TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - An environmental community that is concerned about air quality Bicara Udara discovered microplastics in the air that Jakartans breathe. The community activist Novita Natalia revealed this fact in a talk show as part of the series of activities in commemoration of Earth Day 2022 with the big theme of Plastics and Climate Change from April 11-22.

“Microplastics are first detected in Surabaya, then Jakarta,” said Novita on Wednesday, April 13.

According to her, microplastics are plastic particle that has a size of less than half a centimeter and can be contained in the air people breathe everyday. “So, if you go outside, wear a mask,” she underlined.

The finding on microplastic pollution in the air, she went on, is in line with what has been conveyed by researchers in the oceanography field of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). However, Novita stopped short of detailing the concentration of microplastics in each capital area due to limited studies.

What’s clear is that microplastics contribute to air pollution of fine particulate matter or PM2.5.

Novita hoped that the government and its ministries/institutions would pay attention to the worrying issue. “Hopefully, BMKG or BRIN will be granted a budget from the government to have more measuring instruments to measure microplastics.”

Novita also suggested the public monitor air quality level through various mobile applications and emphasized the importance of wearing masks outdoors. “If you are indoors, you can close the ventilation windows and then turn on an air purifier.”

Read: Dangers of Microplastic In Jakarta`s Water Supply

MARIA FRANSISCA LAHUR