Haze from Indonesian forest fires poses unseen lung risks, surgeon warns

Fine particles carried by haze from forest fires in Indonesia can affect people's lungs even after the smoke is no longer visible or noticeable, thoracic surgeon Dr Aneez D.B. Ahmed argues in a health column published by Mindanao Times.

According to the column, smoke from the Indonesian fires has drifted across the region since August. On some days a pale haze covered Davao City, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga, and air quality in parts of Mindanao reached unhealthy levels.

Ahmed argues that the main danger comes from fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5, which is too small to see or smell. He writes that these particles can travel deep into the lungs and may even reach the bloodstream. With prolonged exposure, he says, they can contribute to airway inflammation, weaken the lungs' ability to clear mucus and pollutants, and worsen conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Most healthy people recover well once the air clears, according to the column. However, Ahmed warns that repeated or long-term exposure over many years may speed up the decline in lung function, particularly among smokers, older adults and people with existing lung conditions.

He cautions against judging air quality by how the sky looks. PM2.5 levels can be high enough to affect health even when visibility seems normal, he writes, and several days of poor air can matter more than a single bad day.

Ahmed advises readers to keep track of air quality in their area, to watch for a persistent cough or throat discomfort, and to seek medical attention early if symptoms worsen rather than waiting until breathing becomes difficult.

The column states that it is meant for general education and is not medical advice, and it urges readers to consult a licensed medical practitioner for assessment.