Why Wildfire Haze Is a 'Silent Killer'

Forest fires' haze is a silent killer that slowly claims lives or takes them suddenly, warns public health expert Prof. Dr. Syamsul Arifin of Lambung Mangkurat University. He presented data showing that hospital visits surge up to 40% during haze episodes, particularly for respiratory and heart issues. Many people, however, consider haze as an ordinary disaster and resign to their fate, a dangerous assumption.

Haze consists of fine particles and pollutants that can penetrate deep into the lungs, with PM2.5 being the main component. These particles are smaller than a human hair, being more than 20 times smaller. Once inhaled, they reach the alveoli (lung air sacs) and can even enter the bloodstream. Along with PM2.5, pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds are also present, which are irritating and carcinogenic. This results in health impacts ranging from mild irritation to life-threatening heart attacks.

Certain groups are at higher risk, including infants, pregnant women, people with asthma or lung disease, and those with heart disease. To protect oneself during haze, Syamsul advised using a KN95/N95 mask with over 95% filtration for 0.3-micrometer particles, reducing outdoor activities, especially strenuous ones, closing doors and windows to maintain good indoor air quality, drinking enough water, rinsing eyes with clean water if they sting, and seeking immediate medical attention if severe symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations, or sudden dizziness occur.