Fires increase concentration of toxic gas in Brazil's atmosphere

Forest fires in several regions of Brazil have caused a significant increase in carbon monoxide (CO) levels in the atmosphere. According to information released by MetSul, a meteorological institute, this situation has caused a “band of extremely high levels” of this dangerous gas, covering a large area of ​​Brazilian territory. CO is a dangerous pollutant that can cause serious health problems, especially for people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Extension of the pollution zone

The area with high levels of carbon monoxide extends from the states of São Paulo and Paraná to the Amazonas region. This large affected area indicates the magnitude of the fires that have been occurring in recent months, both in the South and in the Amazon, and the resulting emission of pollutants into the atmosphere. MetSul highlights that the concentration of CO in these locations is worrying, exceeding the limits considered safe by the World Health Organization (WHO).

_{Image shows a band with high levels of CO, which starts in the region of the states of São Paulo and Paraná, and goes up to the state of Amazonas (photo: reproduction/Metsul)}

Impacts caused and safety measures

Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, mental confusion and, in extreme cases, can be fatal. In addition to the health risks, high levels of CO also pose a threat to the environment, as they affect air quality and contribute to the formation of secondary pollutants, such as ozone.

In light of this scenario, authorities and experts emphasize the importance of stepping up efforts to combat forest fires and adopting effective fire control policies. Raising public awareness about the risks of fires and the need for environmental preservation are also essential to prevent situations like this from happening again in the future.

The current situation is evidence of the need for a rapid and effective response to contain the fires and their impacts on the atmosphere. The adoption of more sustainable agricultural and forestry practices, the protection of native vegetation areas and the strengthening of monitoring against illegal burning are essential measures to reduce the effects of this phenomenon and preserve public health and the environment in the long term.the deadline.

Featured photo of polluted sky in the city of São Paulo (Reproduction/Fabio Vieira/FotoRua/NurPhoto/Getty Images Embed)