Meghan Hodges
While Asia currently holds the title for the most polluted cities in the world, South America is not exempt from the widespread issue of air pollution. In fact, according to WHO data, air pollution kills between 6 and 7 million people annually, with Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil facing similar statistics. So, which city in South America takes the unfortunate title of being the most polluted?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most Polluted City in South America | Santa Gertrudes, Brazil |
| Air Quality | PM10 average of 95 micrograms per cubic meter |
| Pollution Causes | Dust emitted during the extraction of clay, transportation, and production of ceramics |
| Population | N/A |
| Country Ranking | 1st in South America, 139th in the world |
| Country's Pollution Issues | Firewood and other solid fuels used for heating and cooking |
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What You'll Learn
Coyhaique, Chile
Coyhaique, a Chilean city located to the east of the Andes mountain range, was the most polluted city in Latin America in 2023 based on fine air particulate matter concentration (PM2.5). The city reported an average PM2.5 concentration of 33.2 micrograms per cubic meter. This was followed by Nacimiento, also located in Chile, with an estimated PM2.5 concentration of around 32.4 μg/m³. The Chilean capital, Santiago, registered an average PM2.5 concentration of 21.3 μg/m³ in 2023.
Coyhaique has a population of approximately 64,000 people. In spite of its small size, Coyhaique has been identified as the city with the highest annual PM2.5 concentrations in the Americas (including South America, Central America, and North America). Episodes of high pollution are concentrated during the fall-winter season when meteorological conditions do not favor atmospheric particle dispersion.
The primary cause of air pollution in Coyhaique is the extended use of wood stoves, which are responsible for more than 99% of emissions. Residents burn damp wood during the winter months of June and July, creating a thick, fragrant blanket of smoke that clings to the hillsides. The city is located in an area that is incredibly unfavorable in terms of ventilation, with low temperatures and cheap firewood contributing to the problem.
The Chilean government declared Coyhaique "saturated" by harmful fine particles (PM2.5) in May 2016. These particles are linked to cardiopulmonary diseases and lung cancer. While Coyhaique is below the national average for incidence of respiratory illnesses, respiratory complaints have been the main cause of hospital admissions in the city every year since 2016.
To address the air pollution issue, a scheme to certify the dryness of wood has been implemented, with sellers given a deadline to demonstrate that the wood they sell is properly dried. A regional heating system, the first of its kind in Chile, will initially provide heat and hot water from biomass heaters to 90 homes, with potential for expansion to 1,095 homes. While some residents are reluctant to change their habits, environmental authorities recognize the need to take action to protect the health of the population.
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Santa Gertrudes, Brazil
The health impacts of air pollution are significant, with polluted air contributing to millions of premature deaths globally each year. According to WHO data, air pollution causes over 4,000 premature deaths annually and costs the health sector approximately $670 million. These consequences are not unique to South America, but are seen in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.
In South America, cities in Chile, Brazil, and Colombia are among the top thirty urban areas with the worst air quality. Chile's economic development has come at the cost of air quality, with 12 of its major cities ranking in the top thirty, and four in the top ten. The use of firewood for heating during winter, as well as mining, vehicle emissions, and improper waste disposal, contribute to Chile's poor air quality.
Brazil, as the largest country in South America, has five of its cities ranked among the most polluted locations in the region. Cubatão, an industrial town in Brazil, was once known as one of the most polluted cities in the world in the 1980s. While Santa Gertrudes currently holds the title of the most polluted city in South America, the extent of air pollution is a pressing issue across the continent and beyond.
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Firewood usage
Coyhaique, a Chilean city located to the east of the Andes mountain range, was the most polluted city in Latin America in 2023. The city's high pollution levels can be attributed to various factors, including firewood usage.
In Chile, the government has implemented atmospheric decontamination plans (PDAs) since 2009, offering subsidies to replace wood stoves with less polluting pellet stoves. However, stock shortages and increasing prices have made some families reluctant to switch. Additionally, firewood usage is deeply rooted in Chilean culture, with many valuing the sensation of wood heating over the potential health risks associated with smoke.
Colombia also struggles with air pollution due to firewood usage, with both rural and urban areas affected. In metropolitan areas like Bogota, pollution levels can sometimes reach twice the WHO limit.
While firewood usage is a significant contributor to air pollution in South America, it is important to note that other factors, such as mining, fume emissions from cars, and improper waste disposal, also play a role in the region's overall air quality.
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Mining and car emissions
While there is no clear consensus on which is the most polluted city in South America, several cities in Chile, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela have been noted for their poor air quality. In 2021, three Chilean cities—Angol, Coyhaique, and Padre las Casas—were ranked as the most polluted in South America. Out of 108 South American cities monitored, 17 of the 20 most polluted cities were Chilean.
Brazil, the largest country in South America, has diverse pollution causes due to its size, geographical features, and meteorological conditions. Vehicular emissions and fumes are a major cause of pollution in the country. Brazil's lack of infrastructure for public transport and abundance of low-quality, inexpensive fuels have led to a heavy reliance on vehicles. As a result, much of the year-round ambient pollution in Brazil comes from automobile fumes and smoke. The cities of Sao Paulo, Santos, and Rio Branco have been noted for their high pollution levels.
In addition to mining and car emissions, other factors contributing to air pollution in South America include industrial emissions, residential heating and cooking pollutants, and population growth. The growth of megacities such as Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Lima, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo has led to wide-ranging environmental consequences.
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Poor ventilation
Firstly, poor ventilation compromises indoor air quality, leading to a build-up of pollutants, stale air, and excess moisture. This can cause strong, lingering odors, which may indicate underlying issues such as mold or mildew. Mold thrives in damp, poorly ventilated environments, and its spores can spread unnoticed, causing potential health risks.
Secondly, inadequate ventilation increases the concentration of airborne contaminants and dust, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and airways. This is particularly harmful to individuals with asthma or respiratory diseases, who may experience more frequent or severe symptoms. Poor ventilation can also lead to respiratory problems and allergies in otherwise healthy individuals.
Additionally, poor ventilation has been linked to "Sick Building Syndrome" (SBS), characterized by nonspecific health complaints such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory discomfort. Prolonged exposure to poor ventilation may even lead to more severe Building-Related Illnesses (BRI) with debilitating effects.
Furthermore, poor ventilation can impact humidity levels, leading to dry air that causes sore throats, dry skin, sinus, and eye irritation. Dry air also provides a conducive environment for viruses to survive and spread more easily. Conversely, high humidity can cause condensation and encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
Finally, poor ventilation can increase energy costs. When a space is poorly ventilated, HVAC systems have to work harder to filter out contaminants and maintain comfortable temperatures, reducing their lifespan and increasing energy expenses.
Overall, the effects of poor ventilation are wide-ranging and significant, impacting human health, comfort, and well-being, as well as the structural integrity and energy efficiency of buildings.
Regarding the most polluted city in South America, Santa Gertrudes in Brazil has been identified as having the worst air quality on the continent. This is largely due to its position as one of the world's largest producers of ceramic products, with over 90% of its pollution stemming from the dust emitted during the extraction of clay and the production and transportation of ceramics. Chile also stands out, with 12 of its major cities ranking in the top 30 most polluted cities in South America, four of which are in the top 10. This is attributed to factors such as the use of firewood for heating, mining, fume emissions from cars, and improper waste disposal.
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Frequently asked questions
Santa Gertrudes in Brazil was the most polluted city in South America as of 2018, with a PM10 average of 95 micrograms per cubic meter.
Santa Gertrudes is one of the world's largest producers of ceramic products, and most of its pollution stems from this industry. The dust emitted during the extraction of clay, transportation, and production of ceramics accounts for more than 90% of the air pollution.
Coyhaique, located to the east of the Andes mountain range, was the most polluted city in Chile and Latin America in 2023. The city's pollution is primarily caused by residents burning wood in the winter months.
