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Smoke from forest and land fires is estimated to have caused around 3,560 deaths in Indonesia in September, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Helsinki-based research organisation.
The findings were reported by Arab News on Friday (October 30).
Including pollution from other sources, total air-pollution-related deaths during the month are estimated at around 5,310, CREA said. Urban emissions, industrial activities and transport accounted for approximately 1,750 deaths.
The analysis also estimates that around 57.8 million people in Indonesia were exposed to air quality ranging from unhealthy to hazardous during September.
Prolonged burning across forests and peatlands has significantly deteriorated air quality, pushing estimated smoke-related deaths in September to nearly twice the August figure, according to the researchers.
The study assessed deaths associated with short-term exposure to PM2.5, fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Exposure to these particles can cause respiratory and cardiovascular complications and increase the risk of premature death.
The Indonesian part of Borneo was among the worst-affected areas, while Java, Sumatra and eastern parts of the country also experienced a substantial health toll.
With a population of approximately 278 million, Indonesia faces a major public-health challenge as fires continue to fuel air pollution.
The findings highlight the deadly consequences of the fires, suggesting that their impact extends far beyond environmental destruction, threatening millions of people through deteriorating air quality.
