There would be a surge in medical costs since there would be many people going to the doctors for treatment of cough, and other haze-related illnesses. As a result, less people would turn up for work, reducing the efficiency of the different industries during that period.

People would flock to pharmacies to purchase eye drops to sooth their irritated eyes; face masks to filter the air they inhale, facial masks to prevent their faces from getting too dry and air purifiers to purify the air inside air-conditioned buildings.

Retailers and businesses may be affected due to the fact that most people try to stay indoors (definition: at home). However, there are some people who would rather stay indoors (definition: shopping centres) and spend their day there doing shopping, having meals, watching movies, et cetera. However, retailers in neighbourhoods or places which are not air-conditioned will be affected adversely.

During the haze period, theme parks, sports facilities and coaches, alfresco dining restaurants and sightseeing tours (e.g. Ducktours in Singapore) had losses between 10 to 50 percent.
Singapore lost an estimated S$425 million during the 1997 haze period which lasted 3 months. US$210 million tourism; US$95 thousand recreation; US$5 million health; US$41 million visibility- airplanes and ships cannot navigate properly. The highest PSI was 226.

Should the haze last for a month, economic losses for Singapore would be maximum of $70 million, according to Professor Quah. Imagine, if a worse haze were to last for more than a month, what would be the consequences be like to the country?

*Losses are affected by duration and intensity of haze.