Firefighting efforts at the Jatiwaringin Landfill (TPA) continue to be intensified. Entering its seventh day since the incident began on Tuesday (30/6), personnel from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the Tangerang Regency Fire Department are still struggling to contain hot spots that continue to emit thick smoke.
This condition has sparked deep concerns regarding air quality around the landfill area. Chairman of the Honorary Board of the Indonesian Society of Respirology (PDPI), Prof. Tjandra Yoga Aditama, explained that burning waste produces a spectrum of hazardous pollutants, ranging from ammonia (NH3) and carbon monoxide (CO) to sulfur dioxide (SO2), which directly threaten public health.
In addition to chemical gases, the combustion also releases microscopic particles in the form of Particulate Matter (PM 10 to PM 2.5). These tiny particles can penetrate into the deepest parts of the lungs, namely the alveoli. Prof. Tjandra added that the volatile organic compounds and aromatic chemicals released can trigger inflammatory reactions in the body.
The resulting health impacts are quite broad, ranging from mild symptoms such as headaches and eye irritation to skin and digestive disorders. In the long term, exposure to this smoke risks causing Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARI) and triggering asthma attacks in chronic lung disease patients.
Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and children, are urged to be more vigilant and avoid smoke-exposed areas. Prof. Tjandra emphasized that this situation requires serious handling from policymakers to mitigate long-term health impacts on residents around the Jatiwaringin landfill.
