Smoke emanating from wildfires causing havoc in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest is leaving residents in the region struggling with respiratory issues. The smoke, a result of fires sweeping across various parts of the country including the Amazon, Cerrado savannah, Pantanal wetland, and Sao Paulo state, is causing discomfort like coughing, throat irritation, and eye redness.
Fátima Silva, a 60-year-old farmer in Labrea, a town in the Amazon, expressed her distress over the situation. In a voice message to The Associated Press, she revealed her struggles with shortness of breath, throat pain, and eye discomfort due to the smoke. She mentioned how her family, especially her grandchildren, are suffering from persistent coughing, making it difficult for them to rest.
The fires, mainly ignited for deforestation and land management, have led to a drastic increase in wildfire occurrences in the Amazon. According to the National Institute for Space Research, there have been 53,620 fire spots in the Amazon between January 1 and August 27 this year, marking an 83% surge from the same period last year.
As a consequence of the fires, many regions across the Amazon are experiencing severe air pollution, classified as “very bad” or “terrible” by the State University of Amazonas’ environmental monitoring system. The civil defense authority of Amazonas state has advised residents to stay indoors and stay hydrated in the face of wildfires and the ensuing smoke.
Jesem Orellana, an epidemiologist and researcher at the Fiocruz Institute, noted that essential outdoor workers like street vendors and garbage collectors are enduring the brunt of the smoke as they cannot avoid being outside. Orellana highlighted that the extended exposure to toxic smoke not only impacts physical health but also contributes to anxiety, affecting sleep patterns among residents.
Maria Soledade Barros Silva, residing in Manaus, disclosed how the once clear riverside beach used for recreation is now cloaked in dense smog. Navigating waterways has become challenging, disrupting the daily activities of residents who rely on the water routes.
Expressing concern over the unprecedented severity of the situation, Silva from Labrea echoed the plea for assistance, emphasizing the intolerable living conditions brought about by the ongoing environmental crisis.