Indonesian wildfire smog sickens 175,000; respiratory cases surge since August

Wildfire-induced toxic smog has caused respiratory illness in approximately 175,000 Indonesians since August, according to health officials. The scale of the health impact is emerging, with the full extent of exposure and long-term effects still uncertain. This underscores the public-health strain from seasonal fires, likely exacerbated by dry conditions and land-clearing practices.