Effects of increased temperature on atmospheric pollutant levels and human health in small and medium-sized cities in southern Brazil

Abstract

This study analyzed the impact of temperature increases on O3, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations and cardio pulmonary deaths attributable to PM2.5 in 11 cities in southern Brazil, including Porto Alegre. In 2022, 12.80 % of cardiopulmonary deaths in the capital were attributed to PM2.5. Although small cities were within legal limits, simulated scenarios of +2 and + 4 ◦C indicated an increase in deaths in all cities. The results highlight the need for public health interventions and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of pollution and global warming in smaller cities.