Kiera Jefferson
South America is home to some of the world's most vibrant cities, but it also faces challenges with air pollution. In 2018, Santa Gertrudes in Brazil was the most polluted city in South America, with a PM10 average of 95 micrograms per cubic meter. As one of the world's largest producers of ceramic products, economic activities are a major source of pollution in the city. More recently, in 2023, Coyhaique in Chile was the most polluted city in Latin America based on fine air particulate matter concentration (PM2.5), with an average concentration of 33.2 micrograms per cubic meter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Worst Polluted City in South America | Santa Gertrudes, Brazil |
| Worst Polluted City in Latin America, 2023 | Coyhaique, Chile |
| Second-Worst Polluted City in Latin America, 2023 | Nacimiento, Chile |
| Country with Most Cities in the Top 30 Cities with Worst Air Quality in South America | Colombia |
| Country with the Highest Number of Cities in the Top 10 Worst Polluted Cities in South America | Brazil |
| Number of Cities in Brazil in the Top 10 Worst Polluted Cities in South America | 5 |
| PM10 Average of Santa Gertrudes, Brazil | 95 microgram/m3 |
| Cause of Pollution in Santa Gertrudes, Brazil | Ceramic Product Manufacturing |
| Cause of Pollution in Colombia | Use of Firewood and Other Solid Fuels for Heating and Cooking |
| Number of People Exposed to Poor Air Quality in Latin America and the Caribbean | 100 million |
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What You'll Learn
Santa Gertrudes, Brazil: worst air quality in South America
Santa Gertrudes, Brazil, has the worst air quality in South America. It is a short drive from the lush city of Sao Paolo and is one of the world's largest producers of ceramic products, which is the main source of its pollution. Santa Gertrudes has a PM10 average of 95 micrograms/m3, which is almost double the WHO limit of 50 micrograms/m3.
The air pollution in Santa Gertrudes is so severe that it has likely led to thousands of premature deaths. According to WHO data, air pollution kills somewhere between 6 and 7 million people annually, with a cost to the health sector of over $670 million. These statistics are similar in Brazil, where the air quality in many cities fails to meet WHO guidelines.
The consequences of air pollution are felt around the globe, and South America is no exception. While Asia has reported even worse conditions, the impact of poor air quality is evident in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. The problem is not limited to urban areas, as rural regions also struggle with air pollution due to the use of firewood and solid fuels for heating and cooking.
As a result of the health and environmental concerns associated with air pollution, addressing this issue has become a priority for many countries. While Santa Gertrudes currently holds the title for the worst air quality in South America, efforts to improve the situation could help mitigate the negative consequences for the population and the environment.
Overall, Santa Gertrudes, Brazil, faces significant challenges due to its poor air quality, and its situation underscores the urgent need to implement measures that reduce pollution and protect the well-being of both the local community and the planet.
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Seven Colombian cities are among the most polluted
Air pollution is a significant environmental issue in South America, with exposure to air pollutants linked to increased mortality and morbidity. While Asia has reported even worse air pollution conditions, it is estimated that around 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide were caused by outdoor air pollution in 2016.
In South America, approximately 100 million people are exposed to poor air quality, exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. According to WHO data, polluted air kills somewhere between 6 and 7 million people annually, with a cost to the health sector of more than $670 million. Colombia, in particular, struggles with air pollution in both its rural and urban areas. While none of its cities make it to the top 10 list of most polluted cities in South America, seven Colombian cities are among the most polluted, with pollution levels sometimes twice as high as the WHO limit.
The use of firewood and other solid fuels for heating and cooking is a leading cause of pollution in Colombia, similar to Chile. This is especially true in metropolitan areas such as Bogota, one of the 34 largest cities in the world. Other South American cities that exceed WHO guidelines for air quality include Vitória, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte. These cities also exceed intermediate standards of Brazilian national legislation.
In 2023, Coyhaique, a Chilean city located east of the Andes mountain range, was the most polluted city in Latin America based on fine air particulate matter concentration (PM2.5). The city reported an average PM2.5 concentration of 33.2 micrograms per cubic meter, followed by Nacimiento, also in Chile, with an estimated PM2.5 concentration of around 32.4 μg/m³. While not in South America, it is worth noting that Singapore has reported an unhealthy air quality level of up to 87% between 2007 and 2022.
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Coyhaique, Chile: most polluted city in Latin America in 2023
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 are mainly due to the burning of wood by residents during the winter months of June and July. The extended use of wood stoves is responsible for more than 99% of the emissions, with meteorological conditions during these months not favouring atmospheric particle dispersion.
Coyhaique's unfavourable location in terms of ventilation, coupled with low temperatures and cheap firewood, exacerbates the problem. The city reported an average PM2.5 concentration of 33.2 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023, significantly higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline of 25 μg/m3 over a 24-hour period.
The consequences of air pollution in Coyhaique are evident, with respiratory complaints being the main cause of hospital admissions every year since 2016. Despite this, residents have been reluctant to change their habits, prioritising the traditions they have grown up with.
To address the issue, the Chilean government declared Coyhaique "saturated" by harmful fine particles (PM2.5) in 2016, and a scheme to certify the dryness of wood has been implemented. A regional heating system, using biomass heaters, is also being piloted in 90 homes, with potential for expansion to 1,095 homes.
While Coyhaique was the most polluted city in Latin America in 2023, it is important to note that other South American countries, such as Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil, also struggle with air pollution. Santa Gertrudes, Brazil, for example, has been identified as having the worst air quality in South America.
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Air pollution is a persistent environmental issue in South America
Air pollution is a pressing and persistent environmental issue in South America, with exposure to air pollutants being associated with increased mortality and morbidity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor air pollution caused approximately 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2016, with the most affected populations located in urban areas and developing countries. In the same year, it was estimated that 91% of the global population lived in cities that exceeded the WHO's PM2.5 annual guideline of 10 μg/m3. This issue is particularly pertinent in Latin America and the Caribbean, where approximately 100 million people are exposed to poor air quality, exceeding WHO guidelines.
In South America, air pollution is not confined to a single country or region. Brazil, for instance, is home to five of South America's most polluted cities, including Santa Gertrudes, which has the worst air quality on the continent. Santa Gertrudes is a major producer of ceramic products, and it is this economic activity that is responsible for most of its pollution. Colombia, meanwhile, has seven cities that feature on the list of the top 30 most polluted cities in South America, with pollution in metropolitan areas such as Bogota sometimes reaching twice the WHO limit.
Chile is another country that struggles with air pollution, with firewood and other solid fuels for heating and cooking being a leading cause. In 2023, the Chilean city of Coyhaique was the most polluted city in Latin America based on fine air particulate matter concentration (PM2.5), with an average PM2.5 concentration of 33.2 micrograms per cubic meter. Other Chilean cities, such as Nacimiento and the capital, Santiago, also reported high levels of PM2.5 concentration, further illustrating the pervasiveness of air pollution in the country.
While efforts to monitor air quality in South America have been made, information on air quality provided by environmental authorities often lacks effective publicity and presentation. This makes it difficult to take timely and effective action during critical air pollution episodes. For example, between 2010 and 2017, annual particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in all cities exceeded the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (WHO-AQG). Additionally, the annual NO2 guideline was exceeded in at least one city every year during this period, except in 2014.
The consequences of air pollution in South America are dire, with polluted air contributing to increased mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as the development of lung cancer. The cost of air pollution to the health sector is significant, and the issue is further compounded by socioeconomic gradients and inequality, which generate different patterns of emissions, exposure to pollutants, and vulnerability to climate change. Real-time air pollution maps and monitoring systems are available for South America, providing valuable tools for tracking and addressing this persistent environmental challenge.
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Socioeconomic inequality increases environmental issues
South America is facing many environmental issues, some of which are unique to the continent. The continent is witnessing a rapid increase in urbanization, with almost 3/4th of its residents living in urban areas. This has led to a significant rise in air pollution, with over 100 million people living in areas where air pollution exceeds the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). As a result, asthma rates have increased, and the cost to the health sector is estimated to be substantial.
One of the most polluted cities in South America is Santa Gertrudes, Brazil, which ranks at the top of the list of South American cities with the worst air quality. The city is a major producer of ceramic products, and its pollution stems largely from this economic activity. Colombia also struggles with air pollution, with both its rural and urban areas experiencing poor air quality.
Socioeconomic inequality further exacerbates environmental issues in South America. The continent is much poorer than Europe and North America, and the lack of economic development makes it challenging to allocate sufficient resources to environmental protection. Low-income populations are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as they often lack access to healthcare services, early diagnosis, and treatment. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the world's incapacity to address these inequalities.
Furthermore, the relationship between development and the environment is complex. While development can improve people's livelihoods and increase economic well-being, it can also lead to socioeconomic inequality, environmental injustices, and conflict. For example, in Brazil, regions with higher development indices presented a protection factor for cardiovascular diseases, while socioeconomic inequality had a greater impact on women's health.
The environmental issues in South America are not limited to air pollution. Eutrophication, a type of water pollution caused by agricultural runoff and detergents, is threatening fish communities and the food supply of people who depend on fishing. Additionally, South America is a significant source of ocean pollution, with an estimated 8 million tons of toxic waste dumped into the oceans each year. Deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and population growth are also contributing to environmental degradation.
Addressing these issues is challenging due to corruption and weak governments, making it difficult to pass and enforce regulations for environmental protection. However, there is potential for improvement, as biofuels present an opportunity to address some environmental concerns by generating ethanol from sugar cane, sugar beets, and corn.
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Frequently asked questions
Santa Gertrudes, Brazil, has the worst air quality in South America.
Santa Gertrudes is one of the world's largest producers of ceramic products, and most of its pollution stems from this industry.
Yes, air pollution is a persistent environmental issue across South America. In 2016, 22 out of 27 South American cities in the World Health Organisation (WHO) datasets exceeded the PM2.5 annual guideline. These cities were in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.
Air pollution has been associated with an increase in mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as the development of lung cancer. According to the WHO, outdoor air pollution caused around 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2016.
