Environmental problems : Contamination of Costa Rica

Air pollution in Costa Rica

The pollution in Costa Rica’s capital city, San José, is a threat to Costa Ricans health, a study by the Laboratorio de Análisis de Calidad de la Universidad Nacional (UNA) – National University´s Quality Analysis Laboratory has mentioned.

In San José, people are breathing harmful elements such as sulfates, chlorides, nitrates, nickel, copper, vanadium and aluminum.

Asthma and bronchitis are just two of the illnesses that can originate from air pollution. According to the World Health Organization, “air pollution is a major environmental risk to health. By reducing air pollution levels, countries can reduce the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma”

The main air-quality pollutant in the country are those generated by car emissions; which can generally lead to allergies, bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory affections.

How can we help to avoid the air pollution?

Limit driving by carpooling.

Using public transportation, biking and walking.

Keep your automobile well tuned and maintained.

Use electric or hand-powered lawn care equipment.

Be careful not to spill gasoline when filling up your car or gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment.

Choose environmentally friendly cleaners.

Seal containers of household cleaners, workshop chemicals and solvents, and garden chemicals to prevent volatile organic compounds from evaporating into the air.