ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA DA QUALIDADE DO AR NA REGIÃO EM TORNO DO MUNICÍPIO DE ITABIRA/MG

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AIR QUALITY IN THE REGION AROUND THE MUNICIPALITY OF ITABIRA/MG

Abstract

Atmospheric pollution represents a serious public health problem, especially in areas that have open-air mining activities, such as in some cities in the state of Minas Gerais. The present study compared the air quality of Itabira with other mining cities, such as Brumadinho, Paracatu and Timóteo, evaluating air quality and hospitalization rates for respiratory diseases per thousand inhabitants, between 2015 and 2022, seeking to investigate the glare between concentrations of particulate matter (PM₁₀) and respiratory health problems. It should be noted that, despite the high concentrations of PM₁₀, Timóteo recorded the lowest number of hospitalizations, while Itabira, with lower levels of PM₁₀, presented high hospitalization rates, except that, other factors can influence respiratory health, such as afforestation rates and the impact of other polluting substances. The present study highlights the need for stricter regulations and ongoing monitoring to mitigate the effects of pollution. Beside that, the need to implement technologies that help reduce emissions and environmental education actions stands out, which are mandatory elements to improve air quality and community health.