02:31Severe air pollution has affected Asuncion and surrounding cities after South America was devastated by fires from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.
Footage filmed on Friday shows dense smog covering the banks of the Paraguay River and the streets of the capital of Paraguay. Some people are seen wearing masks to protect themselves from the pollution.
Locals have reported that air pollution has 'badly' impacted on their health and daily lives, with a 'worse' situation for people with respiratory problems
"This situation of burning and smoke, the truth is that it affects me quite badly because I am asthmatic," Brian Caballero said.
Following the outbreak of a major forest fire in the Chovoreca region, on the country's border with Bolivia, earlier this week, reports of harmful levels of air pollution were reported in large parts of the country.
On September 9, PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration in the air was estimated 16,8 times higher than the annual guideline value for air quality of the World Health Organization (WHO), according to the local media.
As of Sunday, The IQAir, a Swiss company that measures air quality, reported moderate air pollution air, although still 3,6 times higher than recommended by WHO.
There were no reports of injuries or property damage due to the fire. However, the wildlife suffered as many animals died or were forced to move to new locations.
'Often get sick due to respiratory issues' - Asuncion locals react as Paraguay capital choked by smog from wildfires
Severe air pollution has affected Asuncion and surrounding cities after South America was devastated by fires from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.
Footage filmed on Friday shows dense smog covering the banks of the Paraguay River and the streets of the capital of Paraguay. Some people are seen wearing masks to protect themselves from the pollution.
Locals have reported that air pollution has 'badly' impacted on their health and daily lives, with a 'worse' situation for people with respiratory problems
"This situation of burning and smoke, the truth is that it affects me quite badly because I am asthmatic," Brian Caballero said.
Following the outbreak of a major forest fire in the Chovoreca region, on the country's border with Bolivia, earlier this week, reports of harmful levels of air pollution were reported in large parts of the country.
On September 9, PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration in the air was estimated 16,8 times higher than the annual guideline value for air quality of the World Health Organization (WHO), according to the local media.
As of Sunday, The IQAir, a Swiss company that measures air quality, reported moderate air pollution air, although still 3,6 times higher than recommended by WHO.
There were no reports of injuries or property damage due to the fire. However, the wildlife suffered as many animals died or were forced to move to new locations.
Severe air pollution has affected Asuncion and surrounding cities after South America was devastated by fires from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.
Footage filmed on Friday shows dense smog covering the banks of the Paraguay River and the streets of the capital of Paraguay. Some people are seen wearing masks to protect themselves from the pollution.
Locals have reported that air pollution has 'badly' impacted on their health and daily lives, with a 'worse' situation for people with respiratory problems
"This situation of burning and smoke, the truth is that it affects me quite badly because I am asthmatic," Brian Caballero said.
Following the outbreak of a major forest fire in the Chovoreca region, on the country's border with Bolivia, earlier this week, reports of harmful levels of air pollution were reported in large parts of the country.
On September 9, PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration in the air was estimated 16,8 times higher than the annual guideline value for air quality of the World Health Organization (WHO), according to the local media.
As of Sunday, The IQAir, a Swiss company that measures air quality, reported moderate air pollution air, although still 3,6 times higher than recommended by WHO.
There were no reports of injuries or property damage due to the fire. However, the wildlife suffered as many animals died or were forced to move to new locations.