Singapore is experiencing "unhealthy" air quality as haze from Indonesian wildfires blankets the city-state, ahead of the Formula One night race this Sunday. The National Environment Agency classified the air quality on Tuesday.
The haze, a recurring issue during Indonesia's dry season, has worsened this year due to a "super" El Niño, which has fuelled intense fires across Sumatra and Kalimantan. Rainfall in the region has been approximately 80% below normal since June, contributing to the most severe fire season in over a decade.
While the polluted conditions are not anticipated to disrupt the racing schedule, an FIA spokesperson stated that a contingency plan is in place if the haze intensifies, potentially leading to restrictions on outdoor entertainment activities. Race organisers will provide N95 masks if needed and will collaborate with agencies on decisions regarding visibility, public health, or operational issues.
Experts suggest that prolonged exposure to the haze could affect drivers' cognitive performance, with one study indicating an effect similar to an alcoholic beverage on reaction times. Drivers may also need to adjust pre-race outdoor training to acclimatise to the heat, as prolonged exposure to pollution could be detrimental.
For spectators, short-term exposure may cause mild irritation such as a dry throat or coughing. However, vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and children, face a higher risk, with potential aggravation of pre-existing conditions like asthma or the triggering of acute bronchitis.