The Air Pollutant Index (API) is a much debated issue. Following the 1997 haze and ensuing bad publicity debate of publicising high API readings in the country, the powers-that-be decided that the index shall not be made so easily available. A foolish move, said environmentalist Gurmit Singh.

The idea is akin to an ostrich burying its head in the sand when it feels threatened.

However, heres a suggestion on how Kl-ites may determine levels of pollution in the city without the API - use the KL Tower as a barometer. If the KL Tower disappears in mid-afternoon, we should take it to mean that pollution levels are dangerously high. If people can still see it from a distance, then all is well.

By the way, the Petronas Twin Towers make as good a barometer as the KL Tower, too.

If this sounds ridiculous, then so is the API black-out. A check with the Malaysian Meteorological Services reveals that only the Department of Environment, which comes under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, has the authority to release API figures.

Malaysians will not find the API readings in newspapers. But those willing to take a little trouble to find out the readings may do so by calling DOE at (03) 8885 8266 after 12 noon to obtain the days reading.

For the past week, air pollution levels in the Klang Valley have ranged from the moderate to unhealthy.

For instance, air pollution at Port Klang today is at an unhealthy level. In Gombak, Shah Alam and Kuala Selangor pollution levels are moderate. In Penang, the levels were moderate yesterday and good today. In Johor, meanwhile, the air quality is reported to be good.

Disservice to Malaysians

If the API readings of 1997 gave the country a bad image, then it still doesnt help if we no longer publicise it, said Gurmit, who is executive director of the Centre for Environment, Technology and Development Malaysia.

In fact it discredits the country, he said. He may be true. What is there to hide when the haze envelopes the whole city for all to see or not to see. When the atmosphere is hazy, visibility is markedly reduced. And with or without the API, people may still draw conclusions.

But then, their conclusion may be exaggerated and inaccurate due the lack of information. The public may base their conclusions on hearsay. The API provides the public with a more accurate picture.

The API is a helpful tool and the authorities should not feel threatened by it, explained Gurmit. The information is beneficial to the public who include office workers, asthma sufferers, mothers with young children as well as tourists. It may help people to determine for themselves if they should go out into the open or if they should stay home, he said.

People can decide to avoid exposing themselves to unhealthy air especially in the mid-city where conditions may be worse due to exhaust fumes from vehicle. They can then determine if the hazy conditions are safe enough to drive in.

The absence of the API does not help as it leaves people ignorant and at a loss for what to do.

The authorities have a duty to provide API information to the public, instead of being too concerned with despoiling the countrys image, said Gurmit.

Explaining the API

Most governments in Southeast Asia measure the level of pollutants in the air. Malaysia uses a measuring system known as the Air Pollutant Index or API. The Malaysian API is based on the Pollutant Standards Index developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The PSI was developed to provide accurate, timely and easily understandable information about the daily levels of air pollution. In short, it provides a uniform system for measuring air pollution.

Every major town in Malaysia has an air monitoring station which measures five major air pollutants - carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and PM10 (particulate matter 10 microns in diameter). The measured amounts of the five pollutants are then converted to a scale for air quality index.

API readings of between 0 and 50 show that air quality is good. From 51 to 100 - moderate; 101 to 200 - unhealthy; 201 to 300 very unhealthy; 301 to 500 hazardous; more than 500 - very hazardous.

The Malaysian Meteorological Service also issues daily visibility reports for selected Malaysian cites. If horizontal visibility is less than 500m the haze condition is considered very severe. If visibility is only between 500m to 2000m then the haze severe; 2000m to 5000m - moderate haze; 5000m to 10,000m - slight haze; and more then 10,000m visibility means the area is clear of haze.

API readings of less than 100 are common in most cities around the world. For example, in most cities in the United States, the API level would be between zero and 100. Occasionally, it may rise to above the 100 mark. In some major American cities the API may breach the 200 level but this is a rare occurrence.

In Europe, API readings generally remain under 100 although occasionally they rise to unhealthy levels. For example, last year, Paris experienced bad air pollution and had to implement preventive measures.

Large, densely populated cities in developing countries frequently report API levels in excess of 250.

API levels and health

The following information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency gives an idea of health effects associated with different levels of air pollution.

When the API reading is up to 50, it means air quality is good and that there are no general health effects for the population. For readings of between 50 to 100, the air quality is considered moderate and there very few or no adverse health effects on the general population. For readings between 100 to 200, the air quality is unhealthy and there may be mild aggravation of symptoms among susceptible people, with general irritation symptoms in the healthy population.

At this level, people with existing heart or respiratory ailments should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity. The general population is warned to reduce vigorous outdoor activity.

API readings between 200 and 200 show an air quality that is deemed very unhealthy. General health effects include significant aggravation of symptoms and decreased exercise tolerance for those suffering from heart or lung disease.

The symptoms will also be widespread among the healthy population. The elderly and those with heart and lung disease are advised to reduce physical activity. The general population should avoid outdoor activity.

Alarms bells should start ringing when the API reading hits 300. The air quality is now hazardous. Early onset of certain diseases in addition to significant aggravation of symptoms and decreased exercise tolerance in healthy people will be the notable effects.

At above 400, there may be premature death among the ill and elderly. Even healthy people will experience adverse symptoms that affect normal activity. At this reading, the advise for the general population is to stay indoors, more so for those ill and old. The public is advised to remain indoors, keeping windows and doors closed.