Jakarta, Oct. 19 -- The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) has warned that children are more vulnerable to health problems caused by forest and land fire smoke because their respiratory and immune systems are still developing.

Dr. Fifi Sofiah, a member of IDAI's Respirology Working Group, said the smoke contains hazardous substances, including fine PM2.5 particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and reach the alveoli, or air sacs.

"Forest and land fire smoke is not just 'ordinary smoke.' It contains solid particles, gases, and liquid droplets produced by incomplete combustion," Fifi said in an IDAI statement received by ANTARA on Monday.

She said PM2.5 particles measure less than 2.5 micrometers, allowing them to reach the deep...