The impact on health from the perspective of disasters

comparative documentary analysis between technical notes from Fiocruz

Abstract

Objective – To analyze the health impacts resulting from the Brumadinho (MG, 2019) and Rio Grande do Sul (RS, 2024) disasters, based on technical notes from the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), identifying how these impacts were addressed, prioritized, and documented across the environmental, social, economic, and health dimensions.

Methodology – This is an exploratory documentary analysis based on secondary data from technical notes prepared by the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), through the Climate & Health Observatory, regarding the Brumadinho disaster (2019) and the floods in Rio Grande do Sul (2024).

Originality/Relevance – This study fills a theoretical gap by integrating the analysis of health impacts from disasters (natural and technological) in the Brazilian context, focusing on the interplay between climate change, social vulnerability, and public mitigation policies. The research contributes to the academic debate on risk management, urban resilience, and public health.

Results – The comparative analysis revealed significant health impacts on the affected populations, including physical, psychological, and social effects. Environmental and health aspects were more thoroughly addressed, while social and economic impacts were considered only marginally. Fragmentation among the different dimensions was observed, highlighting the need for greater intersectoral integration and alignment with sustainable development strategies. Structural limitations, such as insufficient resources and governance weaknesses, may compromise the effectiveness of mitigation and prevention actions.

Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The structured analysis of institutional documents reinforces the importance of systematic records and integrated methodologies for studies on the health impacts of disasters, providing support for future research and the development of preventive strategies.

Social and Environmental Contributions – The study highlights the importance of public investment, preventive and multisectoral actions as a means to achieve socio-environmental justice and mitigate public health damage, reinforcing the need to align human rights with risk reduction plans and urban climate resilience.