Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has warned that the recent chemical spill in the Cisadane River poses severe long-term health risks through bioaccumulation.

Ignasius Sutapa, a researcher at BRIN’s Limnology Center, explained that pesticide residues can accumulate in aquatic organisms and move up the food chain to humans, potentially leading to endocrine disruption and carcinogenic effects.

“This contamination does not only have short-term impacts but also the potential to cause chronic health issues due to toxin buildup in the body,” he said during a briefing on Sunday (15/2/2026), as reported by antaranews.com.

While surface water may appear clear, toxins often settle into riverbed sediments, acting as secondary pollution sources. 

Authorities have recommended a temporary shutdown of water treatment intakes and urged residents to avoid using river water for bathing or consumption. For long-term mitigation, BRIN advocates for online water quality sensors and stricter law enforcement against hazardous waste violators to prevent future ecological crises.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)