On Monday, the 17th, the state government, through the Acre Health Secretariat (Sisaker), issued a warning about growing concerns about respiratory illnesses caused by smoke from the fires ravaging the area. The combination of wildfires, urbanization, and the release of air pollutants has negatively affected the health of the state’s residents, increasing the risk of serious respiratory diseases.
The Secretary of State for Health, Pedro Pascual, highlighted the importance of educating the population about the dangers of smoke from forest fires: “Burning has serious consequences for health, especially for the respiratory system. The smoke emitted contains a mixture of toxic chemicals and fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing damage and triggering or exacerbating respiratory diseases.”
Pasquale noted that children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular problems are particularly vulnerable to the effects of smoke from wildfires. He recommended that those populations at higher risk avoid excessive exposure to smoke and follow medical advice to protect their health.
In addition, the head of the Sisaker Health Supervision Department, Edvan Meneses, emphasized the importance of taking preventive measures and seeking appropriate medical care in case of symptoms related to respiratory diseases. “It is essential that residents take measures to reduce exposure to smoke, such as staying indoors, wearing respiratory protection masks and avoiding outdoor activities during periods of high fire intensity,” Meneses stressed.
Menayes also stressed the need to report outbreaks of illegal fires to the relevant authorities. “Illegal burning is a serious environmental and public health problem. Residents must be vigilant and cooperate by denouncing criminal practices that endanger everyone’s health,” Meneses added.
Sesacre also works in partnership with the State Secretariat for Environmental and Indigenous Peoples Policies (Semapi) and other government agencies and institutions to fight fires and reduce impacts on the health of residents.
Given the seriousness of the situation, the Ministry of Health in Acre stresses the importance of taking preventive measures, being aware of respiratory symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention in case of worsening symptoms.
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