Arbolado urbano, calidad del aire y afecciones respiratorias en seis comunas de la provincia de Santiago, Chile

Abstract

Ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant, often above the norm in some areas of Santiago in the spring-summer period. It is formed in the atmosphere by photochemical reactions, between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have an important biogenic contribution (BVOCs). In this research the interrelationship between urban trees, their contribution to atmospheric ozone formation and particulate matter, and respiratory diseases in 6 communes in the province of Santiago was analyzed. The choice of the communes considered the number of inhabitants, the existence of stations monitoring air quality, the percentage of green areas and the geographical distribution. The results showed correlation between the type of species of urban trees, ozone, particulate matter and respiratory diseases: asthma and pneumonia. Necessity for replacement of exotic trees species by native species is concluded.