Effects of increased temperature on atmospheric pollutant levels and human health in small and medium-sized cities in southern Brazil

This study analyzed the impact of temperature increases on O 3 , PM 2.5 , and PM 10 concentrations and cardiopulmonary deaths attributable to PM 2.5 in 11 cities in southern Brazil, including Porto Alegre. In 2022, 12.80 % of cardiopulmonary deaths in the capital were attributed to PM 2.5 . Although small cities were within legal limits, simulated scenarios of +2 and + 4 °C indicated an increase in deaths in all cities. The results highlight the need for public health interventions and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of pollution and global warming in smaller cities.