Santiago Smog Emergency Shuts Down Chile's Capital
The first smog emergency for the Chilean capital in 16 years forced officials to shut down 3,000 factories and other businesses, and to order thousands of cars off Santiago’s roadways.
A toxic blanket of gray wintertime smog has covered the sprawling city for much of June, trapped by the Andes to the east and smaller hills around the capital.
A temperature inversion in the lower atmosphere, typical during winter, provided a "cap" for the layer of smog.
The stagnant air has been accompanied by the driest June in four decades, with no rain predicted for at least another week.
Authorities recommended that the city’s 7 million residents avoid outdoor activities due to potential health problems that may be brought on by exposure to the smog.
But the hazardous pollution peaked just as Chile was hosting the Copa America, with Santiago being one of the main venues.
The federation organizing the soccer (football) competition does not allow matches to be canceled because of poor air quality.
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