The fires spread across the country with huge plumes of smoke stretching hundreds of kilometers. Along the way, they release thousands of tiny particles, with harmful effects on human health and the environment.
“We have carbon, nitrogen and a whole host of other pollutants that are going to contribute to making significant impacts on the environment, and specifically on the forest itself,” stresses Francisco Ferreira, President of Environmental Association Zero, who highlights the direct impacts on soil and water quality.
As fires increase and their duration increases, the smoke emitted has more effects on global warming, by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
“The carbon in the vegetation will unfortunately pass into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, exacerbating the global warming effect,” says the environmental expert.
In addition to the effects on the environment, there are also many risks to human health, especially in people with respiratory problems and those with weakened immune systems.
“In the combustion process, we have the healthiest pollutants, particles, especially fine particles,” adds Francisco Ferreira.
Recently, smoke from the Serra da Estrela fire reached Madrid. NASA images show that a plume of smoke has traveled approximately 450 kilometers between the two regions.
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