Key facts
- AA Alive reported a 35% increase in oxygen equipment sales due to the haze.
- Air purifier sales jumped up to 600% for some retailers.
- Oxygen concentrator filter lifespan has been halved by haze pollutants.
Toxic haze from wildfires burning in Indonesia has led to a surge in demand for oxygen tanks and air purifiers across Southeast Asia. Manufacturers are working at full capacity to meet the needs of a population experiencing increased respiratory complaints due to the prolonged haze. Families are actively purchasing devices to improve indoor air quality.
AA Alive, a medical equipment company near Kuala Lumpur, has seen a 35% increase in sales of oxygen equipment. The company supplies both oxygen tanks, which last about three hours, and oxygen concentrators, which can be used for 24 hours. The lifespan of concentrator filters has been halved by the haze's pollutants, requiring more frequent replacements. AA Alive is currently delivering around 40 rental units daily.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to haze pollutants poses a significant health threat. Retailers of air purifiers have also reported a dramatic increase in sales, with one company noting a 600% jump in volume between late September and mid-October compared to the previous year.