Burnt sugarcane harvesting: Particulate matter exposure and the effects on lung function, oxidative stress, and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene

► This study assesses PM2.5 exposure and its metabolic and respiratory impacts. ► PM2.5 increased in sugarcane fields and in the town during the harvesting period. ► Both studied groups exhibited elevated oxidative stress markers during the harvest. ► The lung function of both studied groups was reduced during the harvest. ► There is a need to discuss the process of non-mechanised burnt sugarcane harvesting.