high or very high may consider wearing a well-fitted N95 mask or its equivalent, depending on their health condition and air quality at the time.
In an earlier update to the advisory on Wednesday, MOH said that KN95, FFP2 and KF94 masks are as effective as N95 masks in reducing exposure to haze particles.
Healthy individuals may reduce their exposure by wearing a well-fitted N95 or its equivalent when heading outdoors for immediate activities when the one-hour PM2.5 reading reaches Band 4 (very high).
Meanwhile, vulnerable persons such as the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with chronic heart or lung disease may do so when the one-hour PM2.5 reading is in Band 3 (high).
That said, individuals in this group, including those with severe lung or heart problems, who have difficulty breathing at rest or on exertion should consult their doctor before using an N95 mask or its equivalent.
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