July Pollution Records: Exceeding WHO Standards by 12 Times
The era of unhealthy air continues well into July, persisting even to the present day. Daily pollution levels remain high across 200 locations in the Nafas sensor network. Even areas typically known for their pristine air quality have experienced a decline, slipping into the unhealthy air category.
On social media, frustration abounds as citizens once again voice their concerns about health problems stemming from poor air quality.
Who Takes the Title of July's Pollution Champion?
Securing the reigning champion title is South Tangerang, leading with the highest pollution level of last month at PM2.5 60 µg/m3, marking a 4 µg/m3 increase from the previous month. The pollution level in South Tangerang last month skyrocketed to a remarkable 12 times above the WHO's annual exposure limit!
Serpong claims the title of the most polluted location on the Nafas sensor network, with an average PM2.5 80 µg/m3. The sharpest decline in air quality was observed in Babakan (Tangsel), moving from 7th to 4th position in June, with PM2.5 70 µg/m3. 😷
How Poor is the Air Quality in Your Location?
The subpar air quality we inhale daily, with an average PM2.5 22 µg/m3, is equivalent to smoking 1 cigarette. How does your area compare?
From the data above, it's clear that Serpong (South Tangerang) and Tarumajaya (Bekasi) are the most polluted areas, where the air quality is equivalent to inhaling 112 cigarettes! 😱 This is undeniably concerning, as citizens of all ages are breathing in the same unhealthy air.
Shifting to West Java, Bogor emerges as one of the most polluted city in Jabodetabek region. On average, air quality in Bogor is 14% worse than in Jakarta.
So, are there any areas with reasonably good air quality in July?
Indeed, there are a few, namely Bali, Thousand Islands, and Belitung. However, even in these regions, an increase in unhealthy air quality has been observed compared to usual. Among the regions that typically enjoy "Healthy" air, only Thousand Islands (conveniently located closest to Jabodetabek) experienced air pollution rising to the "Unhealthy" category.
Real Health Impacts of Pollution
Citizens are urged to be vigilant, as genuine health hazards loom, especially for children, asthma sufferers, and those with allergies. A collaborative study by Nafas and a local telemedicine company in Jabodetabek from June to August 2022 reveals the following:
A doubling in consultations related to asthma attacks within 10-17 hours when PM2.5 is in the Unhealthy range for Sensitive Groups.
There are numerous sources of air pollution, and completely avoiding them is near impossible. As residents living in polluted cities, we can take steps to reduce our exposure to air pollution.
💡 Here are some simple ways to do so:
1. Download the nafas app and regularly check the air quality before engaging in outdoor activities.
2. Wear a respirator mask (N95/ KN95) when venturing outside.
3. Close vents during periods of high pollution. (Consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter and turning it on when air quality worsens.)
4. Refer to the comprehensive recommendations from Nafas app based on real-time air quality at the time.
🔗 Download the full report here 👉 https://bit.ly/NBDJuli2023
