An unexpected effect of fires. Experts with a “witch cocktail”

The Bulletin “Bulletin on air and climate quality” described here is the fifth document this year, dealing with this subject. This time, its creators put the greatest importance on summer forests and discussed their impact on air quality. They also linked this issue with climate change.

Forest fires. WMO talks about pollution

Attention was paid to the interaction of aerosols, small molecules, which, depending on their composition, can insulate or cool the atmosphere. Therefore, they must be taken into account in forest fires, winter fog or emissions from transport and cities.

WMO gave molecules with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometer (PM2.5) as particularly harmful. They are able to penetrate deep into the lungs or cardiovascular system. According to WMO data, forest fires in 2024 caused the average PM2.5 level in Canada, Siberia and Central Africa, and above all in the Amazon basin.

It was noticed that due to climate change, the forest fires season extends every year and is more intense, which in turn worsens air quality not only in the area, but also thousands of kilometers away. As an example, fires were given in Canada, which contaminated the air in Europe.

The “witch cocktail” was also mentioned, which is formed as a result of large forest fires. In this way, a mixture of a substance that contaminates the air after such disasters was called. This, in turn, leads to serious health threats.

Millions of victims of polluted air

According to WMO, polluted air every year leads to over 4.5 million premature deaths. The newsletter appealed for better monitoring of air quality and the introduction of a human health and environmental protection strategy, as well as limiting losses in agriculture and economy.

Interestingly, WMO As a model of a country that seriously approached the issue, China was indicated. Over the past 10 years, air quality in local cities has gradually improved. A similar process is observed in numerous cities of Europe and the United States. In turn, the Hindustan Lowland was indicated as the opposite example, where polluted air affects the health of over 900 million inhabitants.