Sunday, February 16, 2014

NEA sticking to its confusing PSI reporting method


Last year when we were badly hit by the haze, it was
crystal clear that our govt and NEA were not adequately
prepared, thought the haze has been returning without
failed annually for decades.

There has been many feedback on NEA complicated way of
PSI reporting which only confuses the public. It is
also not useful as it is based on past historical 3 hrs
and 24 hrs average, depending on which particle size
(PM10 and PM2.5)is used as reference. 
 
What the public wants is spot reporting base on PM2.5
levels as these particles could be inhaled into the
lungs and are known to be hazardous to our health. 
 
When the weather is fine, no one gives much attention
to the PSI reading. However once the haze hits us, all
eyes will be on the PSI reporting. 
 
Playing down the haze issue is not in the interest of
public health, as those PM2.5 which can be inhaled into
the lungs are known to be carcinogenic. From last year
observation, the PM2.5 readings were normally higher
the PM10. NEA average down the PM2.5 using 24 hrs,
while PM10 with 3 hrs.
 
Looks like NEA has not improved its complicated and
confusing PSI reporting method after all the public
feedback. Is NEA and the govt trying to give the
public a false sense of safety with their past
historical data average down to a smaller number?


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