Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, showed a significant deterioration in air quality between 2021 and 2023, according to the report. The amount of particulate matter up to 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM 2.5) in the city of Amazonas exceeds the parameter set by the World Health Organization (WHO) by more than three times. In 2021, the level of PM2.5 in the atmosphere of Manaus was two times higher than recommended by the World Health Organization.
The only city in the country among those analyzed that fell within the criteria set by the World Health Organization was Fortaleza. In the country, the level of PM2.5 in the atmosphere is more than twice the recommended level.
This places Brazil as the 83rd most polluted country. However, this number represents a decline compared to the first global records for air quality. In 2018, for example, the presence of these substances in the atmosphere more than tripled.
Particles have been linked to deaths and illnesses from heart and lung problems. According to the World Health Organization, MP 2.5 is one of those that have the greatest impact on health.
Air quality in Brazilian cities
Based on particulate matter concentration (PM 2.5), in micrograms per cubic meter. Below, all Brazilian cities are analysed:
