Santiago - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
In Lo Barnechea air quality is pretty good, especially in the windy springs, summers, and falls. In the winter the air stagnates more and pools around the downtown core and it can be a bit yucky then. The mountains and pristine air are always a short drive away! - Dec 2020
Overall it's poor. - Jun 2019
There is air pollution, not as bad as China, but sometimes you can see the haze. There are several people who developed respiratory infections and sinus infections. In 2015, there were the most days of driving restriction anyone can remember. Even if you don't have allergies, if you're out and about during the day in the city you might find your skin and eyes become a little irritated. I liken it to the dust of the Haramattan. - Feb 2016
Not great but not as bad as others have made it sound. Yes there is pollution but no you will not choke or be unable to breathe. - Nov 2014
Air quality in Santiago is extremely bad in the winter. On especially soupy days, you feel as if you are choking on your own throat, and your eyes burn. The rain clears it out so post-rain days are beautiful with magnificent views of snowy mountain peaks. - Oct 2014
The air is terrible in the winter when it doesn't rain. When it rains it's clean immediately after. In the summer it's moderate. It doesn't help one's personal air quality that people smoke so much here. - Sep 2011
The air quality is unhealthy with smog, however during the winter when it rains it cleanses the air for a few days. - Jul 2010
