Despite a slight improvement in measurements, the air quality rating in the Federal District remains poor. The Brasília Environmental Institute (Ibram) predicts that the smoke screen will remain in the region throughout Tuesday (27) and that the situation will only return to normal on Wednesday (28) or Thursday (29).
The governor of the Federal District, Ibaneis Rocha, met with authorities to define a working group responsible for developing an action plan to deal with critical air quality events. decree establishing the commission was published in an extra edition of Official Gazette of the Federal District on Monday (26).
Composed of 17 government agencies of the Federal District under the coordination of Ibram, the group has a 90-day deadline to develop actions. On social media, Ibaneis highlighted that the commission’s proposal is to anticipate other critical episodes of air pollution in the federal capital.
“During this dry season, we have to deal with fires and smoke constantly, but this was the first time that air quality levels reached poor and terrible levels. With this regulated commission, in addition to dealing with the current situation, we will already be preparing the city in case a similar situation happens again,” he posted on his X profile.
In April, the Chief Executive had already declared a state of environmental emergency in the Federal District for the period from June to November. “We are in a period of drought and heat in the Federal District, which increases the risk of fires. Our team is prepared to act quickly, but the collaboration of the population is essential,” wrote Ibaneis.
“Avoid bonfires in unauthorized locations and dispose of flammable materials correctly. If you see any sign of fire, report it immediately: call 193 to contact the Fire Department or send a message to the Brasília Environmental Institute’s exclusive WhatsApp number at (61) 99224-7202, which is used to receive reports of fires in conservation units.”
Care
In a scenario of smoke exposure such as that recorded in the Federal District, the Ministry of Health recommends the following measures:
– Increase your water and liquid intake to keep your respiratory membranes moist and therefore better protected;
– Reduce the time of exposure to smoke as much as possible, staying indoors whenever possible, in a ventilated place, with air conditioning or air purifiers;
– Doors and windows must remain closed during times of high particle concentrations, to reduce the penetration of external pollution;
– Avoid physical activities during times of high concentrations of air pollutants and between 12pm and 4pm, when ozone concentrations are highest;
– Surgical or cloth masks, scarves and bandanas can reduce exposure to coarse particles, especially for populations living close to the emission source (fire outbreaks) and, therefore, improve upper airway discomfort.
– Children under 5 years of age, people over 60 years of age and pregnant women should pay extra attention to the recommendations described, in addition to paying attention to respiratory symptoms or other health occurrences, seeking medical attention as quickly as possible.
For people with heart, respiratory and immune problems, among others, the ministry recommends:
– Seek medical attention to update your treatment plan;
– Keep medications and items prescribed by your doctor available in case of acute crises;
– Seek medical attention if symptoms of crises occur;
– Assess the need and safety of temporarily leaving the area impacted by the seasonality of fires.
