21 Jun 2017 | 09:51 AM UTC
Chile: Air pollution alert for Santiago renewed June 21
Air pollution warning renewed once again for Santiago region as of June 21; driving restrictions in place
Event
An air pollution warning has once again been renewed for the Santiago region for Wednesday, June 21. Driving and industry restrictions remain in effect. Cars without green pollution rating stickers (sello verde) whose license plates end in 3, 4, 5, or 6 are not permitted on the roads between the hours of 07:30 and 21:00 (local time). These measures have been implemented throughout Santiago province as well as in the communes of Puente Alto and San Bernardo. Additionally, a total ban on all wood-burning stoves, ovens, and agricultural fires remains in place in the Santiago Metropolitan Region.
The capital region has been plagued by near-constant high air pollution levels since late May and further prolongations of alerts and restrictions are likely in the coming days.
Health officials have warned that increased pollution could cause eye, nose, and throat irritation and aggravate cardiovascular and respiratory conditions (such as asthma). The government is advising against all outdoor exercise and is recommending that schools cancel physical education classes. Vulnerable individuals - e.g. children, seniors, pregnant women, and people suffering from asthma and other respiratory issues - should be particularly cautious and consider wearing masks covering the nose and mouth when outdoors.
Context
Air pollution levels are generally high in Santiago, home to seven million inhabitants (40 percent of the national population), due to the city's location deep in a valley in the foothills of the Andes Mountains and significant traffic congestion. Population levels tend to rise in the (southern hemisphere) fall and winter period. A mobile telephone application called "Aire Santiago" is available (in Spanish) for download and informs users of air pollution levels and associated restrictions in real-time. It has become one of the most-downloaded apps in the country.
Advice
Individuals present in the capital region are advised to monitor the situation in the coming days, limit outdoor activity, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
