"During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people died of pneumonia. This means it cannot be taken lightly because the disease can cause death," the ministry's head of communication and public service bureau, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, stated in an online discussion in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to Tarmizi, pneumonia is a long-term impact of air pollution that is usually being underestimated.
She pointed out that the initial symptoms of pneumonia are cough and cold that are caused by allergic reactions to pollutants in the air for a long time.
Over time, this will be followed by unfit health conditions that can increase the risk of bacterial transmission and infection, she noted.
"In severe conditions, this bacterial infection can develop into pneumonia," Tarmizi stated.
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In addition, she explained that people with asthma will experience asthmatic attacks more often when exposed to air pollution.
Tarmizi cautioned that prolonged exposure to air pollution can lead to several diseases.
"Long-term exposure to air pollution will cause diseases, such as lung cancer, tuberculosis (TB), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)," she pointed out.
Hence, her side has made various efforts, such as implementing the 6M&1S movement campaign consisting of checking the air quality, reducing outdoor activities, using air purifiers, avoiding sources of air pollution, wearing masks, implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle, and immediately seeking health treatment if the person experiences health problems due to air pollution.
"It needs the community involvement to carry out this campaign and not only the government. People need to take care of themselves, and do not underestimate the impact of air pollution," Tarmizi emphasized.
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Translator: Sean Filo M, Resinta S
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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