5 Apps For API Readings Because Monitoring The Haze Has Become Our Daily Ritual
With the condition not getting better anytime soon, these apps could help you monitor the API readings with ease and convenience.
By John Lim — 29 Sep 2015, 06:42 PM
Two days ago, the Education Ministry ordered schools in certain states to close down due to the worsening haze condition
The Education Ministry ordered schools in three states and the federal territories to close for a day tomorrow as the air quality worsened due to the haze. The areas affected are the whole of Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur and the districts of Sri Aman and Kota Samarahan in Sarawak, where the air pollutant index (API) recorded unhealthy levels.
themalaymailonline.com
The transboundary haze also forced the Kuching and Subang airport to close their runways
The transboundary haze, which unleashed many round of its spells on the southern parts of the state, have forced the Kuching International Airport (KIA) to close its runaway for two hours resulting cancellation and delays of flights.
Flights in and out of Sultan Abdul Aziz airport in Subang were suspended from about 5pm to 7.45pm on Saturday due to poor visibility caused by the haze.
thestar.com.myFrom the looks of it, it doesn't look like the condition is going to getting better anytime soon. In this week's Tech Tuesday, we take a look at some of the most popular apps you can use to stay in the loop with the worsening haze condition.
1. Nebulo: Made in Singapore, this app uses PM2.5 instead of PSI for gauging the air quality
The app is simple — it tells you what you need to know about the air we’re inhaling outdoors. The landing page marks the temperature outside and an explanation of what the air quality is like. Nebulo chooses to deliberately leave out the one reading we’re familiar with, which is the PSI or API. Founder, Duncan Leo felt that PM2.5 was more relevant than PSI for gauging air quality.
PSI has 6 components: particulate matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Most of these pollutants are invisible to the naked eye. The “haze” you see is really made up of PM2.5 and PM10 particles.
So it may be hazy (high PM2.5 and PM10 readings) but it may not be that unhealthy (e.g. low CO2 and NO2 levels). In fact, PM10 is probably the least hazardous pollutant in the PSI, since your mucous and natural filters will prevent it from going very far down your lungs.
Download Nebulo on iTunes and Google Playstore.
2. Malaysia Air Pollutant Index: Pollutant information is retrieved from the Department of Environment, the app also allows users to browse API histories
The app is packed with a cool carousel looking feature. The readings are all based off the Department of Environment's findings. It has daily health messages for users which can serve as good reminders. An overview of PSI readings of different states is available too.
The app has automatic updates and a cool feature of looking back at previous PSI readings from different states.
Download Malaysia Air Pollutant Index on iTunes and Google Playstore.
3. Malaysia Air Pollution Index: Not to be mistaken with the app above, this handy Android app shows the readings on a map and notifies if the API reading rises above 100
The Malaysia Air Pollution Index (API) app shows the latest air quality reading that are provided by the Department of Environment to help you to monitor haze situation. Areas are clearly displayed along API levels: in Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange or Red, or according to their indicator stages.
Users can sort through different parts of Malaysia according to their respective PSI levels, states or even the nearest location to you. They can also click on locations in the app for specific tips on how to handle the haze in these areas.
Download Malaysia Pollution Index on Google Playstore.
4. MY Haze: With a cute, friendly and simple interface, this iOS app shows real-time updates from the Department of Environment
5. Malaysia Haze Watch: With a clean and simple user interface, this haze app shows the readings of different locations in a tidy manner
Get information about the Air Pollutant Index (API) for Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Selangor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah, Sarawak and Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan & Putrajaya. The Android app also lays out the readings in an easy to read display that shows the readings throughout the day in different times.
hazewatcher.appspot.comDownload Malaysia Haze Watch on Google Playstore.