Artigo Original
LIGHTNING MORTALITY IN BRAZIL: VICTIM PROFILE BY REGIONS AND FEDERATIVE UNITS OVER 15 YEARS
Como citar: Dias MF, Gonçalves WGE, Oliveira MCD, Junior HBC. LIGHTNING MORTALITY IN BRAZIL: VICTIM PROFILE BY REGIONS AND FEDERATIVE UNITS OVER 15 YEARS. Persp Med Legal Pericia Med. Vol. 11, 2026; 260530.
https://dx.doi.org/10.47005/260530
Recebido em 01/05/2026
Aceito em 06/05/2026
The authors report no conflict of interest.
LIGHTNING MORTALITY IN BRAZIL: VICTIM PROFILE BY REGIONS AND FEDERATIVE UNITS OVER 15 YEARS
Resumo
INTRODUÇÃO: A mortalidade por descargas elétricas atmosféricas (raios) constitui causa externa relevante, associada a fatores ambientais, ocupacionais e territoriais, com impacto na saúde pública e na medicina legal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo epidemiológico, descritivo e retrospectivo, com dados secundários do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM/DATASUS). Incluíram-se óbitos classificados pelo código X33 da CID-10. Analisaram-se variáveis sociodemográficas e circunstanciais, com cálculo de frequências absolutas e relativas. RESULTADOS: Foram registrados 969 óbitos entre 2010 e 2024, com predominância na região Norte (35,3%), especialmente no Pará (13,5%). Observou-se maior ocorrência em indivíduos do sexo masculino (82,6%), jovens e adultos, sobretudo entre 15 e 34 anos. Predominaram indivíduos de cor/raça parda (57,3%) e com baixa escolaridade. Os óbitos ocorreram principalmente em outros locais (44,7%), domicílio (28,7%) e via pública (10,5%). Casos relacionados ao trabalho corresponderam a 13,9%, com elevada proporção de registros ignorados (39,0%). DISCUSSÃO: Os achados evidenciam a influência de fatores climáticos e territoriais, com maior concentração na região Norte. A predominância de homens jovens sugere associação com exposição ocupacional, especialmente em atividades ao ar livre. A alta proporção de dados ignorados indica limitações na qualidade da informação. CONCLUSÃO: A mortalidade por raios no Brasil concentra-se em áreas de maior exposição ambiental e em grupos vulneráveis, reforçando a necessidade de estratégias preventivas e aprimoramento dos sistemas de informação.
Palavras Chave: Medicina Legal; Raio; Mortalidade; Acidentes; Causas Externas
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Mortality from lightning strikes is a relevant external cause associated with environmental, occupational, and territorial factors, with implications for public health and forensic medicine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive epidemiological study was conducted using secondary data from the Mortality Information System (SIM/DATASUS). Deaths classified under ICD-10 code X33 were included. Sociodemographic and contextual variables were analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies. RESULTS: A total of 969 deaths were recorded between 2010 and 2024, with predominance in the North region (35.3%), especially in Pará (13.5%). Most cases occurred among males (82.6%), particularly young and middle-aged adults, mainly between 15 and 34 years. Individuals of mixed race/skin color predominated (57.3%), as well as those with low educational levels. Deaths occurred mainly in other locations (44.7%), followed by home (28.7%) and public roads (10.5%). Work-related cases accounted for 13.9%, with a high proportion of missing data (39.0%). DISCUSSION: Findings highlight the influence of climatic and territorial factors, especially in the North region. The predominance of young males suggests occupational exposure, particularly in outdoor activities. The high proportion of missing data indicates limitations in data quality. CONCLUSION: Lightning-related mortality in Brazil is concentrated in environmentally exposed regions and vulnerable populations, reinforcing the need for preventive strategies and improvements in health information systems.
Keywords (MeSH): Forensic Medicine; Lightning; Mortality; Accidents; External Causes
1. INTRODUCTION
Extreme weather events have gained increasing relevance on the global stage, especially in light of climate change and increasing atmospheric variability. Among these phenomena, atmospheric electrical discharges (lightning strikes) stand out as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in tropical countries such as Brazil, which has one of the highest lightning incidence rates in the world (1). This context makes accidents involving natural electrical discharges an important public health problem, especially in regions with greater environmental exposure and socioeconomic vulnerability.
From a pathophysiological standpoint, the action of lightning on the human body can trigger immediate and potentially lethal effects, including cardiorespiratory arrest, fatal arrhythmias, severe neurological injuries, extensive burns, and multisystemic damage resulting from the passage of high-intensity electrical current (2). The lethality of these events is related both to the intensity of the discharge and to the conditions under which exposure occurs, such as open environments, outdoor occupational activities, and the absence of adequate protective measures.
From a forensic medical perspective, deaths caused by atmospheric electrical discharges are classified as accidental external causes and are recorded in the International Classification of Diseases – 10th Revision (ICD-10) under code X33 (victim of lightning) (3). The analysis of these events requires detailed expert investigation, including assessment of the circumstances of death, characteristic necroscopic findings — such as Lichtenberg figures — and correlation with environmental and meteorological data (4). This approach is essential not only for the correct determination of the cause of death, but also for the exclusion of other etiologies, such as accidents involving artificial electrical sources or violent events.
Furthermore, the distribution of these deaths shows a strong relationship with social, occupational, and geographic determinants. Populations engaged in activities in rural areas or open environments, such as farmers, fishermen, and construction workers, tend to present a higher risk of exposure (5). Likewise, regions with a higher incidence of electrical storms and limited access to protective structures are more susceptible to the occurrence of these fatal events.
From an epidemiological standpoint, the analysis of lightning mortality allows for the identification of temporal, spatial, and sociodemographic patterns, contributing to the understanding of the dynamics of these accidents and supporting the formulation of preventive strategies. Investigation of the distribution by region, federal unit, sex, age group, education level, and place of occurrence makes it possible to outline the profile of victims and identify the most vulnerable groups.
Given this context, the present study aims to analyze the epidemiological profile of mortality from lightning accidents in Brazil between 2010 and 2024, considering the distribution by regions and federal units, as well as the sociodemographic and circumstantial characteristics of the deaths, in order to contribute to the improvement of public prevention policies and to strengthen health surveillance and forensic medicine.
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is an epidemiological, descriptive, exploratory study with a quantitative approach, ecological design, and retrospective character, based on the analysis of secondary data.
The study population consisted of all deaths recorded in Brazil whose underlying cause was classified as “victim of lightning,” corresponding to code X33 of the International Classification of Diseases – 10th Revision (ICD-10), from 2010 to 2024. Data were obtained from the Mortality Information System (SIM), made available by the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), linked to the Ministry of Health (6).
Tabulation was performed according to the place of occurrence of death, considering geographic regions and federal units, as this more faithfully reflects the spatial distribution of events and allows for the identification of higher-risk areas. The 15-year time frame was defined with the aim of analyzing the historical evolution of mortality and identifying possible trends over time.
The following variables were selected and analyzed: year of death, geographic region, federal unit, sex, age group (according to the Pan American Health Organization classification), race/color, education level, place of occurrence of death, and indication of occupational accident (7). The sociodemographic variables followed the standardization adopted by the Ministry of Health in the SIM.
Initially, data were extracted from the DATASUS platform in aggregated format and organized in electronic spreadsheets. Subsequently, a data processing and consistency stage was carried out, with verification of possible inconsistencies, standardization of categories, and consolidation of the selected variables.
Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, with calculation of absolute and relative frequencies (%) for all variables studied, allowing for the characterization of the epidemiological profile of the victims and the identification of temporal, spatial, and sociodemographic distribution patterns. The distribution of deaths over the years was used to evaluate the temporal trend of mortality during the analyzed period.
Results were presented in tables and described analytically, seeking to highlight the main findings and their possible relationships with environmental, social, and occupational factors. Data interpretation was carried out in light of the scientific literature and the principles of epidemiology and forensic medicine, considering the particularities of deaths from external causes.
Since this study uses exclusively secondary data, publicly accessible, aggregated, and without individual identification of subjects, submission to a Research Ethics Committee was not required, as established by Resolution No. 510/2016 of the National Health Council. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
3. RESULTS
Between 2010 and 2024, 969 deaths were recorded in Brazil attributed to atmospheric electrical discharges (ICD-10: X33), constituting a set of lethal events of an accidental nature, yet strongly conditioned by environmental and circumstantial factors. Analysis of the time series demonstrates nonlinear behavior, with relevant annual oscillations, but with an overall downward trend throughout the period. The peak mortality was observed in 2012 (96 deaths), followed by 2015 (87) and 2013 (83), while the lowest number was recorded in 2024 (33 cases). From 2018 onward, a more consistent pattern of decline is noted, albeit interspersed with discrete variations, suggesting a possible influence of climatic, behavioral, or preventive factors.
Figure 1: Temporal distribution of lightning strike deaths in Brazil (ICD-10: X33), from 2010 to 2024, with linear trend line.
Source: Brazil. Ministry of Health. Secretariat of Health and Environment Surveillance. Mortality Information System (SIM). Brasília: DATASUS, 2026.
From a territorial perspective, the distribution of deaths shows a significant concentration in the North Region, which accounted for 342 cases (35.3% of the total), making it the main area of occurrence of these events in the country. The Northeast (186; 19.2%) and Southeast (185; 19.1%) regions showed similar magnitudes, while the Central-West (163; 16.8%) and South (93; 9.6%) contributed smaller proportions. This pattern suggests a direct relationship with areas of higher incidence of convective storms, as well as occupational contexts with greater exposure to the outdoors.
Analysis by federal unit reinforces this scenario, with prominence for states that combine large territorial extension, the presence of rural activities, and a high incidence of atmospheric discharges. Pará (131 cases) and Amazonas (103) lead in absolute number of records, followed by São Paulo (87), Maranhão (85), and Minas Gerais (75). In contrast, units such as Amapá (3), Sergipe (3), and Alagoas (1) showed residual occurrence. The dispersion of cases throughout the national territory, albeit unequal, highlights the ubiquitous nature of the risk, although it is clearly more intense in certain regions.
Table 1: Spatial distribution of deaths from atmospheric discharges (ICD-10: X33), Brazil, 2010–2024
|
Variável |
Categoria |
n |
% |
|
Região |
Norte |
342 |
35,3 |
|
Nordeste |
186 |
19,2 |
|
|
Sudeste |
185 |
19,1 |
|
|
Centro-Oeste |
163 |
16,8 |
|
|
Sul |
93 |
9,6 |
|
|
Unidades federativas (maior ocorrência) |
Pará |
131 |
13,5 |
|
Amazonas |
103 |
10,6 |
|
|
São Paulo |
87 |
9,0 |
|
|
Maranhão |
85 |
8,8 |
|
|
Minas Gerais |
75 |
7,7 |
|
|
Demais estados |
488 |
50,4 |
|
|
Total |
969 |
100,0 |
Source: Brazil. Ministry of Health. Secretariat of Health and Environment Surveillance. Mortality Information System (SIM). Brasília: DATASUS, 2026.
Regarding the victim profile, a marked predominance of the male sex is observed, with 800 deaths (82.6%), indicating a strong association with differential exposure patterns, especially in activities carried out in outdoor environments. The female sex accounted for 169 cases (17.4%), maintaining a significantly lower participation.
The age distribution showed a higher concentration of deaths among young and working-age adults, with emphasis on the 15–34 age group, which concentrated 42.2% of cases. The 35–54 age groups accounted for 33.5%, while individuals aged 55 or older represented 14.3%. Children and adolescents up to 14 years of age totaled 9.6% of the records.
Regarding race/color, there was a predominance of mixed-race (pardo) individuals (555 cases; 57.3%), followed by white (259; 26.7%), black (81; 8.4%), and indigenous (58; 6.0%). Records classified as Asian were rare (1 case; 0.1%), while 15 (1.5%) were ignored. This pattern, although partially aligned with the Brazilian population composition, may also reflect the overlap between social, occupational, and territorial risk factors.
Regarding education level, a higher frequency of deaths was observed among individuals with up to 7 years of schooling (57.2%), followed by those with 8 to 11 years (21.6%) and 12 or more years (3.1%). A relevant proportion of ignored records (176; 18.2%) also stands out, highlighting limitations in the quality of information.
As for the circumstances of the event, there is a predominance of occurrences in places classified as “other” (433 cases; 44.7%), a category that, in the context of lightning deaths, frequently corresponds to open environments, rural areas, or non-institutionalized spaces. The home appears as the second main location (278; 28.7%), followed by public roads (102; 10.5%). Health establishments, considered in aggregate form, accounted for 15.8% of occurrences, suggesting a portion of victims who received medical care, though without reversal of the condition. Ignored records were residual (0.3%).
Analysis of the occupational accident variable revealed that 135 deaths (13.9%) were formally recognized as work-related, while 456 (47.1%) did not present this association. However, the high percentage of ignored records (378; 39.0%) is noteworthy, as it limits more robust inferences and suggests possible underreporting of the occupational dimension of these events — an aspect particularly relevant in forensic and social security contexts.
Table 2: Sociodemographic profile and characteristics of deaths from atmospheric discharges (ICD-10: X33), Brazil, 2010–2024
|
Variável |
Categoria |
n |
% |
|
Sexo |
Masculino |
800 |
82,6 |
|
Feminino |
169 |
17,4 |
|
|
Faixa etária |
1–14 anos |
93 |
9,6 |
|
15–34 anos |
409 |
42,2 |
|
|
35–54 anos |
325 |
33,5 |
|
|
≥55 anos |
139 |
14,3 |
|
|
Ignorado |
3 |
0,3 |
|
|
Cor/Raça |
Parda |
555 |
57,3 |
|
Branca |
259 |
26,7 |
|
|
Preta |
81 |
8,4 |
|
|
Indígena |
58 |
6,0 |
|
|
Outras/Ignorado |
16 |
1,6 |
|
|
Escolaridade |
Até 7 anos |
554 |
57,2 |
|
8–11 anos |
209 |
21,6 |
|
|
≥12 anos |
30 |
3,1 |
|
|
Ignorado |
176 |
18,2 |
|
|
Local de ocorrência |
Outros |
433 |
44,7 |
|
Domicílio |
278 |
28,7 |
|
|
Via pública |
102 |
10,5 |
|
|
Estabelecimento de saúde* |
153 |
15,8 |
|
|
Ignorado |
3 |
0,3 |
|
|
Acidente de trabalho |
Sim |
135 |
13,9 |
|
Não |
456 |
47,1 |
|
|
Ignorado |
378 |
39,0 |
|
|
Total |
969 |
100,0 |
*Includes hospital and other health establishments.
Source: Brazil. Ministry of Health. Secretariat of Health and Environment Surveillance. Mortality Information System (SIM). Brasília: DATASUS, 2026.
4. DISCUSSION
The findings of this study show that mortality from accidents involving atmospheric electrical discharges in Brazil is unevenly distributed, with a strong regional concentration and a well-defined sociodemographic profile, revealing relevant aspects for both public health and forensic medicine.
The North Region stood out significantly, concentrating more than one-third of all deaths recorded in the analyzed period. This regional prominence does not appear to be random, but rather the result of the interaction between climatic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. The high incidence of electrical storms in the Amazon region, associated with its large territorial extension, low urbanization in certain areas, and the predominance of outdoor activities, creates a scenario of continuous exposure to risk (8). In this context, the state of Pará assumes a prominent position, presenting the highest absolute number of deaths in the country, which reinforces its epidemiological relevance within the studied phenomenon.
This pattern suggests that lightning mortality is not distributed solely according to population density, but also follows the climatic and occupational dynamics of each region. The presence of states such as Amazonas and Maranhão among the most affected reinforces this hypothesis, indicating that areas with a higher frequency of atmospheric discharges and less protective infrastructure tend to show greater vulnerability (9). On the other hand, federal units with low occurrence may reflect both a lower incidence of storms and better protection conditions or underreporting.
The marked predominance of the male sex corroborates evidence already described in the literature and suggests a direct association with greater exposure to open environments and high-risk occupational activities (10). Men tend to be more involved in occupations such as agriculture, fishing, construction, and other outdoor activities, which increases the likelihood of exposure during adverse weather events (11). This pattern reinforces the indirect occupational nature of these deaths, even when not always formally recorded as occupational accidents.
The concentration of deaths among young and working-age individuals, especially between 15 and 34 years of age, represents a finding of great relevance. This profile indicates not only greater exposure, but also a high social and economic impact, as it involves the premature loss of individuals in their full productive phase. From a forensic perspective, this finding also raises the possibility of association with informal or subsistence labor activities, often carried out without adequate protective measures (12).
The predominance of mixed-race (pardo) individuals among the victims, although partially consistent with Brazil’s demographic composition, may reflect structural inequalities that influence risk exposure. More vulnerable populations tend to live or work in environments with less infrastructure for protection against electrical discharges, which contributes to a higher risk of fatal events (13).
The analysis of education level reinforces this scenario, showing a higher concentration of deaths among individuals with lower levels of formal education. This finding may be related both to the type of occupation held and to more limited access to information about preventive measures during storms. Furthermore, the high percentage of ignored data indicates fragility in the quality of recorded information, which limits more in-depth analysis and highlights the need for improvement in information systems.
Regarding the place of occurrence, the predominance of deaths in environments classified as “other” and at home suggests a strong association with direct environmental exposure, especially in open and rural areas. Unlike other external causes, in which the home environment may reflect a specific context of violence or self-harm, in the case of atmospheric discharges this data must be interpreted in light of the proximity between housing and the natural environment, especially in regions with lower urbanization (14). Occurrence on public roads and the proportion of cases that progressed to hospital care also indicate that some victims received assistance, though often without therapeutic success, given the severity of the injuries.
The analysis of the occupational accident variable revealed a low proportion of cases formally recognized as occupational, contrasting with the victim profile and the exposure context identified. The high percentage of ignored records suggests significant underreporting of this condition, which has direct implications in the social security and forensic medicine fields, particularly regarding the characterization of the causal nexus and the resulting rights.
Finally, the downward trend in deaths over the analyzed period may indicate advances in preventive measures, greater dissemination of information, or behavioral changes in the population. However, the persistence of relevant numbers, especially in specific regions, demonstrates that the problem remains significant and demands targeted strategies, considering the climatic, social, and occupational particularities of each region.
Taken together, the findings reinforce that lightning mortality in Brazil is not a random event, but rather a multifactorial phenomenon, deeply influenced by environmental, social, and behavioral determinants. Understanding these patterns is essential to support more effective preventive actions, as well as to qualify the forensic medical analysis of these events.
5. CONCLUSION
Mortality from accidents involving atmospheric electrical discharges in Brazil between 2010 and 2024 showed a well-defined epidemiological pattern, marked by unequal distribution across the national territory and a strong association with environmental, social, and occupational factors. An overall downward trend in deaths was observed throughout the historical series, albeit with the maintenance of relevant numbers, especially in specific regions.
The North Region stood out as the main area of occurrence, with emphasis on the state of Pará, which presented the highest absolute number of cases, consolidating itself as the epicenter of this type of event in the country. This pattern reinforces the influence of climatic conditions favorable to the occurrence of atmospheric discharges, associated with greater population exposure in open environments and the presence of outdoor occupational activities.
The victim profile was characterized by a predominance of males and a concentration among young and working-age individuals, suggesting a direct relationship with occupational and behavioral exposure. The higher frequency among mixed-race (pardo) individuals with low education levels highlights the influence of social determinants in the distribution of risk, reflecting structural inequalities that increase vulnerability to this type of event.
The circumstantial characteristics of the deaths indicated a predominance of occurrences in open or poorly structured environments, as well as a significant proportion of records with ignored information regarding the relationship to occupational accidents, suggesting possible underreporting of this variable and limiting the adequate characterization of the occupational nexus.
Thus, the findings show that lightning mortality in Brazil constitutes a relevant public health and forensic medicine problem, demanding targeted prevention strategies, especially in higher-risk regions. The need is emphasized for strengthening educational actions, expanding access to information about protective measures during storms, and improving surveillance and death registration systems, with a view to producing more accurate data and developing more effective public policies for the protection of human life.
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