title: The 1997 haze disaster in Indonesia: its air quality and health effects.
abstract: In this study, the authors assessed air quality and health effects of the 1997 haze disaster in Indonesia. The authors measured carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter with diameters less than or equal to 10 microm, inorganic ions, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The authors also interviewed 543 people and conducted lung-function tests and determined spirometric values for these individuals. Concentrations of carbon monoxide and particulate matter with diameters less than or equal to 10 microm reached "very unhealthy" and "hazardous" levels, as defined by the Pollution Standards Index. Concentrations of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were 6-14 times higher than levels in the unaffected area. More than 90% of the respondents had respiratory symptoms, and elderly individuals suffered a serious deterioration of overall health. In multivariate analysis, the authors determined that gender, history of asthma, and frequency of wearing a mask were associated with severity of respiratory problems. The results of our study demonstrate the need for special care of the elderly and for care of those with a history of asthma. In addition, the use of a proper mask may afford protection.
authors.affiliation: Department of International Community Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Japan.
authors.forename: Osamu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kunii
authors.forename: Shuzo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kanagawa
authors.forename: Iwao
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Yajima
authors.forename: Yoshiharu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hisamatsu
authors.forename: Sombo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yamamura
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Amagai
authors.forename: Ir T Sachrul
authors.initials: IT
authors.lastname: Ismail
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D018533:Biomass; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007214:Indonesia / Q000453:epidemiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008397:Masks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012906:Smoke / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D012906:Smoke