Air pollution in cities a big problem indoors: Survey

Air pollution in cities a big problem indoors: Survey

JAKARTA (JP): Air pollution in cities is worsening at such a
rate that, unless it is properly addressed, people will soon have
to pay for clean air, environmentalists warned yesterday.

"People pollute the air in their daily activities but many
don't realize it until (the level) of oxygen drops in their
environment," Dana Mitra Lingkungan's executive director, Eka
Budianta, told a discussion on indoor air quality at the State
Ministry of Environment's office.

The discussion heard the findings of a recent air pollution
survey in Jakarta by an Australian indoor air quality expert,
John Charlick, and local policeman Alvons LM.

Charlick had taken samples to prove air contamination. Alvons
placed laboratory plates in a five-star hotel for two hours. The
hotel in Jakarta had a centralized air conditioner.

Alvons then sealed the plates to stop more air entering. After
a day, stinky greenish-blue fungus had spread all over the
plates.

Charlick said sources of indoor air pollution included the
occupants and their activities, building materials,
microorganisms and the infiltration of outside contamination.

Cigarette smoke was a pollutant because cigarettes contained
many poisonous chemicals, such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxides, ammonia, nicotine and an assortment of heavy
metals and pesticides, he said.

Carpet in hotels, offices and houses could also directly
affect occupant's health because it released toxins from dust and
bacteria. Carpet was known to act as a medium for microbiological
contamination and growth, Charlick said.

Air conditioners circulated contaminated air, as seen on the
plates. Even office material, equipment and furnishings caused
it, he said.

The State Ministry of Environment's global environment chief,
Sutamihardja, said the effects of pollution may only be felt
after 10 to 20 years.

To anticipate long-term effects, Sutamihardja said, people
should control their indoor environment.

The ministry has issued a regulation on air quality standards
but has found it difficult to implement.

"We will step up partnerships between the government, NGOs,
industries and businesses," he said.

The government's efforts to curb pollution have been closely
scrutinized by NGOs and the public.

The Indonesian Center for Environmental Law called on the
House of Representatives yesterday to start a public debate on
ways to improve the environment law.

The House and the government are scheduled to begin
deliberating a bill on the environment today.

"Legislators should as soon as possible hold a public hearing
and open debate to improve the law," the center's spokesperson
Siti Megadianty Adam told The Jakarta Post.

The government-sponsored bill, submitted on Jan. 29, is meant
to amend the 1982 Environment Law that is considered weak and
outdated.

Megadianty said the House should give people a chance to
participate in the bill's deliberation.

"It's in line with what (State Minister of Environment)
Sarwono Kusumaatmadja has often talked about on the need for
discussions on environmental issues," she said. (aan/39)