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January 28, 2025 | 05:24 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The wildfires in Los Angeles represent an ecological disaster that damages ecosystems and releases various hazardous substances that can affect human health.
Besides smoke, wildfires, or forest fires, release several pollutants into the air that have serious impacts upon prolonged pressure. Below is an explanation of the hazardous substances released by forest fires.
Forest fires typically produce a haze of smoke. According to the West Kalimantan Provincial Health Office website, the smoke contains various gases and chemical particles that disrupt respiratory health, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and surface ozone (O3).
In addition, fine particulate matter (PM) is the most concerning because it can be inhaled into the respiratory tract and penetrate deep into the lungs. These particles can cause adverse effects, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, and individuals with lung diseases.
According to the Health Office of Kotawaringin Timur Regency, forest fire haze contains microscopic particles that can enter the human respiratory system easily. This can irritate the throat, nose, and eyes. Symptoms of respiratory issues such as coughing, runny nose, and shortness of breath often occur.
According to the Banda Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), these particles can also damage the ozone layer. If the ozone layer is torn, it can lead to rising temperatures on Earth and global warming, which results in the melting of polar ice.
Forest fire also causes the greenhouse effect. The smoke obstructs the heat reflected from the biosphere, causing the heat to bounce back to the surface and remain trapped due to the presence of the smoke. If the greenhouse effect persists, it could lead to the melting of polar ice, and if this happens, land areas could be submerged.
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