Indonesian Government Distributing Smog Masks

[hatrack]

JAKARTA (AFP) - "Indonesian authorities said they would begin distributing smog masks on the island of Sumatra as thickening haze from forest and ground fires caused increasing complaints of breathing problems.

Mohammad Saleh Shibly, an environmental officer from Sumatra's Jambi province, said fumes blamed on illegal land clearing had reached hazardous levels with many people reporting respiratory difficulties and smarting eyes. "The level of ash, dust and other particles in the air has today reached 350 micrograms per cubic meter and that is already in the dangerous category," said Shibly, adding that acceptable levels were under 100 micrograms per cubic meter.

"The levels of dust and ash particles are especially high," he said without giving figures.

Jambi's governor earlier Monday gathered forestry and health chiefs and other top local officials to discuss moves to curb the fire and address dangers posed by the smog. Shibly said moves agreed included the distribution of masks and the launching of a publicity campaign against the use of fire in land clearing practices traditionally employed ahead of the planting season."

EDIT

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/040906/323/f206j.html