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Pollution Threatens People´s Health in Costa Rican Capital
San Jose, Aug 14 (Prensa Latina) The pollution in the capital is a threat to Costa Ricans health, a study by the National University´s Quality Analysis Laboratory unveiled here.
Harmful particles in the air here were recorded at 37 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), according to the research.
The figure almost double the maximum contaminant levels established by the World Health Organization (20 ug/m3).
The people in the capital are breathing harmful elements as sulfates, chlorides, nitrates, nickel, copper, vanadium and aluminum.
Also large amounts of manganese which is responsible for the reduction in lung capacity, said Rosario Alfaro, an expet from the university.
This kind of pollution affects human airways, the digestive system and the eyes, as well as the skin with consequent acceleration of aging, she said.
It is urgently necessary to eliminate lead from fuels, mainly because emissions generated by cars, often for lack of maintenance, Alfaro said.
It is urgently necessary to eliminate lead from fuels, mainly because emissions are generated by cars, often for lack of maintenance, Alfaro said.
In this regard, Costa Rica's Minister of Environment and Energy, Rene Castro, highlighted the progress in the elimination of lead and mercury in fuels.
However, he acknowledged that the challenge for the country is to lower emission levels in San Jose-Heredia and San Jose-Cartago routes.
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