'Very unhealthy': Manaus dawns covered in smoke and leads the pollution ranking in Brazil

Manaus returned to dawn covered by a dense layer of smoke this Sunday (18). According to data from the international monitoring system IQAir, air quality in Manaus reached a 'very unhealthy' level, making it remain in first place in the ranking of the most polluted cities in Brazil.

At around 7 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital reached 211 points. The result places Manaus at a critical level, recording a concentration of fine particulate matter of 135.2 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³).

The difference in relation to the second most polluted capital in the ranking was also significant. São Paulo (SP) recorded 72 points in the air quality index.

Data from the Electronic Environmental Surveillance System (Selva), from the State University of Amazonas (UEA), also indicated a worsening in air quality. At around 6:20 am, the indices were classified as "terrible" in the monitored points of the capital. In one of them, the concentration of particles reached 173.5.7 µg/m³, in the Petrópolis neighborhood.

Air quality is considered good by Selva when the concentration of particles is between 0 and 25 µg/m³. Above this level, the indices undergo classifications that vary from moderate to terrible, depending on the scale used by the system.

On social media, residents of Manaus reported a strong smell of smoke, burning eyes and difficulty breathing this Saturday. Some publications described the episode as the worst ever experienced in the capital.

"Another day of waking up to the unbearable stench of smoke. The air quality in Manaus remains terrible and, once again, I say again that I feel like they are trying to suffocate us," wrote a user on the social network X.

Administrator Ana Paula has an autoimmune disease. He locked himself in the house and still felt the smoke.

"The smoke comes in and we try to protect ourselves. Sometimes, we even have to go to our room. I haven't left the house, I've stayed at home", commented the administrator.

Manaus City Hall also published guidelines to reduce exposure to smoke from fires. Recommendations include drinking plenty of water, keeping doors and windows closed and humidifying the environment.

The municipality also advised the use of a mask when leaving home and avoiding physical activities outdoors. The city hall also warned that causing fires is a crime and asked that cases be reported by calling 153 or via the website: slim.manaus.am.gov.br.

Meteorologist Andrea Ramos stated that rain is forecast in Manaus this Sunday (18) and Monday (19), which could help alleviate the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere. According to the data consulted by the specialist.

Andrea explained that rain helps to remove part of the particulate matter suspended in the air, but it does not necessarily mean that air quality will return to levels considered good. Even with precipitation, the concentration of pollutants can remain high.