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[INTERNATIONAL] · Brazil · 33 sources

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Manaus faces severe air pollution and smoke from regional wildfires

Manaus is facing a severe public health crisis due to extreme air pollution caused by widespread wildfires in the Amazonas state. For several consecutive days, the city has been covered by a dense layer of smoke, which NASA satellite imagery has confirmed extends across large portions of the region.

Monitoring systems, including the Selva platform from the State University of Amazonas (UEA), have recorded hazardous levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). In some areas, concentrations have exceeded 200 µg/m³, with some reports indicating levels as high as 344.5 µg/m³. These levels are classified as ‘péssima’ (terrible) or ‘insalubre’ (unhealthy) on official scales.

In response to the deteriorating conditions, authorities have taken several emergency measures. The municipal government suspended classes in the public school network and halted in-person activities in municipal administrative offices. The Federal University of Amazonas (Ufam) also suspended in-person academic and administrative activities. Additionally, the Amazonense Football Federation postponed several youth matches, and local sports clubs canceled scheduled events to protect participants from smoke exposure.

The Civil Defense has issued severe risk alerts via mobile phones, advising residents—particularly vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and pregnant women—to avoid outdoor activities, use PFF2 or N95 masks, and increase hydration. Health authorities have already noted an increase in emergency medical visits related to respiratory issues, including coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation.

Entities

Amazonas · Amom Mandel · Defesa Civil · Defesa Civil de Manaus · Defesa Civil do Amazonas · Fundo Amazônia · IQAir · Itacoatiara · Manaus · NASA · UFAM · Universidade Federal do Amazonas

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