Effect of the substitution of heating technology on PM2.5 levels and number of hospitalizations for acute respiratory conditions in Coyhaique, Chile

Abstract

Coyhaique (Southern Chile) is one of the most polluted cities in the Americas due to the burning of firewood. In 2016, a mass substitution of residential heating technology was launched to decrease the air concentrations of particulate matter in the winter. Based on time series analyses, the article discusses the effect of this measure on PM2.5 levels and hospitalizations for acute respiratory conditions in individuals under 15 years of age.