Santiago, the capital of Chile, has declared its first citywide environmental emergency of the highest level in 16 years, as local PM2.5 levels peaked at over 500, reaching the “off-the-charts” level of severe pollution. This smog was caused by a combination of factors, including stable weather conditions in the fall and winter that hindered air dispersion, as well as vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and the burning of agricultural and forestry residues in the suburbs. To address the air pollution, local authorities implemented strict control measures, including restricting 40 percent of private vehicles citywide, temporarily suspending operations at 3,000 factories, and canceling outdoor physical education classes at all primary and secondary schools. Due to the severe smog, the number of patients visiting respiratory departments at city hospitals has nearly tripled compared to the previous month, and residents’ health has been significantly affected.
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