A recent study published in the journal Environmental Research: Health reveals that Indigenous people in the Amazon Basin face a significantly higher risk of premature death due to wildfire smoke exposure, being twice as likely to die from it compared to the general South American population. The study estimates around 12,000 premature deaths annually from wildfire smoke between 2014 and 2019, with approximately 230 occurring in Indigenous territories. Regions in Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil are identified as particular hotspots for smoke exposure, with mortality rates in Indigenous communities reaching up to six times that of the general population.
During the Amazon’s dry season, from July to November, exposure to harmful PM2.5 smoke particles dramatically increases due to intensified wildfires. The study highlights the inadequate medical care and resources available to Indigenous populations living near these fires, who typically suffer from longer exposure periods. The rise in biomass burning is attributed to human activities and climate variations, releasing harmful smoke particles that adversely affect health, contributing to various diseases. The authors advocate for enhanced air quality monitoring and support for Indigenous communities to mitigate these health risks.
