Breath Interrupted Amidst Pollution: The Impact of PM2.5 on Pneumonia in Toddlers in Jakarta
A Collaboration for Data-Driven Health Solutions
Nafas Indonesia, DBS Foundation, and the Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia (FKM UI) have joined forces to address one of Jakarta’s most pressing environmental health issues: the impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on pneumonia in toddlers.
This partnership aims to:
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Build evidence-based policies to reduce air pollution’s impact on vulnerable groups.
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Increase public awareness about healthy air as a fundamental right.
- Strengthen cross-sector collaboration between technology, academia, and social sectors.
The State of Air Pollution in Jakarta
Graphic 1 : Air Pollution Breakdown
- In 2023, Jakarta ranked as the 7th most polluted city in the world.
- 67 premature deaths per 100,000 people in Jakarta are linked to air pollution.
- Annual PM2.5 average in Jakarta reached 35 µg/m³ in 2024—seven times higher than WHO’s safe limit (5 µg/m³).
Exposure to pollutants like PM2.5, O₃, NO₂, SO₂, and CO significantly increases risks of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
PM2.5 and Its Dangers
Graphic 2 : Illustration of PM2.5 size
PM2.5 are ultra-fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers—about 36 times smaller than a grain of sand. They can bypass the body’s natural defenses, penetrate deep into the lungs, and enter the bloodstream.
Health impacts include:
- Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Reduced immune function in the respiratory system.
- Increased risk of pneumonia, asthma, COPD, stroke, and heart disease.
Why Toddlers Are at Higher Risk
Graphic 3 : Air pollution effect to children’s health visual
Toddlers breathe 24–40 times per minute (compared to 12–20 for adults), meaning more frequent and deeper inhalation of polluted air. Combined with their underdeveloped immune systems and smaller airways, this makes them highly vulnerable.
Pneumonia symptoms in toddlers include:
- Persistent cough and rapid breathing.
- High fever (>39°C).
- Loss of appetite, chest pain, or vomiting.
- Wheezing or noisy breathing.
Key Research Findings
1. PM2.5 Increase Doubles Pneumonia Cases
- In Menteng, every 10 µg/m³ rise in PM2.5 doubled pneumonia prevalence in toddlers.
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At 26 µg/m³ PM2.5, prevalence was 19 per 10,000 toddlers. At 56 µg/m³, it surged to 92 per 10,000.
2. 1 in 20 Toddlers in Jakarta Suffered from Pneumonia in 2023
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Highest prevalence: Tambora (1,406 cases per 10,000).
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Lowest prevalence: Cakung (312 cases per 10,000).
3. Dry Season Brings Higher Risk
- Cases peak from May to October, aligning with higher PM2.5 levels.
- Monthly average pneumonia cases: 1,140.
4. Post-Pandemic Air Quality Decline
- PM2.5 increased after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in 2023, driven by more vehicle emissions and industrial activity.
How to Protect Toddlers from Pneumonia
When air quality worsens:
- Wear high-filtration masks (KF94/N95) outdoors.
- Ensure complete immunizations (HiB & PCV vaccines).
- Provide balanced nutrition to boost immunity.
- Encourage regular handwashing with soap for 60 seconds.
- Avoid close contact with sick people and maintain good home ventilation.
Keep your kids in a healthy place and make sure the air around them is clean.
Pneumonia is not just a disease—it’s a symptom of a larger environmental crisis.
Protecting toddlers from polluted air requires action from individuals, communities, and policymakers.
Let’s work together to ensure every breath our children take is safe. Because every breath holds hope.
Pneumonia reflects not only a child’s health status but also the quality of the environment they live in.
By acting together—individuals, communities, and policymakers—we can ensure every breath our children take is safe.
If you want to read the full version of this report, click here
