Over 230 indigenous lives claimed by fire smoke annually in Amazon

• Study reveals at least 230 premature deaths annually in indigenous territories due to smoke exposure from Amazon fires.
• Indigenous communities experience significantly greater health risks from smoke particles, four times higher than the general population.
• Governments urged to monitor air quality in indigenous territories and adopt measures to curb deforestation and wildfires for pollution reduction.

The devastating fires in the Amazon Basin not only pose a serious danger to the region's delicate ecosystem, but also pose a great health risk to the indigenous populations residing there.

A recent study published in Environmental Research: Health sheds light on the direct impacts of these wildfires on indigenous communities, revealing that at least 230 premature deaths per year can be attributed to smoke exposure from the Amazon fires.

Amazon fires impact indigenous communities

Led by environmental engineer Eimy Bonilla of Harvard University, the study used the GEOS-Chem atmospheric chemistry transport model, pioneered by NASA, to analyze the distribution of fine PM2.5 particles emitted by fires. Measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller, these particles have the potential to enter the lungs directly and cause serious health consequences. The research quantified premature mortality from smoke exposure between 2014 and 2019, with at least 230 annual deaths linked to indigenous territories.

While previous studies have focused on the overall impact of fires on the health of countries or urban populations, this research highlighted the disproportionate effect on indigenous peoples.

Lack of access to medical care and hospitals leaves these communities more vulnerable to the negative consequences of smoke exposure. The study noted that premature deaths from smoke exposure were four times higher in indigenous territories compared to the general population.

Wildfires intensify health risks

"Landscape fires highlight the serious health burden to communities experiencing them and the wider regional impacts that these fires can have on regional air quality" says study coauthor Jonathan Buonocore, assistant professor of environmental health. "As the climate continues to change, events such as these may become more and more common, increasing the risk of wildfires in areas that will see more drought with climate change".

Previous research in the field has focused on the health impacts of countries on larger scales, or has heavily relied on hospital admission data. Hospital admission data does not accurately capture the impact on people living in indigenous territories, as fires often locate much closer to them, expose them to smoke particles for longer periods of time, and deprive them of access to appropriate medical care, hygiene materials, and clean water.

Study lead author Eimy Bonilla says, "Our research shows that the people living in Indigenous territories experience significantly greater health risks from smoke particles, compared to the general population, despite accounting for relatively few fires in the Amazon Basin.

The study uses a combination of atmospheric chemical transport models and an updated concentration response function to estimate the rate of premature mortality for Indigenous populations exposed to high concentrations of PM_2.5.

In recent years, forest degradation due to human activity (such as mining, logging, and agricultural land use) as well as variations in climate conditions have driven a surge in the rate of biomass burning in South America. Wildfires emit tiny smoke particles called PM2.5, which significantly contribute to aerosol concentrations and have a negative impact on human health.

Amazon wildfires hit indigenous territories

In Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, urban populations suffered the highest number of deaths related to smoke exposure. However, the situation was different in Peru and Bolivia, where indigenous territories were the most affected by excess deaths due to their proximity to the fires. In Peru alone, approximately 500 deaths occurred within indigenous lands during the study period.

Deforestation, changes in land use, and climate fluctuations have intensified the risk of forest fires in the Amazon basin. The study urged governments to provide financial support to monitor air quality, especially in indigenous territories.

Implementation of low-cost reference sensors and monitors can help assess the short- and long-term impacts of smoke exposure. Engaging indigenous communities and incorporating their experiences into research is essential for a comprehensive understanding of health effects.

Fires release tiny smoke particles called PM_2.5, which are known to significantly impact human health. Exposure to particles can result in cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, premature births, metabolic dysfunction and other problems. Particles can travel great distances, affecting air quality across multiple countries.

"We propose that governments adopt a multifaceted approach in response to this situation," said study coauthor Garima Raheja, a PhD. candidate at Lamont-Doherty.

"Taking the necessary measures to establish air pollution sensors in Indigenous communities is an essential initial phase." By implementing regulations to curb deforestation in the Amazon, we can reduce the frequency and scale of the wildfires responsible for this pollution."

The authors further expressed the need for Indigenous communities to have increased environmental governance over their respective lands.

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