Resumen

ARAUJO, Alda Neis Miranda de et al. Between wildfire smoke, ash, and rivers: a field report on biomonitoring of wildfire brigade members in the Amazon. Rev Pan-Amaz Saude [online]. 2025, vol.16, e202501792.  Epub 17-Dic-2025. ISSN 2176-6215.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/s2176-6223202501792.

This experience report describes the activities of researchers involved in biomonitoring the health of wildfire brigade members in the Brazilian Amazon, highlighting the methodological and logistical challenges encountered in remote areas. The activities included interviews, questionnaire administration, collection of biological samples (blood, urine, saliva, and buccal swab), anthropometric and physiological measurements, ergonomic work analysis (EWA), and environmental sampling, such as air inhaled by wildfire brigade members and wildfire ashes. The study included 411 participants in the state of Pará, with samples collected between September and December 2024, organized into two groups: the reference/environmental control group (n = 239, consisting of administrative workers and local residents exposed only to environmental contaminants without direct occupational exposure) and the occupationally exposed group (n = 172, wildfire brigade members engaged in direct wildfire suppression). The success of the work resulted from the integration between academia, federal environmental agencies, and community leaders, whose collaboration was essential for territorial access and participant adherence. By emphasizing methodological and logistical aspects, this report contributes to the discussion on field research in environmental health in the Amazon, providing insights for future initiatives in surveillance and health protection of vulnerable populations potentially exposed to environmental pollutants resulting from wildfires.

Palabras clave : Amazon ecosystem; Wildfire brigade members; Occupational Exposure; Wildfires; Biomonitoring.

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