2010 Southeast Asian haze

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Air pollution event in Southeast Asia

2010 Southeast Asian haze

Location
Coordinates
Cause	Forest fires in Indonesia

Meteorological history
Date
Formed
Renamed
Crossed over
Exited land
Subtropical
Remnant low
Post-tropical

The 2010 Southeast Asian haze was a significant air pollution event that affected several countries in Southeast Asia, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. The haze was primarily caused by widespread forest fires in Indonesia, particularly on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.

Causes

The primary cause of the 2010 Southeast Asian haze was the slash-and-burn agricultural practices in Indonesia. Farmers and plantation owners often use fire to clear land for planting, which can lead to uncontrolled forest fires. These fires produce large amounts of smoke and particulate matter, which are carried by the wind to neighboring countries, resulting in severe air pollution.

Affected Areas

The haze affected several countries in Southeast Asia:

• Brunei: The air quality in Brunei deteriorated significantly, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaching unhealthy levels.
• Indonesia: The source of the haze, Indonesia experienced the most severe air quality issues, particularly in Sumatra and Borneo.
• Malaysia: Many parts of Malaysia, including the capital city Kuala Lumpur, experienced reduced visibility and poor air quality.
• Singapore: Singapore was heavily affected, with the PSI reaching hazardous levels, prompting health advisories and the distribution of N95 masks.
• Thailand: Southern Thailand also experienced haze, although to a lesser extent compared to other affected countries.

Health Impacts

The haze had significant health impacts on the populations of the affected countries. The poor air quality led to an increase in respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, were particularly at risk. Governments issued health advisories, urging people to stay indoors and use air purifiers.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The 2010 Southeast Asian haze had considerable economic and environmental impacts. The tourism industry in the affected countries suffered due to the poor air quality and reduced visibility. Additionally, the haze disrupted air travel, with numerous flights being delayed or canceled. The environmental impact included the loss of biodiversity and damage to ecosystems due to the forest fires.

Government and Regional Response

Governments in the affected countries took various measures to address the haze. These included:

• Issuing health advisories and distributing protective masks.
• Implementing cloud seeding operations to induce rain and clear the haze.
• Collaborating with neighboring countries to address the root causes of the haze, including efforts to prevent illegal land clearing and forest fires.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also played a role in coordinating regional efforts to combat the haze. The ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, signed in 2002, aimed to reduce haze pollution through cooperative measures.

See Also

• 1997 Southeast Asian haze
• 2013 Southeast Asian haze
• Air pollution
• Forest fire