Indoor Air Quality Crucial for Children's Health, Experts Warn

A paediatrician has emphasised the importance of maintaining indoor air quality to protect the health of babies and toddlers. Dr. Ria Yoanita noted that as young children spend most of their time indoors, the home environment is a crucial factor for their growth and development. “The younger the child, the higher their breathing rate, yet their immune system is still low. Therefore, the risk of respiratory problems becomes greater if the air quality in the house is poor,” Dr. Ria stated during the “First Space, First Care” campaign event at the MACAN Museum in West Jakarta on Monday. According to Dr. Ria, key elements that parents must pay attention to include humidity, temperature, and air circulation. Poor ventilation can cause a room to become damp, which subsequently triggers the growth of mould and disease-causing germs. She provided several practical recommendations to keep air quality optimal. Beyond air quality, the choice of building materials and furniture is also a concern. Architect and founder of Rumah Sabine, Sabine Susan, stated that designing a child’s room must prioritise spatial health. “The first thing to ensure is the condition of the walls and floors, as they form the foundation of a child’s growing space,” Susan said, adding that the room design needs to be adapted to the child’s needs, activities, and developmental stages. Echoing this sentiment, content creator Nalapedia, Shofi, shared her experience as a parent. She realised that materials such as paint and furniture must be verified for safety before being used in a baby’s room to create a truly healthy environment.