Hazy Perceptions, a recent report which examined more than 500,000 news and social media posts in 11 countries, including Indonesia, has revealed that there are alarming misconceptions by the media and public when it comes to air pollution.

Here are some myths and facts, shared by Vital Strategies, that will clear the smokescreen on air pollution:

1. Cars are the main source of air pollution
While cars are often thought to be a major source of air pollution, other emission sources of air pollution in Jakarta include manufacturing factories, power plants, construction, and biomass burning. In fact, initial studies have shown that vehicles contribute to only 30% of air pollution in Jakarta. Jakarta Environment Agency (DLH) and partners are commissioning a regional source apportionment study as part of the Road Map, to provide a better understanding of the sources of air pollution. The results will be made available to the public later this year. 

2. Air pollution can travel long distances
Air pollution never remains where it is emitted. Pollutants, especially fine particles, can travel over long distances due to winds and dispersion from the stratosphere, bringing pollution from rural areas to cities like Jakarta, and vice versa. An example of air pollution travelling long distances is the transboundary haze caused by forest fires in Indonesia, that affect neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

3. Masks and air filters will protect me from air pollution
Simple paper dust masks are generally ineffective for reducing pollution exposure. Better designed masks such as N95 models may offer inadequate protection when worn, primarily due to a poor fit. Air filters must be frequently replaced to maintain their efficacy, which may become costly. Ultimately, no face mask or air filter will eliminate all of the air pollutants, especially ultrafine particles (e.g., 0.3 microns in diameter). A better solution is to remove the emission sources of air pollution. 

4. If the air isn’t hazy then it’s safe
While air pollution can form visible haze and smog at high concentrations, we mainly experience air pollution at concentrations that are invisible and odorless. There is no safe level of air pollution below which no negative health effects occur. 

5. You can get used to air pollution
Regardless of the source, air pollution has a clear and devastating impact on human health. Exposure to elevated levels of air pollution (particularly PM2.5) can lead to coughing and wheezing, lung cancer, stroke and heart disease. The longer one is exposed to air pollution, the greater the risk of serious illnesses.  

6. Controlling air pollution will hamper economic growth
The health impacts of air pollution on the people of Jakarta cannot be ignored. In 2016, an increase in air pollution exposure caused over 6.1 million episodes of cardio-respiratory illnesses in Jakarta (equivalent to 12 episodes per minute), with an estimated cost of IDR. 51.2 Trillion (USD 3.9 Billion). The actual economic burden due to poor air quality could be much higher if the costs of premature deaths and loss of productivity are taken into account. While curtailing air pollution may incur certain expenditures, these costs have been demonstrated to be offset by economic benefits and savings in healthcare, premature mortality and improved social and development outcomes. 

Air pollution must be tackled without delay. For more air pollution myths and facts, as well as references for all of the facts mentioned above, visit https://environmentalhealth.vitalstrategies.org/.