Sources and transport of haze pollutants

In Brunei Darussalam, measurements taken during the dry weather period from February to April 1998 showed that the Pollution Standard Index (PSI) readings exceeded 100, which is already unhealthy, and sometimes went as high as 250. 

This caused the disruption of daily activities, closure of schools, and changes in governmental working hours. 

Twelve provinces of Indonesia had forest fires during the 1997 haze episode and an estimated 165,000 hectares were burnt. During the peak period of September-October 1997, significant increases in asthma, bronchitis, and ARI were observed in eight Indonesian provinces. As estimated 12.4 million persons were affected by the haze, and about 1.8 million cases of the diseases mentioned above were reported. Levels of total suspended particulates (TSP) exceeded the national standard by 3-15 times during the peak air pollution period of October 1997. 

In the Philippines, the impact of the haze associated with the forest fires was noted mainly on the southern islands. The visibility in these areas was reduced to 

The PSI in Singapore exceeded 100 for 12 days during the 1997 haze episode, reaching a maximum of 138. About 94% of haze particles were found to have a diameter less than 2.5 microns, and thus easily breathed in. Hospital visits for all haze-related illness increased by about 30%. 

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