Limestone Dust Blanket Covers Cipatat, West Bandung; Health Agency Deploys Team

A white dust resembling snow has blanketed the Gunungmasigit area in Cipatat District, West Bandung Regency (KBB), in recent days, sparking health concerns among residents. The dust is believed to originate from nearby limestone processing plants. Small particles from the limestone dust have been observed sticking to skin surfaces, car windscreens, and motorcycle helmets. For residents, the health risks increase with continuous inhalation of the particles and direct skin exposure. Plt Head of the KBB Health Office, Lia N Sukandar, stated that a surveillance team has been deployed to check the health conditions of residents in the Gunungmasigit area, which is close to the source of exposure. “Following up on the dust pollution phenomenon, the team has gone down to identify complaints among residents. So if anyone is affected, it can be followed up immediately,” Lia said. Lia noted that residents in the area most frequently complain of shortness of breath, coughing, itchy throats, flu, sore eyes, and itching. The potential for health problems is higher for asthma sufferers. “For those with asthma and lung conditions, they are certainly more prone to relapses because the dust exposure is quite intense. That’s why we direct residents to get regular check-ups,” Lia added. The white, snow-like layer covering the area is dust from the activities of a limestone processing company. As a consequence of the air pollution, the KBB Environmental Agency (DLH) announced it has imposed administrative sanctions on one company. The sanctions were based on the results of questioning the company several days prior. According to the official report, the sanctions require the company to improve its environmental documents, reduce production capacity, and install emission control equipment. “Based on the inspection, the company did not yet have an adequate emission control system, so production dust potentially escaped into the air. On that basis, the company was given administrative sanctions,” said Environmental Supervisor Officer (PPLH) of the West Bandung Regency DLH, Adhi Setyowibowo. Furthermore, as long as the company has not installed a dust suction system in the production area, the limestone processing production capacity must be reduced. The absence of a dust suction system has caused fine particles to fly beyond the industrial area and pollute the surrounding environment. “As long as they have not installed a suction system or exhaust, the company’s production capacity must be reduced. They are also required to comply with technical regulations on emissions, domestic wastewater, and other environmental documents,” Adhi said.