- Santiago, Chile is one of the worst cities for smog in the world (not in the top 10, but it is up there)- The problem started in the 70's with the industrial boom.
- Wood-burning stoves, vehicles, and factories are the leading causes of the smog.
- The above, coupled with the valley-like geography around the city, increases the risk of smog.
- May through August (winter months) are the worst months for smog levels.
- Smog levels are calculated by the number, per cubic meter, of particles with a diameter of 10 microns.
- The best time to view the city or take pictures is immediately after rain or an afternoon wind (both are rare in Santiago).
- The rich sections of the city tend to be at higher elevation, thus the smog is lessened.
- The poor sections of the city tend to have all of the factories, thus the smog is increased.
- When smog levels are high, the government imposes restrictions on vehicles, based on their license plate number.
- The smog causes health effects like itchy eyes, mild headaches, coughing, and asthma.
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We are looking forward to moving out of Santiago at the end of the month (even though I, David, love the city). Temuco has less smog but is developing it's own growing smog crisis, due to the large majority of homes burning wood during the cold months (late March through late Oct.)
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