Nationwide assessment of mortality attributable to acute exposure to wildfire-related PM2.5 in Brazil

This study aimed to quantify the cause-specific, demographic, and temporal variations in the associations between daily exposure to wildfire-related PM2.5 and mortality risk in Brazil from 2000-2016. Using nationwide mortality data and a two-stage time-series approach, the study found significant increases in all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality associated with wildfire-related PM2.5 exposure. Older adults (≥60 years) and females showed greater sensitivity to these effects. Significant geographic variations were also observed, with the Southeast region demonstrating the highest susceptibility. The study estimated substantial attributable mortality burdens due to wildfire-related PM2.5, highlighting the urgent need for targeted public health interventions.

Yuming Guo, Shanshan Li, Tian Ye, Xiaohong Yue, Guosheng Chen, Rui Xu, Pengfei Yu, Maria Sueli Z. S. C., Paulo Hilario Nascimento Saldiva