Wildfires in Indonesia Produce Toxic Haze
Wildfires sweeping across eastern Indonesia have released a toxic smog that has already sickened more than 175,000 people in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore since August.
Health officials report that the haze has generated respiratory illness, with people experiencing coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. In many cities, air‑quality measurements have reached unhealthy levels, prompting medical warnings.
BBC reporter Liza Tambunan explains that the smog contains fine particulate matter and harmful chemicals generated by burning peat and vegetation. She notes that the clouds of smoke can travel great distances, affecting populations far from the fire sites.
Indonesia is attempting to tackle the problem through a combination of fire suppression tactics, aerial spraying of fire retardants and public health outreach. Government agencies have increased monitoring, issued advice on wearing masks and advised people to stay indoors when bad air‑quality alerts are issued.
}
