The midday sun was scorching. The asphalt reflected heat, while dust\nand vehicle exhaust mixed on the capital\u2019s roads. For residents who\ndepend on motorcycles for their daily mobility, the dry season is not\njust about hotter weather, but also a threat to health.<\/p>\n
This was felt by a motorcyclist, Naufal, 28, a private sector\nemployee whose daily activities involve moving from one location to\nanother in Jakarta. Recently, he even had to undergo treatment in the\nemergency department (ED) due to respiratory problems.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had to use a nebuliser because of narrowing of the airways. The ED\ndoctor said it was likely influenced by Jakarta\u2019s weather conditions,\nespecially since I have high mobility on the road,\u201d he told Media\nIndonesia on Tuesday (21\/7).<\/p>\n
He admitted to rarely using a mask properly while riding, especially\nwhen only travelling short distances. This habit meant he was more\nfrequently exposed to dust and street pollution.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the distance is short, I usually tend to be careless. Even though\na mask could probably reduce exposure to dust and pollution,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>\n
As the dry season sets in, he has increasingly felt the change in\nweather. According to him, Jakarta\u2019s heat this year is more intense than\nthe previous year.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year, I felt it still rained often. Now it\u2019s hotter. The heat\nis really intense, plus the air is humid. My body feels sticky all the\ntime when I\u2019m on the road,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
As a motorcyclist, finding shade becomes the preferred option when\nthe sun is directly overhead.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I\u2019m on the motorbike, I just want to find a shady spot. Stop\nunder a tree for a moment before continuing the journey,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
To reduce the impact of sun exposure, Naufal said he is disciplined\nabout using sunscreen. This year, he even started carrying sunscreen\nspray so he can reapply it between activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always wear sunscreen when I leave. Now I also carry a spray, so\nafter a few work stops, I spray it on my hands and face again before\ncontinuing my journey,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
According to him, sunscreen use this year is much more frequent than\nlast year.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year I didn\u2019t use it as much as now. Because back then it\nrained more often. This year the weather is much hotter, so I use it\nmore often,\u201d he said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dust-and-pollution-worsen-during-dry-season-jakarta-motorcyclists-hospitalised-with-respiratory-issues-1784631118", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }