Invisible exposure: White paper published by Nafas Indonesia and DBS Foundation, in collaboration with IYCTC, reveals that indoor smoking rooms significantly increase PM2.5 levels | Bahasa

Indonesia, 29 Sept 2025 - Air pollution remains a major health threat to the Indonesian people, not just from exposure to outdoor sources such as transportation and industry but also from a source that is often overlooked: indoor cigarette smoke. To address this challenge, Nafas Indonesia, DBS Foundation, and the Indonesian Youth Council for Tactical Changes (IYCTC) published a white paper entitled “Closed Spaces, Open Risks: High Exposure to Air Pollution from Smoking”. The paper put together public health perspectives, air quality monitoring technology, and the dynamics of smoking behaviour to examine how exposure to cigarette smoke can affect indoor air quality, potentially affecting the health of occupants.

One of the air pollutants in cigarette smoke with a significant negative impact on health is PM2.5. These particles, measuring 2.5 microns in diameter, can get deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Data from Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2025 shows that exposure to PM2.5 and tobacco consumption are two of the three biggest external factors contributing to a decline in the average life span of Indonesians by one to two years.

“When talking about air pollution, many people automatically think about vehicles or industrial smoke. However, there is another source that is often overlooked, including indoor cigarette smoke, that also affects air quality and health. The findings presented in the white paper confirm that this exposure often goes unnoticed although the impact is real. This could be a starting point for expanding cross-sector discussions on how we manage spaces for a healthy and safe environment for all," said CEO Nafas Indonesia Nathaniel Roestandy.

Separation of smoking areas from non-smoking areas has also proven ineffective. Research shows that pollutants from designated smoking rooms drift to smoke-free areas through air currents, exposing non-smokers to serious health risks. A study in Jakarta, Bogor, and Palembang found that the levels of pollution in these public spaces are still high, at an average of 96 µg/m³ in entertainment venues, 78 µg/m³ in restaurants, and 57 µg/m³ in government buildings.

To understand the broader implications of indoor air pollution, the white paper highlights a number of key findings to improve local understanding of indoor air quality, namely:

5 concentrations increase significantly in designated smoking rooms, especially in rooms with poor ventilation.

Fine 5 particles from tobacco smoke can drift to adjacent smoke-free rooms, indirectly exposing occupants to pollutants.

Indoor air can contain more hazardous particles than outdoor air, especially if there is indoor smoking.

“These findings show that the potential risk of air pollution from smoking isn't just about how many cigarettes people smoke but also about the design and location of the room. Rooms with smoking areas inside buildings tend to increase exposure to pollutants for the occupants, while findings in Bali show much lower PM2.5 levels when smoking rooms are outside. These findings confirm that smoking rooms should be located outside buildings, away from pedestrian traffic and crowds, so that the risk of exposure to air pollution for occupants and people living in the vicinity can be minimised,” Executive Director IYCTC Manik Marganamahendra said.

In accordance with these findings, the white paper opens up opportunities to implement new approaches to minimise the potential health risks of exposure to air pollution from smoking in enclosed spaces. Several approaches that can be considered include:

Creating a more comfortable and safer space for everyone, especially children, can start with efforts to limit exposure to cigarette smoke. This can be done by placing smoking areas outdoors, placing clear smoke-free signs, and providing consistent monitoring and enforcement. Access to easy-to-understand public information also needs to be improved to build awareness and people’s comfort in public space.

Ensuring good ventilation, monitoring changes in air quality, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. These simple measures can help reduce the potential health risks of exposure to pollution. With active involvement, a sense of responsibility can grow, opening up opportunities to create a healthier and more sustainable living space.

“For us, providing basic healthcare needs for the people is the main foundation for sustainable development. In line with Bank DBS Indonesia's aspiration to be the ‘Best Bank for a Better World’, we believe that creating a positive impact is not only through financial services but also through supporting initiatives to improve the quality of people’s life. The launch of this white paper reflects our commitment to promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations,” said Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications PT Bank DBS Indonesia Mona Monika.

As a grantee of DBS Foundation Grant Programme 2023, Nafas demonstrates how social entrepreneurs can create sustainable solutions by combining technology innovation and social awareness. The launch of this study marked the second collaboration between Nafas and DBS Foundation, following their previous collaboration on a white paper on air pollution and pneumonia in children with the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia (FKM UI). The grant from DBS Foundation has further strengthened this collaboration with a technology and data-driven approach, resulting in more sustainable health solutions for the public.

To access the white paper Closed Spaces, Open Risks: High Exposure to Air Pollution from Smoking, please visit this page.

 

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About the Collaboration

This white paper is the result of a cross-sector collaboration between Nafas Indonesia, DBS Foundation, and the Indonesian Youth Council for Tactical Changes (IYCTC). By combining indoor and outdoor air quality data, joint analysis, and public health perspectives, this initiative aims at facilitating data-driven interventions and advocacy for indoor air quality policies for healthier air and communities.

About DBS Foundation

Established in 2014, DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. It aims to bring hope to those with less today, so no one is left behind and we can all face the future with confidence.

In 2024, DBS committed up to SGD 1 billion dollars over the next decade to support vulnerable communities. It also pledged to contribute 1.5 million employee volunteer hours over the same period.

Together with an ecosystem of like-minded partners, DBS Foundation seeks to create impact that goes beyond banking, beyond borders, and beyond generations.

For more information, please visit: www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation.

About DBS

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.

Established in 1989 as part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, PT Bank DBS Indonesia (Bank DBS Indonesia) is one of the banks with the longest history in Asia. Currently operating 1 Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 16 Assistant Offices, 1 Functional Office and 3,011 active employees in 15 Major Cities in Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia provides comprehensive banking services that focus on the customer experience to 'Live more, Bank less'. We also see a purpose beyond banking and are committed to supporting our customers, employees, and the community towards a sustainable future. 

PT Bank DBS Indonesia is licensed and supervised by The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and an insured member of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).

DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.