October 4, 2022

One of the reasons behind this phenomenon is that many constructions, particularly in urban areas, are built with insulation suited for warmer climates like Arica, Iquique, or Antofagasta, which leads to increased heating use.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, particulate matter consists of various solid or liquid particles in the air that, when inhaled, can cause severe health problems and even death.

To contribute to the development of public and private policies aimed at protecting the population and combating climate change, the Center for Climate and Resilience Science (CR)² conducted Chile’s first pollution inventory.

This study found that the residential sector is responsible for over 90% of national emissions of coarse particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). It is also the primary source of carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds.

In the Coquimbo Region, 66% of PM2.5 emissions come from households, the highest percentage in northern Chile. The next highest region is Arica and Parinacota, with 39%.

Health Complications

Guacolda Benavides, a respiratory disease specialist and academic at Universidad de Los Andes (UANDES), explained that particulate matter pollution can cause eye irritation, nasal inflammation, and severe complications for individuals with respiratory conditions.
“When inhaled, these particles reach the smallest airways and even alveolar tissue,” she warned.

Controlling Pollutant Emissions

“The advantage of this inventory is that it not only identifies the main sources of PM2.5 emissions but also pinpoints their locations, allowing for targeted actions,” said Raúl O’Ryan, associate researcher at (CR)² and member of the Energy Transition Center (CENTRA) at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez.

For instance, in the Metropolitan Region, this means controlling agricultural burns in rural areas and reducing emissions from motorcycles, cars, and public transport. In agricultural areas, increased monitoring of controlled burns is needed, along with transitioning away from wood-burning heating.

“Additionally, efforts must focus on reducing diesel vehicle use and improving maintenance. This could involve higher fuel taxes and enhanced government capacity to regulate high-emission vehicles, particularly in winter, when particulate matter levels peak,” O’Ryan added.

The Coquimbo Region’s Challenge

José Ignacio Torres, director and academic at the School of Construction at Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), highlighted that Coquimbo has significant levels of fine particulate matter. “While heating contributes to this issue, public policies addressing particulate pollution have been more effectively implemented in southern Chile,” he noted.

He also pointed out that many buildings, particularly in urban areas, were constructed under thermal zone 1 standards, which are designed for warmer climates.

“La Serena is cold and humid, yet its houses have poor thermal insulation. They have little ceiling insulation, and walls often lack it altogether,” Torres explained.

How Is Pollution Monitored?

According to the Regional Environmental Secretariat, areas with high levels of particulate matter are designated as “saturated zones”, which immediately triggers an Atmospheric Decontamination Plan to restore air quality.

If particulate matter exceeds 80% of regulatory limits, the area is classified as a “latency zone”, leading to preventative measures and new regulations for emission sources.

In the Coquimbo Region, the only PM10-saturated zone is Andacollo, which has the most extensive emission source monitoring. However, other municipalities also have emission source registries and environmental oversight programs managed by the Superintendency of the Environment (SMA). These programs track emissions from projects approved under the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA) and ensure compliance with mitigation measures.