Singapore smog reaches "very unhealthy" level, considering legal action

Singapore's air quality has deteriorated to very unhealthy levels, and the country will keep all options open for legal action against the companies involved. Singapore's Straits Times reported on Wednesday, citing Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, that Singapore is gathering haze-related data to assess the possibility of taking action under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. The act, which took effect in 2014, targets parties responsible for causing or condoning fires; if the haze caused by the fires keeps the air pollution index at unhealthy levels for 24 consecutive hours or more, the act can be applied to hold them accountable. As of 6 a.m. local time, the islandwide air pollution index ranged from 125 to 206, with the highest reading in the western region. A 24-hour PSI of 201 or above is classified as "very unhealthy"; an index above 300 is classified as "hazardous" and will trigger school closures.