Children in Brazil are struggling to breathe because of smoke from the Amazon fires

Amazon’s raging fires are leaving some Brazilian children unable to breathe. Heavy levels of smoke in the air coming from Amazon fires are harmful to children and elders.

The number of patients reporting respiratory-related health issues has increased sharply the Cosme e Damia children’s hospital in Porto Velho, on the edge of the Amazon.

Daniel Pires, a pediatrician at the hospital, said the number of cases rose from an estimate of 120-130 in early August, prior to the fires, to 280 cases on August 20.

He said excessive coughing and pneumonia, which are associated with smoke exposure, were both issues.

Brazil recorded more than 72843 fires in the Amazon rainforest according to Brazil’s space research center INPE, an increase of 83% since last year.

Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest and covers 2.1 million square miles.

Read more: How did the Amazon Rainforest fire start? Cause, scope, and how you can help