New Publication: Smoke haze and respiratory health in Indonesia

Smoke haze is a common air-pollution issue in Southeast Asia. Studies have applied different exposure assessments in addressing haze effects and there is no unified definition of haze due to differences in its characteristics by location.

This recent study, led by Assistant Professor Vera Phung, has demonstrated the importance of considering and understanding the local characteristics, including differences in exposures as well as public health accessibilities and measures, when examining the relationship between smoke haze and respiratory health. More needs to be done to carefully quantify the related health impacts and address the issues effectively.

Cumulative relative risk of respiratory visits to primary healthcare centers (*puskesmas*) on haze days compared with non-haze days in Palangka Raya City and Pulang Pisau Regency.

Publication details: Phung VLH, Ueda K, Yulianti N, Ohashi M, Kawasaki M, Fatmaria F, Arifin S, Kahanjak DN, Putra S RAAHS, Bakring A, Kusin K, Naito D. Effects of smoke haze on respiratory clinic visits in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia according to different haze characteristics. International Journal of Epidemiology. 2025.

Press release: 東大など、インドネシア・パランカラヤ大との共同研究で森林・泥炭地火災から発生する煙霧による健康リスクを解明

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