Deadly wildfires raging in northern Portugal have released record emissions, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).
With several blazes burning since 14 September, Portugal has recorded the highest total estimated emissions for the month of September in 22 years of CAMS data.
That includes both carbon emissions and harmful particulate matter pollutants like PM10 and PM2.5. Exposure to particulate matter (PM) pollution can result in serious health impacts, especially in vulnerable groups such as the young, elderly and those with respiratory problems.
PM2.5 is made up of particles 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter, making its potential implications for public health more significant as they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and potentially enter the bloodstream.