Wildfires in the Pan-Amazon: what is known about health impacts on affected populations?

According to the World Health Organization, climate change is associated with detrimental health effects through air pollution, increased risk of infectious diseases, as well as extreme heat and drought. The rise in wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, plays a fundamental role in air pollution by emitting diverse pollutants responsible for adverse health effects, environmental and economic damage, directly impacting the health of populations, especially the most vulnerable. This study aimed to evaluate the effects on human health stemming from exposure to wildfire smoke in the Amazon region. For this purpose, a literature review following the PRISMA methodology was conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, LILACS, and Scopus databases, with no restrictions for biological sex or time frame using descriptors such as “Exposure”, “Health effect*”, “Wildfire*”, and “Air pollution”. Articles in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were included. A total of 302 articles were identified, of which 30 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were identified only in the Brazilian Amazon, and the groups most susceptible to smoke effects were children up to 5 years old and the elderly aged 60 and above, in addition to individuals with preexisting comorbidities. Only one article conducted a biomonitoring study in the region; the others worked with hospital admission data. Coordinated health actions are necessary to protect the health of exposed populations, especially those in conditions of social vulnerability, to ensure health protection and adequate environmental safety. Except for Brazil, no other Amazon biome country has studies on exposed populations’ health. Only one study conducted biomonitoring of exposed populations. Children, elderly, and individuals with comorbidities are the most vulnerable groups. Most studies assessed PM2.5 effects on health. Populations with greater social vulnerability are the most affected.