How to choose a good Air Purifier for the Haze in Singapore
The air smells and taste different, and many of us start coughing or feeling tired. But haze is more than just a nuisance — it affects how we breathe, how we feel, and how well we work.
What exactly is in haze?
Haze is mostly made up of very fine particles called PM2.5. These particles are smaller than 1/30th of the width of a human hair. Because they are so tiny, they can go deep into our lungs and even enter our bloodstream.
How does haze affect us?
A long-term study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (Harvard Six Cities Study) found that even small increases in PM2.5 were linked to higher rates of lung and heart problems. The risk of lung-related death increased by 36% for every 10 µg/m³ rise in PM2.5.
Another study published in JAMA, led by researchers from the University of Washington and Columbia University, showed that air pollution — especially ozone and fine particles in haze — can accelerate lung damage similar to smoking. Researchers noted that long-term exposure was linked to more emphysema on lung scans, a condition that makes breathing harder.
A study in Circulation (American Heart Association) that looked at over 63 million people in the US also found that long-term exposure to low levels of PM2.5 increased hospital admissions for heart attacks, stroke, pneumonia, and heart rhythm problems.
In short, haze doesn't just affect our lungs. It can cause inflammation in the whole body, make us more tired, worsen sleep, and reduce our concentration and productivity at work.
Who is most vulnerable?
While everyone is affected, some groups need extra care:
· Children — their lungs are still developing and they breathe faster than adults
· Elderly — lower lung reserves and often have existing heart or lung conditions
· People with asthma, COPD, or allergies — haze can trigger attacks and worsen symptoms
· Pregnant women — prolonged exposure has been linked to higher risk of preterm birth in studies
According to the American Family Physician (2010), these groups can react to air pollution at even lower levels than the general population.
How to choose a good Air Purifier?
Get an air purifier that has a true HEPA-grade filtration and a clean air delivery rate (CADR) that is suited for the room that is used in.
1. Trapping PM2.5, PM0.3 and even PM0.1 particles
2. Removing allergens, pollen, smoke, and bacteria
3. Reducing odors and volatile chemicals (VOCs) from haze
4. Silent technology
With alot of HEPA like filters and not true grade HEPA-grade, the filter efficiencies may be compromised.
It is also advisable to keep all the windows shut while it is in use so that it can efficiently clean the air in the room.
Having one in each room is advisable as one purifier cannot clean the air in the next adjacent room as the clean air is generally only circulating in an enclosed area.
We made BreathePure Purifier for tough situations like these.
It is built with:
· H13 Grade HEPA filter — the highest HEPA grade, removes up to 99.97% of harmful particles as small as 0.3 microns, including PM2.5, dust, smog, and pollen
· Activated carbon filter — collects odors, smoke, formaldehyde, and VOCs
· Ionizer (5 million/cm³) — helps to freshen air
· Silent technology with Sleep Mode — less than 56dB, suitable for bedrooms, nurseries, and work-from-home setups
· Covers up to 45m², CADR 151m³/h — ideal for HDB living rooms and offices
Just plug in, close your windows, and let it run.
It will turn red in this current haze and then slowly work towards a better quality of air (with the green light on). This is assuring that the machine is working its hardest to improve the quality of air in the room.
How else to protect yourself ?
Wear an N95 mask
Do not light candles, burn incense, fry foods, or vacuum with a non-HEPA vacuum during a haze episode, as these activities generate additional fine indoor particles.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps your kidneys flush out absorbed toxins and keeps your throat and airways moist, which aids your respiratory system in clearing out trapped dust.
Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise like running, cycling, or football. Heavy breathing during exercise pulls particles deeper into your lungs. Opt for indoor gym workouts, yoga, or home exercises instead.
Get better work, better sleep, and better play with cleaner air.
Stay safe, Stay indoors.
References:
1. Laden F. et al. Reduction in fine particulate air pollution and mortality. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2006.
2. Wang M. et al. Association Between Long-term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and Change in Quantitatively Assessed Emphysema. JAMA. 2019.
3. Danesh Yazdi M. et al. Long-term exposure to low levels of air pollution and risk of hospitalization. Circulation. 2021.
4. Laumbach R. Outdoor Air Pollutants and Patient Health. Am Fam Physician. 2010.