Invisible Contaminants: A Hidden Threat to Indonesia’s Health and Environment
Indonesia is a country with rich natural resources, diverse cultures, and a large population. However, Indonesia also faces many environmental challenges, such as deforestation, land degradation, water scarcity, and waste management. Among these challenges, one of the most serious and widespread problems is air pollution, which is caused by various sources of invisible contaminants. Invisible contaminants are substances that are not visible to the naked eye, but can have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Some examples of invisible contaminants are air pollutants, chemical contaminants, and biological pollutants.
Air Pollutants
Air pollutants are substances that are released into the atmosphere by natural or human activities, such as volcanic eruptions, forest fires, vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and power generation. Air pollutants can be classified into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary pollutants are those that are emitted directly from the source, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Secondary pollutants are those that are formed in the air by chemical reactions involving primary pollutants, such as ozone, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid.
Air pollutants can affect human health in various ways, depending on the type, concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Some of the common health effects of air pollution are:
Respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer.
Cardiovascular problems, such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.
Neurological problems, such as cognitive impairment, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
Reproductive problems, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and infertility.
Immune system problems, such as allergies, infections, and autoimmune diseases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for about 7 million premature deaths per year worldwide, making it one of the major environmental threats and risk factors for non-communicable diseases. In Indonesia, air pollution is estimated to cause more than 200,000 deaths per year, and to cost about 6% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in health and productivity losses. Some of the factors that contribute to the high levels of air pollution in Indonesia are:
The burning of crop residues, garbage, and tires by farmers and residents, especially in the winter months, when the air is stagnant and the visibility is low.
The emissions from vehicles, industries, power plants, and brick kilns, which use low-quality fuels and have poor emission standards and controls.
The dust from construction sites, roads, and agricultural lands, which are often unpaved and poorly maintained.
The lack of green spaces and trees, which can help filter the air and provide oxygen.
The geographical location of the country, which is surrounded by oceans and mountains, creating a bowl-like effect that traps the pollutants.
Chemical Contaminants
Chemical contaminants are substances that are present in water, soil, or food, either naturally or due to human activities, such as mining, agriculture, industry, and waste disposal. Chemical contaminants can be classified into two categories: organic and inorganic. Organic contaminants are those that contain carbon, such as pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and hormones. Inorganic contaminants are those that do not contain carbon, such as metals, salts, and acids.
Chemical contaminants can affect human health in various ways, depending on the type, concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Some of the common health effects of chemical contamination are:
Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Kidney problems, such as kidney stones, kidney failure, and kidney cancer.
Liver problems, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
Skin problems, such as rashes, ulcers, and skin cancer.
Bone problems, such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and bone cancer.
Nervous system problems, such as headaches, seizures, and nerve damage.
According to the World Bank, chemical contamination of water imposes enormous global health costs, representing 6.1% of the global gross domestic product (more than US$ 8 trillion in 2019). In Indonesia, chemical contamination of water is a serious problem, especially in the areas affected by mining activities, such as coal, gold, and nickel. Mining activities have environmental impacts due to sediment movement and contamination of areas and may also pose risks to people’s food security. Some of the factors that contribute to the high levels of chemical contamination in Indonesia are:
The frequent sandstorms and dust storms, which are caused by the desertification and degradation of the surrounding land, due to overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change.
The emissions from coal-fired power plants, which provide electricity and heating for the country and the nearby industries, such as cement, steel, and textile factories.
The emissions from vehicles, which are increasing in number and use low-quality fuels and have poor emission standards and controls.
The burning of biomass, such as wood and crop residues, for cooking and heating, especially in the rural areas, where access to clean energy is limited.
The lack of proper waste management and disposal, which leads to the accumulation of hazardous chemicals, such as pesticides, solvents, and batteries, in the landfills and water bodies.
Biological Pollutants
Biological pollutants are living organisms or their products that can cause infections, allergies, or toxic reactions in humans or animals. Biological pollutants can be classified into two categories: microorganisms and allergens. Microorganisms are tiny living creatures, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Allergens are substances that can trigger allergic reactions, such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander, and mold.
Biological pollutants can affect human health in various ways, depending on the type, concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Some of the common health effects of biological pollution are:
Infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, cholera, typhoid, malaria, and COVID-19.
Allergic diseases, such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, and anaphylaxis.
Toxic diseases, such as food poisoning, botulism, and mushroom poisoning.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one third of all structures have damp conditions that may encourage the development of biological pollutants, which can cause allergic reactions and spread infectious diseases. In Indonesia, biological pollution is a widespread problem, especially in the areas with poor sanitation, hygiene, and waste management. Some of the factors that contribute to the high levels of biological pollution in Indonesia are:
The lack of access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities, which leads to the contamination of water sources and the transmission of waterborne diseases.
The lack of proper waste management and disposal, which leads to the accumulation of organic waste, such as food, animal, and human waste, in the landfills and water bodies, which attracts pests and vectors, such as rats, flies, and mosquitoes, that can carry and spread diseases.
The lack of awareness and education about the importance of personal hygiene and food safety, which leads to the exposure to germs and toxins from contaminated food and water.
The lack of adequate health care and vaccination, which leads to the low immunity and susceptibility to infections and diseases.
How to Protect Ourselves from Invisible Contaminants
Invisible contaminants are a hidden threat to our health and the environment, but we can take some measures to protect ourselves and our environment from them. Some of the possible actions are:
Monitor the air quality and avoid outdoor activities when the air pollution level is high.
Use public transportation, carpooling, cycling, or walking instead of driving to reduce vehicle emissions.
Use renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or hydro power, instead of fossil fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Install air filters, ventilators, or purifiers in our homes and workplaces to improve indoor air quality.
Test the water quality and use water filters, boiling, or disinfection methods to ensure safe drinking water.
Avoid using or disposing of hazardous chemicals, such as pesticides, solvents, or batteries, in an improper way.
Store and handle food properly to prevent contamination and spoilage.
Wash our hands frequently and practice good hygiene to prevent the transmission of germs.
Avoid contact with sick people and animals and get vaccinated to prevent the spread of diseases.
Reduce the exposure to allergens by cleaning and dusting regularly, using hypoallergenic bedding and clothing, and keeping pets out of the bedroom.
Seek medical attention if we experience any symptoms or signs of illness or allergy.
In conclusion, invisible contaminants are a serious and widespread problem that can affect our health and the environment in many ways. However, by being aware of the sources, types, and effects of invisible contaminants, and by taking preventive and protective actions, we can reduce the risk and improve our quality of life.
