Wildfires that have been blazing in Indonesia’s forests are blasting out a toxic mist that has already made about 175,000 people feel sick. The smoke doesn’t stay put – it rolls over borders and has rough‑handed Malaysia and Singapore with the same nasty haze.
Because the grains of particulate matter are tiny, they’re trapped deep inside lungs and can cause coughing, shortness of breath and even the more serious asthma attacks. That’s why the World Health Organization has called the smog in the region “unhealthy” for everyone.
BBC reporter Liza Tambunan explains how the tiny particles spread across sea lanes and how fire‑fighters, scientists and even drones are trying to keep up. In Indonesia, government agencies are fitting new air‑purifying chimneys in town halls and a new satellite program is mapping the smoke as it travels.
For you, the safe habits are simple: keep windows shut, use a mask with an N95 or similar filter, and check an online AQI‑check app before stepping outside. If you’re in a school or community center, ask if they’re using clean‑air “stacks” – these are big fans that pull in fresh air from outside.
Want to see how the haze looks in real time? Check out this live map here: Live smoke map. For a quick challenge, try the Smoke‑Quiz game and learn how to protect yourself while having fun.
