Black rain in Argentina, caused by smoke from Amazon fires, turns rainfall dark and poses risks to respiratory health.
This week, Argentina has witnessed a unique environmental phenomenon: black rain . This type of precipitation, which has a dark color when it reaches the ground, has implications that go beyond the visual.
Recently, black rain has been observed in several regions of South America. In Argentina, this phenomenon may be the result of the combination of smoke from the Amazon fires and the rains expected in the north of the country.
Although there has been a report that the National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued warnings about black rain, this is not correct. Media such as Chequeado clarify that the SMN has only issued warnings about smoke in six provinces and about possible intense storms in the north of the country.
@telocuentavictorhugo
What is Black Rain?
Black rain is characterized by precipitation that reaches the ground with a dark color, due to the presence of soot and ash . This phenomenon is linked to the fires in the Amazon rainforest, which affect countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador , Paraguay and Uruguay.
Smoke and airborne particles can travel long distances before falling to land or sea. Rain carries these particles along, turning the precipitation black and accelerating the process of deposition on the surface.
Black rain can be compared to phenomena such as “blood rain” in the Canary Islands and southern Spain , where rain carries haze, dust and sand from the Sahara, resulting in reddish precipitation.
@fabiitodominguez98
Health Risks
The main risk of black rain lies in the particles and smoke that cause it, rather than in the rain itself. These pollutants can affect the respiratory system, aggravating diseases such as asthma and COPD, and causing irritation in the airways.
Smoke and black rain can cause eye and respiratory irritation, infections and increase complications in people with pre-existing diseases.
Recommendations from the Ministry of Health
- It is recommended to limit outdoor exposure on days with high concentrations of smoke, and to keep doors and windows closed to prevent particles from entering homes.
- People with chronic conditions, such as asthma, COPD or cardiovascular problems, should be alert to worsening symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Intense outdoor physical activities should be avoided and indoors should be kept free of contaminants by using air conditioning in recirculation mode and avoiding the use of candles or fireplaces.
Fires in the Amazon rainforest
Fires have devastated 6,718,025 hectares of the Brazilian Amazon in 2024, representing 1.6% of the biome. In addition, 63,189 fire outbreaks have been recorded between January and August, twice as many as in the same period last year.
@danielavargasbill
