In Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, wildfires are burning at the highest rate since the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) began tracking them in 2013. The current fires causing concern have been ablaze for weeks and is emitting dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. The Brazilian state of Amazonas declared a state of emergency on August 12 due to the extent of the fires.

One map from NASA shows fires across Brazil are up 65 percent in 2019.

This means Brazil’s wildfires are at the highest levels in seven years.

Ricardo Mello, head of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Amazon Programme, said the fires were “a consequence of the increase in deforestation seen in recent figures”.

Another map from Windy.com shows the extent of carbon monoxide spreading across the region.

Read More: Amazon fires: How to help Amazon Rainforest as Brazil burns

The red spots show high carbon monoxide concentrations, which indicates an active fire.

Images shared on social media showed huge plumes of smoke rising from the forest line – and reached to Sao Paolo – more than 2,700 miles away.

A map released by the European Union’s satellite program, Copernicus showed smoke from the blazes spreading for Brazil along the east Atlantic coast.

Smoke has covered almost half of the entire country and is spreading across to Peru, Bolivia and Paraguay.

Read More: Amazon Rainforest fire LIVE updates: State of emergency declared

In Sao Paolo on Monday, skies turned black as the thick smoke blocked the Sun’s rays.

Exposure to wildfire smoke can have several consequences – causing harm to respiratory systems.

Coming into contact with wildfire smoke can cause stinging eyes, chest pain, a fast heartbeat or wheezing.

Symptoms similar to those of a sinus infection may also be felt, with headaches, tiredness, runny nose and sore throat.

Those with breathing difficulties could experience asthma attacks and should consult their doctor if exposed to smoke.

Read More: Amazon rainforest fire: Video captures devastating impact of blaze

Carbon monoxide (CO) levels are high in Brazil due to the fires, and this too can impact health.

Breathing CO can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea and vomiting.

High enough levels of CO can cause unconsciousness and even death.

The Brazilian state of Amazonas has declared an emergency in the south and in its capital Manaus over the blazes.

Acre, on the border with Peru, has been under an environmental alert since Friday.

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