Lingering smoke in the Amazon caused concern Tuesday among Brazilians who say that respiratory problems particularly among children and the elderly have increased as fires in the region rage.
"The kids are affected the most. They're coughing a lot," said Elane Diaz, a nurse in the Rondonia state capital of Porto Velho, as she waited for a doctor's appointment at the city's 9 of August hospital with her 5-year-old-son Eduardo.
"They have problems breathing. I'm concerned because it affects their health."
"From Aug 1 to Aug 10, the median (number) of cases was about 120 to 130 children with respiratory problems. From Aug. 11 to (Aug. 20) it went up to 280 cases."
"It seems like this is the fire of a lifetime. But it's not. We have fires every year."
Others said in an open letter that the government's discourse and measures are leading to a "collapse in federal environmental management and stimulate environmental crimes inside and outside the Amazon."
The government in the Amazonian state of Rondonia has warned that the burning of land can produce smoke that can "greatly influence atmospheric pollution, putting the life of many at risk."