main risks, vulnerable groups and keys to protect health

Home Health main risks, vulnerable groups and keys to protect health
Health
March 17, 2025March 17, 2025By Mario Vásquez
main risks, vulnerable groups and keys to protect health

In recent years, Guatemala has faced a series of fires thatThey have significantly deteriorated air quality. From forest fires in Petén and in the water volcano in 2024, to the recent fire in one of the main landfills of the country, there has been a high concentration of pollutants in the environment, which represents a risk to the health of the population.

The authorities have reported that, in departments near the landfill, air quality has reached levels cataloged as “very bad”, due to the high concentration of polluting particles, which could cause serious health effects.

Although the fire occurred in the landfill administered by the Authority for Sustainable Management of the Basin and Lake Amatitlán (AMSA) has been controlled by 50 %, according to the last report, doctors warn that the risk persists.

This risk derives from the toxic gases emanating from the landfill, which can be more harmful to the human being, mainly for workers who are in the area, the residents of the sector and people with pre -existing diseases.

Therefore, health professionals have issued a series of recommendations to prevent pulmonary damage to prolonged exposure to these pollutants.

Air quality effects

Esau Spain, a pneumologist, warned that air quality is a very important factor for citizens’ health, because oxygen contributes to the proper functioning of the vital organs of the body. Being contaminated, it can have effects on lungs and other organs.

The specialist stressed that the current fire in AMSA’s landfill has affected the quality of oxygen, which puts response personnel, local workers and residents of the area, where older adults and children could suffer acute and chronic respiratory conditions.

The internist Estuardo Rojas warned that prolonged exposure to contaminated air represents a serious risk to health, especially due to the decrease in oxygenation, a vital process for the functioning of all body organs.

We must understand that the oxygen present in the air is essential for life. When air of poor quality is breathed, the oxygenation of the organism is committed, which can generate serious consequences, mainly in the cardiovascular system, he explained.

Rojas said that air pollution, regardless of its origin – due to combustion or by landfills – directly affects the air quality that enters the respiratory system, generating immediate complications and long term.

Spain commented that the effects of this pollution directly damage the airways, from the nose to the alveoli, and can cause different complications, according to the expert.

The generated particles and gases affect from the nose to the pulmonary alveoli, which can cause rhinitis, rinosinusitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis and even alveolitis, a condition feared for its gravity, said Spain.

The consumption of this contaminated air could aggravate the symptoms of pre -existing bronchopulmonary diseases, such as asthma, emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis.

Other effects include the development of persistent cough, with intense accesses that prevent night rest, as well as asthma, headache and general discomfort.

The doctor also pointed out that prolonged exposure to these pollutants can alter blood pressure and aggravate cardiovascular diseases. In addition, conjunctivitis and other eye problems may appear.

Compromises the cardiovascular and respiratory system

Rojas stressed that the cardiovascular system is one of the most affected. The heart needs oxygen to distribute it to the whole body. If air quality is inadequate, the heart should be struggled more, which can lead to complications, especially in people with diseases such as hypertension, diabetes or dyslipidemia, as well as in over 40 years, considered risk groups.

He warned that, if contaminated air exposure persists, more serious events may occur, such as heart attacks.

The expert also indicated that those who exercise outdoors could suffer negative effects on respiratory and cardiovascular function, due to the inhalation of inappropriately ventilated air.

As for the respiratory system, Rojas stressed that microparticle inhalation can cause bronchial obstruction, which reduces respiratory capacity.

People with respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD are especially vulnerable to these effects, he added.

Another effect is the weakening of the immune system. Spain indicated that constant inhalation of contaminated air reduces the immune response, which increases the risk of contracting viral, bacterial or fungal infections

Children, older adults and response personnel are the most vulnerable populations in the face of poor air quality caused by fires. (Photo: Free Press: Shuttersock)

Other risks

Rojas explained that microparticles can also cause eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, and irritation in nose and throat.

Children and older adults are more susceptible, because their respiratory system is less efficient than that of a healthy adult, he added.

Spain indicated that continuous exposure to these pollutants can develop chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.

Preventive measures

The pneumologist recommended avoiding outdoor activities during high pollution episodes, especially in minors.

In cities with more experience in air quality, classes are suspended, the labor approach to that area is avoided and the outdoor exercise is restricted in these scenarios. It is urgent to adopt these measures in Guatemala, Spain said.

He suggested the use of filter masks – preferably type N95 – or double surgical masks, and protective glasses to avoid eye damage. He also urged the public and private sector to coordinate preventive policies, together with the Ministries of Health and Education, to reduce exposure.

Effects of toxic gases

According to AMSA reports, the fire inside the landfill releases gases such as ammonia, sulfhydric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and sulfur dioxide. These gases alter the defense mechanisms of the respiratory system, inflame the airways, affect the ciliary movement and increase the production of poor quality.

In addition, ultrafine particles (PM 2.5) penetrate to pulmonary alveoli, which can cause acute inflammation, decreased oxygenation and appearance of respiratory infections.

The damage can be acute, but if the exposure is maintained, the health consequences will be chronic and long term, he concluded.

Protection recommendations

For its part, the Ministry of Health emphasized that air pollution can affect health without being noticed, so it recommended:

  • Avoid direct exposure to contaminated air
  • Minimize the time of permanence in open spaces maintain closed doors and windows to avoid particle filtration
  • Do not smoke, not to aggravate the impact on the lungs
  • Use air purifiers in closed spaces
  • Use filter masks, preferably N95
  • People with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, as well as children and older adults, must continue their medication and extreme precautions

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