'What we're breathing is poison': Borneo residents battle toxic haze

Palangkaraya, Indonesian Borneo: Sudarsono, a 57-year-old construction worker and farmer, was evacuated from his home as he struggled with a severe respiratory infection caused by toxic wildfire smoke. He had fought nearby fires days before, donning a mask and goggles, but the smoke was too intense. Sudarsono expressed his hope for an end to the haze and the fires that have devastated Central Kalimantan province, home to more than 11,000 people treated for respiratory infections during a months-long crisis.

The fires have affected neighboring countries as well, with over 300,000 people across seven provinces suffering from respiratory tract infections between August and October. The smog emitted by the blazes contains harmful substances like formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, and PM2.5 particles, which can penetrate deep into the lungs or bloodstream.

The World Health Organization has linked PM2.5 exposure to increased illness and death. The Indonesian government has set up more than 500 facilities to provide free oxygen and treatment for haze-related ailments, with nearly 300 in Central Kalimantan. Local health officials report that the most affected age group is between 17 and 59, as these individuals are often required to work even in the toxic air.

Alexandra Surya Habsari, a 43-year-old affected by the haze, described breathing the air as "poison" and lamented that people are supposed to enjoy clean air and blue skies, but instead are enduring a toxic, suffocating environment.