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.

Assessment of lung health among the inhabitants exposed to haze from the 1997 forest fire in Indonesia KUNII O, HOJO M, KANAGAWA S. Respirology 2000; 5: 167 Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) expert team, were sent to Indonesia in September 1997, where the haze from large-scale forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra had covered. As members of JDR team we conducted rapid health surveillance in Jambi Province, one of the most affected areas, including air quality. Assessment of air pollution showed carbon monoxide and particulate matter less than 10 mm in diameter (PM 10 ), 'very unhealthy' and 'hazardous' levels, respectively, in the Pollution Standard Index. About 99% of people complained of at least one symptom obviously related to the haze, mainly respiratory problems. Stridor could be heard in 8.9% of people who visited health centres, with rale in 2.9%. Respiratory function test in 67% showed restrictive change, while 27% showed obstructive change. Estimated by the model from previous epidemiological research of air pollution, the crude mortality rate would increase about three times in the affected areas. However, health effects might be different between the haze derived from fossil fuel and biomass combustion in terms of the gradients of PM 10 and interaction of air pollutants. Because little long-term health effects of haze from forest fires are not known, further studies are necessary in this field.

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