Demand for Oxygen Tanks and Purifiers Soars Amid Haze Crisis

KUALA LUMPUR – The ongoing haze resulting from wildfires in Indonesia is causing a dramatic increase in the need for oxygen tanks and air purifiers throughout Southeast Asia, according to manufacturers who are operating tirelessly to meet this urgent demand for clean air.

Haze Impact on Health and Education

For months, thick haze has shrouded parts of Southeast Asia, affecting air quality severely. This worsening situation has not only led to school closures but also an uptick in respiratory health issues among the population. Many families are now urgently acquiring devices designed to improve indoor air quality.

Manufacturers Responding to Increased Demand

At AA Alive, a medical supply company located near Kuala Lumpur, staff report they are fully engaged in producing and distributing oxygen supplies, with sales reaching unprecedented levels. Rafina Firdaus, a representative from AA Alive, shared that their sales have surged by 35% due to the haze, revealing the high demand for life-supporting oxygen equipment.

The company provides both oxygen tanks and concentrators. An oxygen tank generally offers about three hours of continuous use, while a concentrator can operate for 24 hours straight.

Real Stories from the Community

Md Noor Bin Bujang, 69, who spent over a month hospitalized, received his first oxygen concentrator on October 15. He emphasized the critical role of these devices, stating that without them, he would face severe breathlessness, particularly with the prevailing haze.

Technician Mubassar Khan noted that the filters in oxygen concentrators, which typically last for about 1,000 hours, are deteriorating much faster due to the pollutants in the haze, reducing their lifespan significantly.

AA Alive is currently managing to deliver around 40 rental units daily, a demand they are equipped to handle given their previous experiences with haze-induced crises.

Warnings from Experts

Health professionals caution that prolonged exposure to haze-related pollutants can lead to significant health issues. Juliana Jalaludin, a professor of environmental health at Universiti Putra Malaysia, highlighted the long-term consequences for future generations, especially regarding respiratory conditions. She stressed the importance of minimizing exposure to protect children’s health now to prevent enduring health crises later on.

Surge in Air Purifier Sales

Retailers of air purifiers have also reported an exceptional rise in sales since air quality began to decline in August. According to regional electronics retailer Courts, air purifier sales skyrocketed by 600% between September 28 and October 12 compared to the same timeframe last year.

A spokesperson from Courts noted that consumers are increasingly aware of the quality of air in their homes and are actively seeking solutions to ensure a healthier living environment.

Similarly, Singapore-based retailer Gain City reported a notable spike in air purifier demand, with sales reaching nine times higher than the levels recorded at the start of the haze in August.