What should I do at home during haze?

Keep windows and doors closed when PM2.5 is above 55 µg/m³, run a HEPA purifier or air-conditioning on recirculate, and avoid frying, incense and candles.

Do air purifiers help during haze?

A HEPA purifier sized for the room removes fine particles and can noticeably lower indoor PM2.5, especially with windows closed. It does not replace staying indoors during very high readings.

What is PM2.5 and why does it matter?

PM2.5 is airborne particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres, measured in micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³). They are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs, and wildfire smoke is rich in them.

Windows, purifiers and indoor air during haze

When PM2.5 is above 55 µg/m³ keep windows and doors closed, run a HEPA air purifier or air-conditioning on recirculate, and avoid frying, incense and candles indoors.

Singapore now · as at 10:00 SGT

100 µg/m³ · Elevated (1-hour PM2.5, NEA official, worst region)

Keep windows closed; run an air purifier (HEPA) or A/C on recirculate. Avoid frying/incense/candles indoors.

Check your area →

What to do at each level

By 1-hour PM2.5 (µg/m³) band
Band	Healthy adults	Vulnerable people
Normal 0–55	Ventilate normally.	Ventilate normally.
Elevated 56–150	Keep windows closed; run an air purifier (HEPA) or A/C on recirculate. Avoid frying/incense/candles indoors.	Keep windows closed; run an air purifier (HEPA) or A/C on recirculate. Avoid frying/incense/candles indoors.
High 151–250	Keep windows closed; run an air purifier (HEPA) or A/C on recirculate. Avoid frying/incense/candles indoors.	Keep windows closed; run an air purifier (HEPA) or A/C on recirculate. Avoid frying/incense/candles indoors.
Very High ≥251	Keep windows closed; run an air purifier (HEPA) or A/C on recirculate. Avoid frying/incense/candles indoors.	Keep windows closed; run an air purifier (HEPA) or A/C on recirculate. Avoid frying/incense/candles indoors.

Basis: General precaution, not a NEA rule.

Keep smoke out

Close windows and seal obvious gaps. Ventilate briefly when the reading is lowest rather than leaving windows open for long periods.

Clean the air you have

A HEPA purifier sized for the room can remove fine particles. Air-conditioners help if set to recirculate and fitted with a clean filter.

Do not add indoor smoke

Frying, burning incense, candles and smoking add fine particles indoors, which is the opposite of what you want.

Steps

Close windows and doors when PM2.5 is above 55.
Run a HEPA purifier or air-conditioning on recirculate.
Avoid frying, incense and candles.
Open windows briefly only when the reading is lowest.

Sources

NEA 1-hour PM2.5 readings (Singapore) — National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore · official site · API / docs

More guides

Sports training and matches in haze · Running and cycling in haze · Children, school PE and recess in haze · Commuting and masks in haze · Drying laundry outdoors in haze · Outdoor dining and events during haze · Pets in haze

General information, not medical advice. Follow your doctor and your school, league or organiser's final call. Data come from official sources; see data sources.