Air Pollution and Illness: The Unholy Alliance

Jakarta, Indonesia - As Indonesia reaches the middle of 2023, the city of Jakarta continues to be known for its high levels of pollution, having an air quality that is significantly poorer than most cities around the world.

“PM2.5 (Particle Pollutant) concentration in Jakarta is currently 8 times (the international standard of ideal concentration).” Said IQAir in its report about Air Quality in Jakarta. (21/08/23)

This higher level of particulate pollutant concentration means that Jakarta’s air is a risk for illness when inhaled by kids, the elderly, or the already ill. Indeed, it could even make otherwise healthy people contract airborne infections.

Due to the fact that the polluted condition of the air are ideal transmitters of infections, this gives Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) the ability to use the air as a means of entering people’s respiratory systems, causing undesirable symptoms.

“Acute Respiratory Infections or ARIs is a type of infection that attacks the respiratory systems, both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. This condition can occur in multiple respiratory organs such as the sinuses, the pharynx, the larynx, and even the nose.” Stated the Medical Team of Siloam Hospitals in an article published to the Siloam website. (29/03/23)

The symptoms of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) are particularly threatening to children, being the single greatest cause of childhood mortality. Furthermore, it also poses a particular risk to the elderly and those with reduced heart and lung function. (Heart disease, habitual smokers, etc.) Those with weakened immune systems due to existing diseases are also more likely to have trouble recovering.

Although many in Jakarta have known that pollution in the city is particularly bad, this reality really gets put into perspective once they are hospitalised by this disease themselves.

“I’ve noticed for years that the air quality (In Jakarta) is poor.” Said a patient suffering from an Acute Respiratory Infection to the Brawijaya Times.

When asked whether or not the patient expected the pollution would lead to illness, he responded that he thought it was going to lead to illness eventually, “like a build up.”

ARIs is an infection that cannot be underestimated, as it could actually cause people’s death. If you or someone you love are at risk, meaning they are a child, an elder, or someone with preexisting organ conditions or diseases, we would advise extra caution when going out. Indeed, even otherwise healthy people should take some precautions to avoid contracting ARIs from pollution.

Precautions include wearing a mask when potentially exposed to the outdoors, running an air purifier, making sure to close windows to avoid dirty air from the outdoors, and reducing exercise and activity in general in the outdoors. Stay safe and healthy.

Image source: RADAR MUKOMUKO