The Argentine Society of Cardiology has issued an alarming statement regarding the significant impact of air pollution caused by agricultural burns and wildfires in Patagonia, which has reached dangerous levels even in remote areas. Residents of El Bolsón, along with atmospheric scientists and health professionals, have recorded hazardous air quality measurements that pose serious risks to heart health. The warning highlights issues such as hypertension, arrhythmias, and even the potential for heart attacks and strokes, emphasizing that the consequences of pollution are not confined to urban environments but extend to pristine regions previously thought to be safe.

The statement underscores that when air quality declines, the heart is among the first organs to be affected, challenging the long-held belief that air pollution predominantly affects large cities. The Society emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and action, as the effects of atmospheric pollution can be insidious and widespread, often unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. The situation calls for public health initiatives and better environmental policies to mitigate the ongoing fires’ impact on both the ecosystem and human health.

This warning is particularly pertinent as wildfires in Argentina have increased in frequency and intensity due to climate change and other contributing factors. With the health of local populations at stake, there is a pressing need for both governmental and community responses to address the root causes of these wildfires and implement effective measures to safeguard air quality and cardiovascular health in the region.