Numerous studies link the smoke from forest fires to health problems. The gases and particles generated by these fires are breathable and can enter the circulatory system and even the brain.
Human activity is the main source of air pollution, which poses risks to the health of people and other living beings. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for 25% of deaths from heart disease, 34% from strokes, and 36% from lung cancer.
A team of researchers from the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, the Cardiovascular Institute of Rosario, the Centenario Hospital of Rosario, the Epidemiology Directorate of Santa Fe, and the Argentine Society of Medicine investigated the impact of the forest fires recorded during 2021-2022 in the Paraná River delta departments on air quality in Rosario and the increased risk of heart attacks.
Study Results on the Delta Fires and Health
The study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research, compared health data in Rosario on days with and without fire smoke in the Delta islands. The results showed an increase in cases of heart attacks during burning days.
The analysis established that the amount of particulate matter (PM 2.5) in Rosario was three times higher than the maximum concentrations recommended by the WHO, increasing the risk of hospital admissions due to heart attacks.
What is Particulate Matter PM 2.5?
PM 2.5 is composed of organic chemicals, dust, soot, metals, and other solid or liquid particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns.
These particles can be inhaled, causing inflammation and arterial damage, and can block arteries, leading to heart attacks or strokes. Additionally, they can alter genetic structures, affecting future generations.
Fires in the Paraná Delta[/caption>
Health Impact of Fire Smoke
The study highlighted that the affected patients had traditional pathologies (smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol), but heart attacks occurred when environmental pollution levels were high. On non-burning days, there were no increases in hospitalizations.
The fires in the Paraná Delta not only damage the wetlands ecosystem but also have serious consequences for the population’s health. The smoke from the fires directly impacts cardiovascular health.
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