This work evaluated the elemental content and toxicology of the primary materials of the e-liquids without adding nicotine and other additives. Elemental content was determined through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analyses, and biological effects were evaluated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and H9c2 cells. Elemental analysis did not detect toxic elements above the limit of quantification (LOQ). Toxic concentration with significant difference (p < 0.05) between the samples and the non-exposed cells for glycerin (7.5% m/v) and propylene glycol (12.5% m/v) and at 70/30 proportions (12.5% m/v), 50/50 (12.5% m/v), and 30/70 (6.25% m/v) were encountered. Yeast toxicity presented a concentration-dependent relation with growth inhibition and lethality. Cytotoxicity tests in mammalian cells presented significant differences (p < 0.05) at low concentrations of glycerin and propylene glycol exposition (1.25 and 0.25% m/v, respectively). High concentrations of glycerin and propylene glycol induced increased reactive oxygen species/lactate dehydrogenase, decreased catalase activity, and interference in cell viability. On acute exposure, pure glycerin and propylene glycol are toxic for yeast and H9c2 cells, increasing with proportions of glycerin/propylene glycol and the increased amount of propylene glycol in the solution. No correlation between elemental content and toxicity was observed.

RESUMO A floresta amazônica desempenha um papel crucial no sistema climático global, atuando como um importante sumidouro de carbono e influenciando os padrões climáticos regionais e globais. Compreender a composição química da água da chuva é essencial para avaliar o impacto das atividades antrópicas, como o desmatamento e emissões industriais, na química atmosférica e hidrologia. Este trabalho objetivou caracterizar a composição química da água da chuva em uma reserva biológica composta por floresta primária na Amazônia central brasileira, distante 60 km de um grande centro urbano. Amostras de água de chuva foram coletadas de março 2008 a março 2010 e analisadas por cromatografia iônica, ICP-MS e TOC-V. Este é o único e mais longo monitoramento pluviométrico realizado nessa reserva. Os resultados mostraram que a água da chuva é rica em carbono orgânico (COT), representando 77% do carbono total. Os íons mais abundantes foram NH4 + e Cl-. Poucos elementos foram detectados, com destaque para Al e Fe. Na estação seca, a maioria das espécies foi enriquecida. A menor quantidade de precipitação, a queima de biomassa e a menor capacidade de remoção de poluentes da atmosfera são os principais motivos desta diferença sazonal. Apenas 7% apresentaram características de chuva ácida (pH < 4,5), com acidez dominada pelo NO3 -. Uma fatoração de matriz positiva indicou contribuição de fontes: crustal (48%), aerossol secundário (26%), biogênico (22%) e emissões industriais (4%). Embora a floresta possua características primárias, a proximidade com o centro urbano indica alguma influência antrópica na composição química das águas de chuva. global globais antrópicas hidrologia brasileira 6 200 201 iônica ICPMS ICP MS TOCV. TOCV TOC V. V TOC-V COT, COT , (COT) 77 total NH Cl. Cl . Cl- detectados Fe seca enriquecida precipitação sazonal 7 pH 4,5, 45 4,5 4 5 4,5) NO - fontes 48%, 48 48% (48%) 26%, 26 26% (26%) 22% 22 (22% 4%. 4% (4%) primárias 20 (COT 4, (48% 2 (26% (22 (4% (48 (26 (2 (4 (

ABSTRACT The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in the global climate system, acting as a major carbon sink and influencing regional and global weather patterns. Understanding the chemical composition of rainwater is essential for assessing the impact of anthropogenic activities, such as deforestation and industrial emissions, on atmospheric chemistry and hydrology. This work aimed to characterize the chemical composition of rainwater in a biological reserve of primary forest in the central Brazilian Amazon at 60 km of a large urban center. Rainwater samples were collected from March 2008 to March 2010 and were analyzed by ion chromatography, ICP-MS, and TOC-V. This is the only and longest rainfall monitoring carried out in this reserve. The results showed that the rainwater is rich in organic carbon (TOC), representing 77% of total carbon. The most abundant ions were NH4 + and Cl-. Few elements were detected, with emphasis on Al and Fe. In the dry season, most species were enriched. The lower amount of precipitation, biomass burning and the lower capacity to remove pollutants from the atmosphere are the main reasons for this seasonal difference. Only 7% had characteristics of acid rain (pH < 4.5), with acidity dominated by NO3 -. A positive matrix factorization indicated contribution of sources: crustal (48%), secondary aerosol (26%), biogenic (22%), and industrial emissions (4%). Although the forest has primary characteristics, the proximity to the urban center indicates some anthropogenic influence on the chemical composition of rainwater. system patterns activities hydrology 6 200 201 chromatography ICPMS, ICPMS ICP MS, MS ICP-MS TOCV. TOCV TOC V. V TOC-V TOC, , (TOC) 77 NH Cl. Cl . Cl- detected Fe season enriched precipitation difference 7 pH 4.5, 45 4.5 4 5 4.5) NO - sources 48%, 48 48% (48%) 26%, 26 26% (26%) 22%, 22 22% (22%) 4%. 4% (4%) 20 (TOC 4. (48% 2 (26% (22% (4% (48 (26 (22 (4 (2 (

This research explores the concentration of black carbon (BC) in particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) from ten monitoring stations in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro (MRRJ), Bonsucesso (BS), Botafogo (BOT), Copacabana (COP), Gavea (GAV), Gericino (GER), Lagoa (LAG), Recreio dos Bandeirantes (REC), Santa Cruz (SC), Castelo (CAS) and Urca (URC), covering a range of pollution sources (vehicular, industrial, and residential). PM samples were collected using filter units every week from January 2018 to December 2019. Results revealed high concentrations of PM10 in BS (86 ± 22 µg m3) and PM2.5 in REC (30 ± 11 µg m3). Likewise, both monitoring stations exceeded the international limits. In 2019, BC in PM10 decreased in the following order: BS > CAS > GER > BOT > SC > GAV. For 2018, BC in PM2.5 decreased as follows REC > LAG > SC, while 2019 REC > GAV > LAG > COP > URC. REC and BS have industrial and commercial activities and intense vehicular traffic. During the period of study, average BC concentrations in PM10 and PM2.5 were 3.3 ± 1.5 and 1.9 ± 0.70 µg m3, respectively. These findings indicate that BC concentrations should be monitored and regulated in locations with high levels of traffic-related air pollution for offering new insights and guiding efforts to minimize emissions and enhance public health. (BC (PM1 PM25 PM2 5 MRRJ, MRRJ , (MRRJ) BS, (BS) BOT, (BOT) COP, (COP) GAV, (GAV) GER, (GER) LAG, (LAG) REC, (REC) (SC) (CAS URC, URC (URC) vehicular, (vehicular residential. residential . residential) 201 PM1 86 (8 2 m3 m PM2. 30 (3 1 m3. Likewise limits order traffic study 33 3 3. 15 1. 19 9 070 0 70 0.7 respectively trafficrelated related health (PM (MRRJ (BS (BOT (COP (GAV (GER (LAG (REC (SC (URC 20 8 ( 07 7 0.

The Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro is one of the most populous in Brazil, besides being one of the most important routes for marketing goods through heavy vehicles. This type of vehicle is the main source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission into the atmosphere. To assess NOx emission factors, this pilot study used sensors to monitor in real-time the exhaust of 9 trucks from July to September 2022. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study carried out in the city using low-cost sensors. Although there is legislation to reduce the emission of pollutants from the vehicle fleet, the results showed that 7 out of 9 trucks, exceeded the stipulated limits, reaching 6 g kWh-1. Furthermore, carrying out the maintenance of the engine of one of the vehicles decreased 60% of the NOx emission, even being an old vehicle. Thus, with this data, it was verified that the sensor performed excellently in monitoring NOx, demonstrating robust performance. This pilot study is part of a project that aims to make a long-term study of NOx emissions factors from heavy-duty diesel vehicles using sensors and other parameters. Brazil (NOx atmosphere realtime real time 2022 knowledge lowcost low cost fleet limits kWh1. kWh1 kWh 1. 1 kWh-1 Furthermore 60 Thus data performance longterm long term heavyduty duty parameters 202 kWh- 20 2

This study evaluated the pollutant levels (NO2, SO2, CO, and O3), air quality index (AQI) and the influence of meteorological variables and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on the air quality in Rio de Janeiro. The data set used comprises periods before (March-April, 2019) and during pandemic (March-April, 2020). According to the AQI results, on most days, the air quality was ranked as “good”. Brazilian air quality standards for SO2, O3, and NO2 were not exceeded in any of the monitoring stations during partial lockdown, while CO exceeded in all periods in one site due to industrial emission. Comparing both periods, descriptive statistics for the meteorological parameters presented no differences, which suggests similar conditions. However, when evaluated week by week in 2020, weather conditions presented some differences that probably affected pollutant concentrations. The correlations between O3 and NO2 and some meteorological parameters indicate that variations in both favored ozone formation, since it is a photochemical process favored by temperature and solar radiation and that, in Rio de Janeiro, low NO2 concentrations lead to increased O3. The improvements on air quality during the partial lockdown may be attributed mainly to a reduction on emission sources rather than weather conditions. NO2, NO (NO2 SO2 SO O , O3) (AQI COVID19 COVID 19 (COVID-19 Janeiro MarchApril, MarchApril March April, April (March-April 2019 2020. 2020 . 2020) results days good. good “good” However formation (NO COVID1 1 (COVID-1 201 202 “good (COVID- 20 (COVID 2

Abstract A study on aerosols in the Brazilian subequatorial Amazon region, Tangará da Serra (TS) and Alta Floresta (AF) was conducted and compared to findings in an additional site with background characteristics (Manaus, AM). TS and AF counties suffer from intense biomass burning periods in the dry season, and it accounts for high levels of particles in the atmosphere. Chemical characterization of fine and coarse particulate matter (PM) was performed to quantify water-soluble ions (WSI) and black carbon (BC). The importance of explanatory variables was assessed using three machine learning techniques. Average concentrations of PM in AF and TS were similar (PM2.0, 17±10 µg m-3 (AF) and 16±11 µg m-3 (TS) and PM10-2.0, 13±5 µg m-3 (AF) and 11±7 µg m-3 (TS)), but higher than the background site. BC and SO4 2- were the prevalent components as they represented 27%–68% of particulates chemical composition. The combination of the machine learning techniques provided a further understanding of the pathways for PM concentration variability, and the results highlighted the influence of biomass burning for key sample groups and periods. PM2.0, BC, and most WSI presented higher concentrations in the dry season, providing further support for the influence of biomass burning.

Abstract One of the most important issues, according to the World Health Organization, to be addressed during the COVID-19 pandemic is understanding the risk factors for the severity of the disease. Some studies show a possible association of SARS-CoV-2 with risk factors such as particulate matter and some weather conditions, in addition to behavioral factors such as smoking. The present review aimed to evaluate the correlation between COVID-19 and these potential risk factors. The Web of Science database searched for eligible studies covering experimental and epidemiological studies from March 2020 to March 2022. The recognized risk groups for an unfavorable evolution are the elderly, those with chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension, and pulmonary diseases), and those who use immunobiological or chemotherapy drugs. But some environmental factors may come to transmit the severity of COVID-19 cases. Lifestyle may be responsible for the variability in the severity of COVID-19, with smoking being one of the main factors, yet environmental factors such as particulate matter levels, humidity, and temperature have been shown to affect the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2. issues Organization COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 disease SARSCoV2 SARSCoV SARS CoV 2 SARS-CoV- conditions 202 2022 elderly diabetes hypertension diseases, , diseases) drugs cases COVID19, 19, levels humidity SARSCoV2. 2. COVID1 1 COVID- SARS-CoV 20

ABSTRACT Firewood is still a major source of household energy in most parts of the world, including Brazil. This study establishes baseline fuelwood consumption for domestic cooking by rural families in Bahia, Brazil, as part of a socioenvironmental project centered on stove substitution. The project, titled “Fogão do Mar” (Seaside Stove), engaged families in adopting more efficient stoves to replace the traditional open-air, rudimentary models. The study involved household visits and interviews with 103 low-income rural families to estimate firewood consumption for domestic cooking. The results showed that all households have liquid petroleum gas (LPG) stove, but most of the families prefer to use a firewood stove for cooking. The annual per capita consumption of firewood was estimated to be 1,297±952 kg, which is higher than estimate by governmental data (560 kg), as well as other rural regions. Therefore, the consumption of firewood is regionalized. Economic factors are decisive in the choice of fuel for cooking.

Cities urbanization and modernization increase emission sources, contributing to particulate matter (PM) composition heterogeneity and enhance the risk to human health and environment. This paper intends to survey the studies on particulate matter carried out in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The sampling of PM is generally made using Hi-Vol samplers to collect particles in fiberglass filter during 24 h every 6 days. Spectrometric techniques are used for elemental determination and ion chromatography for water-soluble species. The Environmental State Institute (INEA) is responsible for air quality monitoring in RJ. After 30 years, air quality standards have become more stringent and have included new pollutants. The highest PM concentrations were found in urban and industrial sites and the lowest in places away from urban activities or near the coast. Over the years, PM concentrations near steel complexes reduced even below the limits and varied at other places, remaining above the limits. Nitrate and sulfate were the main ionic compounds, and Fe, Al and Zn were the major elements in PM samples. It was also found Ni, V, Cd, Pb and Cu. Although air quality monitoring is efficient, it still needs to be improved to help reduce the environmental impact.

Abstract Rice (Oryza sativa L) is an important source of essential elements but also can contain high As concentrations, which may be consumed and causes health effects. This work aimed to contribute to the lack of information quantifying the total arsenic (tAs) in 31 domestic rice (white rice, n=19; brown rice, n=7; parboiled rice, n=5) of different brands purchased in Peruvian markets. The tAs content was conducted by ICP-MS. The tAs concentration was compared to the maximum limits prescribed by regulatory agencies. Dietary intake (DI), dietary exposure (DE), and margin of exposure (MOE) were estimated. tAs concentration in white, brown and parboiled rice were 0.292 ± 0.106 mg/kg, 0.401 ± 0.081 mg/kg, 0.229 ± 0.03 mg/kg, respectively. Arsenic concentration in white rice exceeded limits recommended by FAO/WHO (0.20 mg kg-1), and European legislation (0.25 mg kg-1), but no Mercosul limits (0.3 mg kg-1). The DE showed that, on average, Peruvians consume 5.60 μg As kg-1 BW weekly. The MOE value was higher than 1 at the mean dietary exposure level. Our findings suggest that the health risk from dietary arsenic exposure is low for the Peruvian population. However, more studies are needed to reduce dietary arsenic exposure in Peru.

Coarse particulate matter (PM10) concentrations and chemical composition were monitored from 2014 to 2017 at three sampling sites in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro, namely Botafogo, Gávea, and Gericinó. All sites are located close to the 2016 Olympic Game arenas. The average annual PM10 concentrations were above the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) at all sampling sites. Of all the analyzed water-soluble ions, the highest concentrations were obtained for NO3-, SO42-, Cl- and Na+. Sulfate displayed a higher anthropic contribution (ca. 70%). Iron and copper were present in all samples, originated from soil resuspension and traffic (fuels and brakes, among others). Overall, civil works to restructure the city and the construction of the Olympic Game arenas increased PM10 and some of its constituent levels prior to 2016. After the Olympic Games, PM10 concentrations have decreased, due to governmental policies regarding traffic planning and civil work finalization.

Abstract The air quality and distribution of trace elements in a metropolitan area of the Peruvian Andes were evaluated using transplanted epiphytic Tillandsia capillaris as biomonitors. Biomonitors were collected from the non-contaminated area and exposed to five sites with different types of contamination for three months in 2017. After exposure, the content of twenty-one elements were determined by ICP-MS analysis. Datasets were evaluated by one-way ANOVA, exposed-to-baseline (EB), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Results showed significant differences among sampling sites for several elements. According to EF ratios for Ba, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Zn EB ratios value greater than 1.75 were found around urban areas, indicating anthropogenic influence, which can be attributed to vehicular sources. The highest values of As and Cd were found in areas of agricultural practices, therefore their presence could be related to the employment of agrochemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and phosphate fertilizers). HCA shows that most elements come from vehicular sources and lower from agricultural and natural sources.

A exposição ao material particulado fino (MP2,5) está associada a inúmeros desfechos à saúde. Desta forma, monitoramento da concentração ambiental do MP2,5 é importante, especialmente em áreas amplamente industrializadas, pois abrigam potenciais emissores do MP2,5 e de substâncias com potencial de aumentar a toxicidade de partículas já suspensas. O objetivo desta pesquisa é estimar a concentração diária do MP2,5 em três áreas de influência do Complexo Industrial e Portuário do Pecém (CIPP), Ceará, Brasil. Foi aplicado um modelo de regressão não linear para a estimativa do MP2,5, por meio de dados de profundidade óptica monitorados por satélite. As estimativas foram realizadas em três áreas de influência (Ai) do CIPP (São Gonçalo do Amarante - Ai I, Paracuru e Paraipaba - Ai II e Caucaia - Ai III, no período de 2006 a 2017. As médias anuais das concentrações estimadas foram inferiores ao estabelecido pela legislação nacional em todas as Ai (8µg m-3). Em todas as Ai, os meses referentes ao período de seca (setembro a fevereiro) apresentaram as maiores concentrações e uma predominância de ventos leste para oeste. Os meses que compreendem o período de chuva (março a agosto) apresentaram as menores concentrações e ventos menos definidos. As condições meteorológicas podem exercer um papel importante nos processos de remoção, dispersão ou manutenção das concentrações do material particulado na região. Mesmo com baixas concentrações estimadas, é importante avaliar a constituição das partículas finas dessa região, bem como sua possível associação a efeitos adversos à saúde da população local.

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with numerous negative health outcomes. Thus, monitoring the environmental concentration of PM2.5 is important, especially in heavily industrialized areas, since they harbor potential emitters of PM2.5 and substances with the potential to increase the toxicity of already suspended particles. This study aims to estimate daily concentrations of PM2.5 in three areas under the influence of the Industrial and Port Complex of Pecém (CIPP), Ceará State, Brazil. A nonlinear regression model was applied to estimate PM2.5, using satellite-monitored optical depth data. Estimates were performed in three areas of influence (Ai) of the CIPP (São Gonçalo do Amarante - AiI, Paracuru and Paraipaba - AiII, and Caucaia - AiIII), from 2006 to 2017. Estimated mean annual concentrations were lower than established by Brazil’s national legislation in all three Ai (8µg m-³). In all the Ai, the months of the dry season (September to February) showed the highest concentrations and a predominance of east winds, while the months of the rainy season (March to August) showed the lowest concentrations and less defined winds Weather conditions can play an important role in the removal, dispersal, or maintenance of concentrations of particulate matter in the region. Even at low estimated concentrations, it is important to assess the composition of fine participles in this region and their possible association with adverse health outcomes in the local population.

La exposición al material particulado fino (MP2,5) está asociada a innumerables problemas de salud. Por ello, la supervisión de la concentración ambiental del MP2,5 es importante, especialmente en áreas ampliamente industrializadas, puesto que albergan potenciales emisores de MP2,5 y de sustancias con potencial de aumentar la toxicidad de partículas ya suspendidas. El objetivo de esta investigación es estimar la concentración diaria del MP2,5 en tres áreas de influencia del Complejo Industrial y Portuario de Pecém (CIPP), Ceará, Brasil. Se aplicó un modelo de regresión no lineal para la estimación del MP2,5, mediante datos de profundidad óptica supervisados por satélite. Las estimaciones fueron realizadas en tres áreas de influencia (Ai) del CIPP (São Gonçalo do Amarante - Ai I, Paracuru y Paraipaba - Ai II y Caucaia - Ai III en el período de 2006 a 2017. Las medias anuales de las concentraciones estimadas fueron inferiores a lo establecido por la legislación nacional en todas las Ai (8µg m-³). En todas las Ai, los meses referentes al período de sequía (de setiembre a febrero) presentaron las mayores concentraciones y una predominancia de vientos este a oeste, los meses que comprenden el período de lluvia (marzo a agosto) presentaron las menores concentraciones y vientos menos definidos. Las condiciones meteorológicas pueden ejercer un papel importante en los procesos de eliminación, dispersión o mantenimiento de las concentraciones del material particulado en la región. Incluso con bajas concentraciones estimadas es importante que se evalúe la constitución de las partículas finas de esta región, así como su posible asociación con efectos adversos para la salud de la población local.

A exposição ao material particulado fino (MP2,5) está associada a inúmeros desfechos à saúde. Desta forma, monitoramento da concentração ambiental do MP2,5 é importante, especialmente em áreas amplamente industrializadas, pois abrigam potenciais emissores do MP2,5 e de substâncias com potencial de aumentar a toxicidade de partículas já suspensas. O objetivo desta pesquisa é estimar a concentração diária do MP2,5 em três áreas de influência do Complexo Industrial e Portuário do Pecém (CIPP), Ceará, Brasil. Foi aplicado um modelo de regressão não linear para a estimativa do MP2,5, por meio de dados de profundidade óptica monitorados por satélite. As estimativas foram realizadas em três áreas de influência (Ai) do CIPP (São Gonçalo do Amarante - Ai I, Paracuru e Paraipaba - Ai II e Caucaia - Ai III, no período de 2006 a 2017. As médias anuais das concentrações estimadas foram inferiores ao estabelecido pela legislação nacional em todas as Ai (8µg m-3). Em todas as Ai, os meses referentes ao período de seca (setembro a fevereiro) apresentaram as maiores concentrações e uma predominância de ventos leste para oeste. Os meses que compreendem o período de chuva (março a agosto) apresentaram as menores concentrações e ventos menos definidos. As condições meteorológicas podem exercer um papel importante nos processos de remoção, dispersão ou manutenção das concentrações do material particulado na região. Mesmo com baixas concentrações estimadas, é importante avaliar a constituição das partículas finas dessa região, bem como sua possível associação a efeitos adversos à saúde da população local.

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with numerous negative health outcomes. Thus, monitoring the environmental concentration of PM2.5 is important, especially in heavily industrialized areas, since they harbor potential emitters of PM2.5 and substances with the potential to increase the toxicity of already suspended particles. This study aims to estimate daily concentrations of PM2.5 in three areas under the influence of the Industrial and Port Complex of Pecém (CIPP), Ceará State, Brazil. A nonlinear regression model was applied to estimate PM2.5, using satellite-monitored optical depth data. Estimates were performed in three areas of influence (Ai) of the CIPP (São Gonçalo do Amarante - AiI, Paracuru and Paraipaba - AiII, and Caucaia - AiIII), from 2006 to 2017. Estimated mean annual concentrations were lower than established by Brazil’s national legislation in all three Ai (8µg m-³). In all the Ai, the months of the dry season (September to February) showed the highest concentrations and a predominance of east winds, while the months of the rainy season (March to August) showed the lowest concentrations and less defined winds Weather conditions can play an important role in the removal, dispersal, or maintenance of concentrations of particulate matter in the region. Even at low estimated concentrations, it is important to assess the composition of fine participles in this region and their possible association with adverse health outcomes in the local population.

La exposición al material particulado fino (MP2,5) está asociada a innumerables problemas de salud. Por ello, la supervisión de la concentración ambiental del MP2,5 es importante, especialmente en áreas ampliamente industrializadas, puesto que albergan potenciales emisores de MP2,5 y de sustancias con potencial de aumentar la toxicidad de partículas ya suspendidas. El objetivo de esta investigación es estimar la concentración diaria del MP2,5 en tres áreas de influencia del Complejo Industrial y Portuario de Pecém (CIPP), Ceará, Brasil. Se aplicó un modelo de regresión no lineal para la estimación del MP2,5, mediante datos de profundidad óptica supervisados por satélite. Las estimaciones fueron realizadas en tres áreas de influencia (Ai) del CIPP (São Gonçalo do Amarante - Ai I, Paracuru y Paraipaba - Ai II y Caucaia - Ai III en el período de 2006 a 2017. Las medias anuales de las concentraciones estimadas fueron inferiores a lo establecido por la legislación nacional en todas las Ai (8µg m-³). En todas las Ai, los meses referentes al período de sequía (de setiembre a febrero) presentaron las mayores concentraciones y una predominancia de vientos este a oeste, los meses que comprenden el período de lluvia (marzo a agosto) presentaron las menores concentraciones y vientos menos definidos. Las condiciones meteorológicas pueden ejercer un papel importante en los procesos de eliminación, dispersión o mantenimiento de las concentraciones del material particulado en la región. Incluso con bajas concentraciones estimadas es importante que se evalúe la constitución de las partículas finas de esta región, así como su posible asociación con efectos adversos para la salud de la población local.

Resumo A poluição do ar em ambientes fechados é agravada pela queima de lenha em fogões rústicos e ambientes pouco ventilados. A exposição aos poluentes emitidos por este tipo de combustível resulta no aumento da morbidade e da mortalidade. No Brasil, os estudos e as estimativas são escassos. Visando entender esta problemática, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o uso de lenha utilizando as séries de dados das agências governamentais para estimar o número de pessoas expostas. Os resultados apontam que a lenha é o segundo combustível mais usado para cozinhar, sendo utilizada por uma parcela significativa da população, em torno de 30 milhões de brasileiros. Um fator decisivo no maior uso deste combustível é o nível socioeconômico da população associada ao preço do gás liquefeito de petróleo (GLP). Os estudos realizados no país registraram concentrações altas de partículas durante a queima da lenha, excedendo os limites sugeridos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Também foram observadas associações entre a exposição aos poluentes gerados pela queima e o agravamento dos mais diversos problemas de saúde, dentre eles doenças respiratórias e câncer. A substituição da lenha e outros combustíveis sólidos por combustíveis mais limpos deve ser a meta do governo para minimizar custos com a saúde.

Abstract Indoor air pollution is exacerbated by the burning of firewood in rustic stoves and poorly ventilated environments. Exposure to the pollutants emitted by this type of fuel results in increased morbidity and mortality. In Brazil, studies and estimates regarding these conditions are scarce. In order to understand this problem, the objective of this work was to investigate the use of firewood using the data series of government agencies to estimate the number of exposed people. The results indicated that firewood is the second most used fuel for cooking, being used by a significant portion of the population, more than 30 million Brazilians. A decisive factor in the increased use of this fuel is the socioeconomic level of the population associated with the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The studies carried out in the country recorded high concentrations of particles during firewood burning, exceeding the limits suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). Associations were also observed between the exposure to the pollutants generated by the burning and the aggravation of health problems, among them respiratory diseases and cancer. Replacing fuelwood and other solid fuels with cleaner fuels should be the government’s goal to minimize health costs.