In September 2024, São Paulo was severely affected by air pollution due to wildfires, leading to national concern. Experts call for investments in air quality to mitigate health and economic losses, estimated at $1 billion annually without pollution impacts. Legislative efforts toward better air quality management have been introduced, but challenges in monitoring and enforcement remain. The urgency for improved air quality solutions is emphasized by professionals, linking it to public health and climate change.
In September 2024, São Paulo’s deteriorating air quality became a significant concern when it was ranked the most polluted city globally by IQ Air for five continuous days. This crisis was largely attributed to extensive wildfires in rural areas, which released a considerable amount of smoke, casting a haze over the city. On a national scale, 156,000 fires were recorded, causing alarming atmospheric changes, such as a red sky. Although summer rains provided temporary relief, the issue of air pollution remains ongoing and unresolved.
Experts from Valor stress the urgent need for both governmental and corporate investment in improving air quality in urban and residential spaces. Data indicates that the health repercussions of poor air quality both threaten public health and diminish economic productivity. Pathologist Paulo Saldiva, from the University of São Paulo, reported that without considering pollution, Brazil incurs annual losses of $1 billion due to poor air quality, which could triple when accounting for pollution complexities.
The World Health Organization indicates that air pollution is responsible for 7 million premature deaths worldwide each year, with Brazil alone facing over 50,000 such deaths annually. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, alongside lung cancer, are prevalent health issues connected to poor air quality. The situation is further complicated by climate change effects, such as severe droughts leading to forest fires and increased heavy rainfall causing mold proliferation, which intensifies health concerns.
Henrique Cury, CEO of EcoQuest, noted the challenges in convincing businesses of the merits of investing in air quality solutions, despite growing awareness since the pandemic. He emphasizes that one immediate benefit is a reduction in employee absenteeism due to illness. Significant events like natural disasters have heightened interest in indoor air quality improvements, changing perceptions among business leaders.
Cury acknowledged legislative progress, particularly the establishment of the National Air Quality Policy and proposed constitutional amendments for better air quality regulation. Previously, mandated monitoring by companies was infrequent, and only recently have more robust measures prompted increased compliance and awareness in the business community regarding air quality.
In research co-authored by Saldiva published by NCBI, it was determined that forest fires between 2000 and 2016 resulted in losses of $81 billion. This highlights the financial implications of neglecting investments in air quality improvement. Saldiva insists Brazil needs a consistent state policy addressing air quality, identifying it as a fundamental citizenship issue, not merely an environmental concern.
Law 14850/2024 was recently enacted to establish clearer guidelines for air quality management, including defining pollutants and creating emissions inventories. However, David Tsai from the Institute for Energy and Environment expressed concerns regarding the law’s implementation, noting insufficient air quality monitoring stations in most states, which impedes reliable data collection and public policy development.
The current monitoring network is inadequate for effective air quality management, lacking at least 46 stations based on U.S. standards or 138 according to European standards. Major cities like Brasília and Manaus exhibit significant deficiencies, lacking even a single automatic monitoring station, which indicates the need for improvements in air quality infrastructure.
Investment in air quality management is deemed modest when contrasted with the health costs attributed to respiratory illnesses, estimated in the billions. The proposed PEC 7/2021 advocates that air quality be recognized as a fundamental right within Brazil’s Constitution. Senator Mara Gabrilli emphasizes the urgent link between air quality and public health, advocating for actionable measures to ensure cleaner air for all citizens.
With the intention to learn from international examples of effective air quality solutions, Gabrilli believes that Brazil can adapt and implement similar systems. Transparency in air quality monitoring is vital for public accountability and improvement, with agencies like the Public Prosecutor’s Office playing a crucial role in enforcing compliance.
As of the latest updates, the Ministry of Health has not publicly responded but indicated ongoing collaboration with the environmental sector on air quality initiatives since 2001.
In summary, Brazil faces a critical challenge due to worsening air quality, exacerbated by climate change and industrial activities. With an estimated annual economic loss of $1 billion from poor air quality, addressing this issue is paramount for public health and economic productivity. Legislative measures, such as the National Air Quality Policy, represent progress, yet significant gaps in monitoring and regulatory compliance persist. Enhancing air quality management will require collective action from authorities, businesses, and society to ensure a healthier future for all Brazilians.
Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com
