Jakarta, IO – IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, listed Jakarta at the top of the cities with the most polluted air in the world. Indeed, Jakarta’s air quality has consistently been in the top 10 chart since last May.
Based on IQAir air quality monitoring on Thursday (10/8) at 4pm WIB, air quality in Jakarta was categorized as unhealthy for sensitive groups. Its air quality index (AQI) stood at 130, with a particulate concentration (PM2.5) of 47.5 micrograms per cubic meter or 9.5 times the World Health Organization (WHO) safe standard.
PM2.5 are particulate matter found in the air, including dust, soot, dirt, smoke and liquid droplets. Particles measuring 2.5 microns in diameter are considered detrimental to health because they can enter deep into the respiratory tract which can cause irritation, cough to breathing difficulty.
Previously, Jakarta Environment Agency had introduced three new air quality monitoring devices and upgraded similar equipment at four air quality monitoring stations which will provide data related to local sources of air pollution in a bid to improve pollution control strategies in Jakarta. Other efforts include the relocation of the capital city, which is underway. (bp)