Brazil faces a severe air quality crisis exacerbated by climate change, costing approximately $1 billion annually in economic losses. Urban areas like São Paulo have experienced alarming pollution levels, significantly impacting public health by increasing cases of respiratory diseases and premature deaths. Legislative efforts are underway to improve monitoring and establish air quality as a fundamental right, but substantial gaps in data and infrastructure remain. Enhanced awareness and investment are essential for addressing this critical issue effectively.
In September 2024, São Paulo’s unhealthy air became a headline story as it ranked as the world’s most polluted city for five consecutive days, primarily due to rural fires that produced extensive smoke. During this period, the atmosphere turned red from approximately 156,000 recorded fires throughout Brazil. While summer rains alleviated immediate concerns, the underlying air quality issues persist without proper resolution.
Experts emphasize that Brazilian authorities and businesses must prioritize investing in air quality improvements, particularly in residential and commercial environments. Poor air quality signifies serious public health repercussions, which, when quantified, reveals an annual economic loss of $1 billion to Brazil. This figure, considering pollution’s added detriment, could rise to an estimated $3 billion annually, reflecting significant social losses due to premature mortality among economically productive individuals.
Paulo Saldiva, a pathologist and professor at the University of São Paulo, highlights that respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as lung cancer, are among the leading health issues linked to degraded air quality. The detrimental effects are acutely felt by children, whose lung development is impeded, resulting in long-term health and productivity challenges. Furthermore, climate change exacerbates air quality issues, as severe droughts and heavy rains contribute to the proliferation of pollutants.
Henrique Cury, CEO of EcoQuest, reports persistent challenges in convincing decision-makers of the importance of addressing air quality. He points out that immediate benefits include reduced absenteeism, as healthier employees are less prone to illness. The pandemic has heightened awareness regarding air quality, particularly following catastrophic events like wildfires or flooding, underscoring the significant relationship between climate disasters and air quality concerns.
Legislation has developed to improve air quality management in Brazil, including the National Air Quality Policy established by Law 14850/2024, which aims to create emission inventories and identify atmospheric pollutants. Despite these advancements, experts like David Tsai from IEMA report insufficient monitoring stations across the country, criticizing the general lack of knowledge about air quality and the impact of emissions on public health.
Brazil’s air quality oversight remains inadequate, with notable deficiencies in monitoring in metropolitan areas such as Brasília, Goiânia, and Manaus. Currently, the nation has 245 air quality monitoring stations but needs significantly more to meet established international standards. Proper monitoring is vital to develop effective public policy and create a national air quality index that accurately reflects the situation in various regions.
The cost for establishing necessary monitoring infrastructure is relatively modest compared to the immense health expenditures incurred due to respiratory issues, amounting to billions annually. Investments into air management systems are likely to yield financial savings by preventing health-related problems associated with air quality.
Furthermore, Senator Mara Gabrilli’s proposed constitutional amendment seeks to establish the right to air quality as a fundamental guarantee in Brazil, aiming to ensure clean air accessibility in all environments. She underscores the vital importance of air quality to physical health, linking it to the wider context of public health strategies that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senator Gabrilli expresses confidence that the approval of this proposal could catalyze changes in how institutions and businesses address air quality issues. She references innovative solutions from countries like Japan and Germany as examples that could be adapted to Brazilian circumstances. Enhancing transparency in air quality monitoring will empower society to demand accountability and effective action from relevant authorities.
The current air quality crisis in Brazil, exacerbated by climate change, demands immediate attention from both public authorities and private enterprises. The financial and health costs of neglecting air quality are substantial, necessitating investment in improvements and monitoring systems. Legislative initiatives, alongside public awareness, are crucial to fostering significant advancements in environmental health and ensuring the right to clean air is recognized and upheld. This multifaceted approach is imperative for safeguarding the public’s health and maintaining societal productivity.
Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com
