Fires, climate change and impacts on public health in Brazil: Challenges and perspectives–a systematic review

This study explores the relationship between wildfires, climate change, and public health in Brazil, focusing on the impacts observed in the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal biomes between 2023 and 2024. The research employs a systematic literature review and secondary data analysis, incorporating studies from the past two decades and data from recognized sources such as INPE, Fiocruz, and the Ministry of Health. Quantitative data on hospital admissions, air quality indices, and wildfire activity were cross-validated and analyzed using sensitivity techniques to ensure robustness. The primary objective is to examine the combined effects of wildfires and atmospheric pollution on human health, with a specific focus on respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, and to propose actionable public policies to mitigate these impacts. The findings reveal a clear link between climate change-induced fires, the release of delicate particulate matter (PM2.5), and significant health impacts, including a 30% rise in hospital admissions for respiratory issues and a 15% increase in cardiovascular emergencies during peak fire seasons. Particularly vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, were disproportionately affected, with notable increases in cases of asthma, pneumonia, and heart failure. The study also highlights the role of environmental degradation and agricultural practices in amplifying wildfire risks, worsening air quality, and intensifying public health crises. The results confirm a significant increase in pollution and health issues in the regions most affected by wildfires, emphasizing the need for air quality monitoring systems, public awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations. It concludes that implementing integrated and multidisciplinary policies, combining environmental preservation, healthcare readiness, and public education, is essential to address climate change and wildfires' ongoing and future impacts on Brazilian populations.