Healthy living tips to prevent health effects of forest fire smoke exposure

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the Honorary Council of the Indonesian Society of Respirology, Professor Tjandra Yoga Aditama, has advised residents in areas affected by forest and land fires (karhutla) to adopt clean and healthy living behaviours to prevent the impact of smoke exposure on health.

“It is always necessary to maintain and preserve one’s health. Clean and healthy living behaviours must continue to be applied so that the body’s immune system remains well maintained, so that the impact of forest fire smoke can be properly controlled,” he told ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday.

“Avoid unnecessary travel and use a good mask, even in the form of a respirator if necessary, when having to go to areas near forest fires,” he said.

The Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, explained that small particles called PM2.5 in forest fire smoke can trigger health problems if inhaled.

“Because these particles are so small, they can enter deep into the lungs to the part called the pulmonary alveoli, and their impact can spread through the bloodstream and trigger inflammation,” he explained.

Forest and land fire smoke can also contain compounds such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, aromatic hydrocarbons, and organic materials from combustion that can trigger health problems if inhaled.

The chemical substances contained in forest and land fire smoke, according to Professor Tjandra, can form a toxic mixture that can endanger human health.

Therefore, he advised people who experience respiratory problems or chest pain after exposure to forest fire haze to immediately seek examination at a health service facility so that they can receive any medical treatment that may be needed.

As a result, around three million residents in 37 districts and cities have been exposed to haze from forest and land fires.

Smoke exposure can increase the risk of acute respiratory infections, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with a history of asthma and lung disease.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has urged residents in areas affected by forest and land fires to wear masks and check air quality before undertaking outdoor activities to minimise the impact of smoke exposure on health.