Residents Urged to Remain Calm About Microplastics

Jakarta Health Agency reminded public not to worry about the finding of microplastics in rainwater.

Our body has a natural defense mechanism

Head Section of P2P Environmental Health of Health Agency, Rahmat Aji Pramono explained that exposure to microplastics doesn't directly cause illness. He said the human body has a natural immune system capable of protecting itself from exposure to these particles.

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"Our body has a natural defense mechanism," he said, Friday (10/24).

Rahmat added that microplastics are generally excreted naturally from the body, either through the digestive or respiratory tract.

"The body will expel the ingested rainwater with the help of dietary fiber. Similarly, if it enters the respiratory tract, we have the reflex of coughing and sneezing to expel the foreign object," he added.

Rahmat reminded that microplastics can be an additional risk factor for serious diseases such as heart disease and stroke, especially for people with hypertension or diabetes mellitus.

"These microplastics aren't the primary cause, but they can exacerbate the risk of existing diseases. Therefore, it's more important to control diabetes and hypertension," he continued.

Rahmat also emphasized the importance of protecting body from air pollution, especially during the dry season when pollutant levels increase.

He advised residents to wear masks when engaging in outdoor activities and to monitor air quality through the website udara.jakarta.go.id.

"Please use a mask if PM 2.5 levels are high," he suggested.

Rahmat urged residents to regularly maintain home cleanliness since indoor dust is a major source of microplastic exposure.

"Research shows that the greatest exposure to microplastics comes from dust in the home," he said.