We ask the public not to carry out outdoor activities so frequently. Try as far as possible to avoid being exposed to smokeJakarta (ANTARA) - People living in land-fire and forest fire-affected areas should avoid outdoor activities so they are not exposed to smoke, Director of Environmental Health of the Health Ministry Imran Agus Nurali has appealed. "We ask the public not to carry out outdoor activities so frequently. They should try, as far as possible, to avoid being exposed to smoke," he said here Thursday.
The pollution caused by land and forest fires may have an acute health impact in the short run, he said.
Acute respiratory tract infection is a health disorder which is mostly found where the air quality is bad due to land and forest fires, he said.
The infection may trigger other diseases among the people exposed to air pollution, he said.
"Since it is acute, it could trigger asthma, hypertension and heart disease for those running the risk of the diseases," he said.
Health offices both at provincial and district/municipal levels are still able to cope with the problems caused by land and forest fires, he said.
"Of course, we must prevent land and forest fires. Not only local people but companies also set fire to the forest to make way for farmland," he said.
The commitment and policy of regional governments are essential to handle air pollution caused by land and forest fires, vehicles and industries, he said.
Translator: Aditya Ramadhan/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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