Air quality in Bello

What is the current level of air pollution in Bello?

Bello is a town and municipality in Antioquia Department, Colombia and is a suburb of Medellín, the department capital. According to a census conducted in 2015, Bello had an estimated population of approximately 534,000. This figure rose to 3.3 million when the metropolitan area is taken into consideration.

Towards the end of 2021, Bello was experiencing a period of “Moderate” air quality with a US AQI reading of 52. This reading is often used as a reference point when comparing air quality in other cities around the world. Data is collected with regards to the six most prolific air pollutants commonly found and this figure is calculated from there. If information is not available for all six, then a figure can be deduced using the information that is available. For Bello, only PM2.5 was recorded which was 12.7 µg/m³.

The level of PM2.5 can be seen to be just over the suggested level of 10 µg/m³. This level has been determined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as being an acceptable level of air pollution, although no level is to be considered as being safe.

When the air quality is classified as being “Moderate” the given advice would be to remain indoors as much as possible and close all doors and windows to prevent the ingress of more polluted air. Those who are more sensitive to poor air quality should try to avoid going outside until the air quality improves. If this is unavoidable, then a good quality mask should be worn at all times. All groups are dissuaded from partaking in vigorous outdoor exercise.

There is a mobile app available from IQAir.com/AirVisual.com for most mobile devices which gives information regarding air quality in real-time. This information will assist in your decision as to whether or not to go outside.

Does the air quality in Bello vary throughout the year?

Air quality can be affected by many variables therefore it can and does change quite quickly. Looking back at the 2020 figures, published by IQAir.com, it can be seen that the worst month for air quality was March with a reading of 43.2 µg/m³ which is classified as being “Unhealthy for sensitive groups”. With the exception of May and July, the rest of the year returned readings from the “Moderate” group with figures between 12.1 and 35.4 µg/m³. The remaining two months of May and July saw “Good” air quality with readings of 12.0 and 11.2 µg/m³, respectively.

Records were previously held from 2019 when a figure of 18.9 was noted, followed by 18.0 in 2020. This figure may not be a true reflection of reality because of the COVID-19 situation. Many motorists were no longer required to commute to their offices in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus. There were also some factories and smaller production units which were required to close on a temporary basis. Many cities throughout the world noted how much cleaner their city air was because of these measures.

Is there a major source of air pollution in Bello?

The configuration of the valley located in a mountainous environment constitutes an adverse geographical condition for the horizontal circulation of air masses, which, added to poor ventilation conditions (adverse weather), favours the accumulation of pollutants and makes their removal difficult.

In the Aburrá Valley, there is evidence of typical annual behaviour of air pollution levels that is determined by meteorology. The transition between the dry season and the first rainy season occurs in March and is characterized by the presence of low-altitude cloud layers that cause the accumulation of pollutants in the atmosphere. During this phenomenon, the highest concentrations of particulate matter of the year are recorded (PM10 and PM2.5). In the same way, the second transition from the rainy season to the dry season occurs in November, a time when an increase in the concentrations of particulate matter is once again recorded. According to the emissions inventory carried out with the base year 2016, mobile sources are the main generators of critical pollutants in the Aburrá Valley and contribute 82 per cent of the emissions of fine particulate matter PM2.5, a pollutant that has been prioritized in pollution reduction and control efforts, due to its impact on health.

In addition, in that same inventory it was found that stationary sources contribute 91 per cent of sulphur oxide emissions, a precursor gas in the formation of PM2.5 in the atmosphere.

What can be done to improve air quality in Bello?

To improve air quality in Bello, advancements must be made towards a zero-emission mobility scheme, in which the replacement of gasoline motorcycles with electric motorcycles is of high importance, strongly promote Agreement 72 of 2017 and move towards the implementation of the system of public and private electric transportation. Likewise, increase and strengthen controls and sanctions for non-compliance with gas regulations and awareness campaigns.

An old vehicle pollutes 134 times more than a new vehicle. Cars up to 20 years old should be allowed in the metropolitan area and that they are in good condition. On the other hand, diesel pollutes between 15 and 80 times more than a gasoline vehicle. All vehicles should be required to enter Euro 4 or 5. In the United States and Europe they are Euro 6, here we have dump trucks in Euro 2. If we continue with such obsolete technologies and the fleet so old our air will never to get better.

What are the detrimental effects to human health through polluted air?

Anyone can be exposed to air pollution. However, large differences are perceived between population groups and geographic locations. For example, those who live near roads or industrial sites are often exposed to high levels of outdoor environmental pollution; people who use solid fuels as a source of domestic energy may be the most affected by indoor ambient air pollution.

Exposure to high levels of air pollution can cause a variety of adverse health outcomes: it increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, strokes and lung cancer, which affect the vulnerable population in a greater proportion, children, older adults and women.