A recent scientific study conducted by researchers from the Federal University of Alagoas (Ufal) has revealed that approximately 28 lung cancer deaths in Maceió over the past decade can be attributed to air pollution, accounting for nearly 3% of all lung cancer fatalities in the city during the analyzed period. The study was published in the international journal Atmosphere and authored by medical student Albery Batista de Almeida Neto, with guidance from professor Flavio Manoel Rodrigues da Silva Júnior from the Institute of Biological and Health Sciences (ICBS). The research specifically analyzed data related to atmospheric pollution and lung cancer mortality between 2014 and 2023 across Brazil's 27 state capitals.

The focus of the study was on fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, a microscopic pollutant that can deeply penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream. As Brazil faces increasing urban air quality issues, the findings are particularly significant, highlighting the health risks associated with pollution in urban centers like Maceió. This study underscores the need for targeted environmental policies and public health interventions to mitigate air pollution and its dire health consequences.

Moreover, the nationwide implications of the study are stark, as it indicates that over 9,631 lung cancer deaths in Brazil have been linked to air pollution in the last decade. These findings bring attention to the critical connection between environmental factors and public health in Brazil, raising awareness about the impact that poor air quality can have on mortality rates from diseases such as cancer. The study serves as a call to action for both local and national governments to address air pollution more aggressively to enhance the overall health of the population.