Persisting Indonesian wild fires were reported to be the worst in recorded history. (Story here.)
Dr Buncha Kakhawng of PPAO said that the smoke and haze covering many parts of the island continues to pose a number of public health risks, especially for the old, young and those with fragile breathing or heart complications.
“People should avoid going outside in areas with heavy smoke or haze, but if it is not possible [for them] to avoid, they should use medical masks,” Dr Buncha urged.
“Anyone who experiences lung or heart irritations they believe to be a result of the [air] pollution should seek medical attention immediately. This includes [those who find themselves] coughing habitually, [having] difficulty breathing, chest pains or irregular heart beat, nausea, vomiting, unusual fatigue and/or headache,” he added.