Warning! Repeated Exposure to Forest Fire Smoke Triggers Lung Cancer Risk

Repeated exposure to smoke from forest and land fires (karhutla) over long periods increases the risk of serious health disorders, including lung cancer. This impact extends beyond immediate effects such as reduced visibility or temporary declines in air quality.

Dr Linda Masniari, a Pulmonologist and Thoracic Oncology Subspecialist at MRCCC Siloam Semanggi, explained that forest fire smoke particles are extremely small, measuring below 0.5 microns. This size allows particles to penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and settle in the alveoli, where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs.

According to Dr Linda, the impact of forest fire smoke is not limited to acute respiratory disturbances. Long-term and repeated exposure is closely linked to various chronic lung diseases, such as bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

“Smoke exposure is one of the risk factors for lung cancer,” stated Dr Linda during the MRCCC Siloam Semanggi Media Hospital Tour 2026 in Jakarta.

Residents in areas affected by forest fires are urged to be more vigilant, especially when air conditions worsen. One suggested mitigation step is the use of high-specification masks to filter micro-particles.

Dr Linda recommends the use of N95 masks due to their ability to help reduce smoke exposure more effectively than ordinary masks, although they do not provide total protection. Additionally, the public is advised to limit outdoor activities when haze blankets the environment.

Awareness of these long-term dangers is crucial, given that forest fire smoke is often regarded as a mere seasonal nuisance, whereas its cumulative impact can be life-threatening through permanent lung tissue damage.