Experts warn of long-term health risks as Indonesia’s wildfire haze takes a growing toll
JAKARTA — Michael’s 20-month-old daughter began coughing and had shortness of breath in early October, as thick haze from wildfires blanketed Balikpapan, the capital of Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province. He and his wife took the toddler to a private hospital, where she was diagnosed with pneumonia. An X-ray showed an infiltrate in the upper part […]
Jakarta — A 20-month-old Indonesian girl suffered from coughing and shortness of breath in early October as thick haze from wildfires engulfed Balikpapan, the capital of East Kalimantan province. The toddler was diagnosed with pneumonia and had an X-ray revealing an infiltrate in her left lung's upper part. Her parents were informed that smoke, which has become increasingly dense, might have contributed to her illness.
The city's air quality index had reached "unhealthy" levels. The family limited the girl's time outdoors due to the hazardous air quality. In a separate incident, a 14-month-old baby in Samarinda, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away, died suddenly from shortness of breath. The toddler's family believes the cause of death was the thick smog covering the city.
Her grandfather, Sarno, expressed his concern, stating that the girl had no prior health issues and was found gasping for breath. Her mother, Cindy, urged the government to acknowledge the severity of the fires' impact and not dismiss the problem. She highlighted the government's responsibility to address the issue, noting that several children were being treated in the hospital for acute respiratory infections. The health risks also extend to firefighters battling the wildfires.
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