Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

In recent years, the issue of urban air pollution in Santiago, especially during winter months, has been raised by several sectors. Winter air pollution in Santiago is particularly affected by thermal inversion events, which exacerbate air pollution effects in the city, causing public health problems. The highest winter air pollution levels have coincided with major international football championships, with the Office of the Superintendent stating that these levels were caused by widespread asados, the open-charcoal-burning barbecue style typical of Chilean festivities. Our study evaluated the impact that asados have on winter air pollution. We used publicly collected air pollution data in Santiago to develop an “asado fingerprint” and then used this fingerprint to determine the level of effect that asados have on the winter air pollution in the city. Results show that international football championships are significantly associated with decreased vehicular pollution and increased air pollution from carbon burning during game play of the national team. Saturdays also show similar impacts from carbon burning throughout the winter. Our findings indicate the widespread impact of cultural practice (asados) on environmental and public health, and point to an additional source of winter air pollution.