Oxygen tanks, purifier sales spike as haze crisis hits South-east Asia

Toxic haze from wildfires burning in Indonesia has spiked demand for oxygen tanks and air purifiers across the region, manufacturers say, as they work around the clock to produce equipment that provides life-saving clean air.



A months-long haze has blanketed parts of South-east Asia, forcing school closures and fuelling a rise in respiratory complaints. Families are now rushing to buy devices to keep indoor air clean.



At AA Alive, a medical equipment company based just outside Kuala Lumpur, employees were working at full capacity to deliver oxygen bottles, with officials saying sales were rocketing.



"We have seen a 35% increase in sales because of the haze," Rafina Firdaus, a member of AA Alive's sales team, told AFP during a visit. "When I started in the industry, I was shocked to see so many patients who need oxygen tanks."