The devastating wild fires in Indonesia has brought with it toxic haze which is rapidly expanding the demand for oxygen tanks and air purifiers across Southeast Asia and is spurring emergency production to tackle rising demand for clean air in Indonesia.
For months there’s been a haze over parts of the area, forcing school closings and bringing more complaints of breathing troubles. With a growing awareness among families about the significance of air quality, they are investing in devices that boost the air quality within their homes, and that may assist individuals with breathing issues.
Medical equipment manufacturer AA Alive, near Kuala Lumpur, has been operating at full capacity during the oxygen bottle orders. As also the haze spreads over the region, the company has seen a sharp boost in sales.
“The reason for this is due to the haze, which has caused an increase in sales of 35 per cent here,” AA Alive’s sales team member Rafina Firdaus said of the company’s facilities to Agence France-Presse (AFP) during a visit.
Again Firdaus talked about her experiences with patients who need oxygen tanks in the medical equipment sector and it had been startling how many people were in need.
AA Alive devices are working to provide patients with oxygen tanks as well as oxygen concentrators. The two devices are intended for different purposes and with different working time. An oxygen concentrator can last for about 24 hours, an oxygen tank will last about 3 hours, the company waerts.
The rise in demand signals the increasing concern of wildfire smoke and haze exposures. Air pollution may worsen respiratory issues, especially for those who already have chronic lung or nasal issues, children and older adults.
The situation highlights the broader public health implications of Indonesia’s wildfires, an issue that has impacts far beyond national boundaries, with its effects also causing additional strain on communities and public health needs in Southeast Asia as manufacturers put extra effort into meeting the increasing orders.