EFFECTS OF BURNS ON THE HEALTH OF THE POPULATION WITH A FOCUS ON LUNG DISEASES

Abstract

Studies on the increasing effects of deforestation in the Amazon on the environment and economy show other indirect effects that include population health. With the increase in deforestation, an increase in wildfires and consequently worsened air quality and population health is expected. This study aimed to discuss the practice of wildfires, the impacts of pollutants on human health, and the main diseases resulting from wildfires. Specific objectives included describing illegal deforestation and uncontrolled fires in the Amazon; reporting the effects and risks that wildfires cause to public health; and showing the association between wildfires and the onset or exacerbation of lung diseases. It was based on a descriptive study of ecological time series: Data on wildfire occurrences were obtained from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), data on air pollution were obtained from the São Paulo State Environmental Company (CESTEB), and data on hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in individuals aged 60 or older in Manaus, Amazonas, from 2008 to 2020 were obtained from the Department of Unified Health System Statistics (DATASUS).This study revealed that climate changes caused by increased atmospheric pollutants affect various spheres, including biodiversity, the economy, and especially population health, particularly respiratory system ailments, which ultimately may increase the number of hospital admissions for respiratory diseases. The analysis of the study was crucial in providing useful data sources for the development of health sector parameters in implementing more effective and integrated actions concerning the population's well-being.