Is it safe to exercise outdoors now?
Friday, July 05, 2013 - Posted by SunnyHealth - 0 comments

It’s time to hit the tracks again as haze levels remain at healthy levels! While some are being deterred by the continuously long queues at the clinics, if you do not feel any discomfort, you can carry out activities outdoor as usual.

As stated on the PSI indicator chart on NEA http://www.nea.gov.sg/psi/ it is generally safe for healthy people to be outdoors when the PSI value is below 100. As there are still hot spots in Indonesia, it is important during this period to continue monitoring psi levels before you go out to exercise. However, those with respiratory or heart disease should refrain from exercising outdoors, if PSI levels are moderate at 50 to 100.

Strenuous activity including exercise is often discouraged in the face of hazey weather because we tend to breathe harder to increase oxygen intake, and in the process, we would be hailing in more harmful and toxic particles. Some of these particles may trigger asthma or heart attack in those with such conditions.

Some have wondered about wearing the N95 respiratory mask to exercise outdoors. Unfortunately, while this mask will limit the amount of toxic particles entering your respiratory system, it also limits air flow. Users of such masks have to exert more effort to breathe normally, and this is also why these masks are not suitable for those with respiratory problems, pregnant women, elderly and children.


Having been through the worst haze in the history of Singapore, many of us have undoubtedly come to appreciate the importance of fresh, haze-free air. In a small, dense city island, it is impossible to enjoy fresh mountain air, but we can still bask in reasonably good quality air when engaging in outdoor activities. There are numerous green spots and parks in Singapore. Instead of jogging along the pavements of roads, brisk walk a little further to your nearest neighbourhood park. Exposing yourself to exhaust fumes from the vehicles on the roads is just as bad as haze exposure! Trees and plants emit oxygen and negative ions in the day that help to cleanse the air. This is one of the most important reasons to why it is advisable to exercise in the day rather than at night.


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