High Jakarta Air Pollution, Reduce Outdoor Activities

Illustration of the City of Jakarta. (Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - According to the updated IQAir page at 05.00 WIB, this Saturday, June 15, the air quality of the City of Jakarta was recorded as unhealthy for sensitive groups and those belonging to sensitive groups were advised to reduce outdoor activities.

IQAir noted that Jakarta's air quality is at 106 points with a concentration level of PM 2.5 pollutants of 40.4 micrograms per cubic meter or 8.1 times higher the annual air quality guide value of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Health recommendations given the current air quality in addition to reducing outdoor activity, also wearing masks for sensitive groups outside, closing windows to avoid dirty outside air, and turning on air filters.

Jakarta's air quality when compared to nine other regions in Indonesia ranks fourth worst after South Tangerang, Banten (167); Bandung, West Java (138); and Pagak, East Java (131).

Previously, Jakarta's air quality was recorded for three consecutive days in conditions similar to the 106 or unhealthy average point for sensitive groups. Air quality is declared unhealthy for sensitive groups when it is in the range at 101-150.

PM 2.5 is a smaller 2.5 micron (micrometer) particle found in the air including dust, smoke and sobs.

PM2.5 exposure in the long term, namely months to years, is associated with early death, especially in people who have chronic heart or lung disease, and a decrease in the growth of lung function in children.