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Abstract
Background: Air pollution is one of the main risk factors for the development of respiratory diseases, however, there are few studies evaluating the levels of major pollutants in Latin American countries. Objective: To describe the levels of gases and particles in different sectors of Cartagena taking into account national standards for air quality in Colombia, and to explore the interactions of gases and particles in each sector. Methods: The methodology was divide in two phases: In phase I, for short periods (5 to 12 days) in 8 points of the city, the ozone, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and small particles (<2.5 microns) concentrations were measured. In Phase II, a new measurement was performed in one sector for a long period time (12 months). Results: Gas concentrations were within the levels recommended by the national regulation. Particles levels were high, exceeding in four sectors the national regulation. Conclusion: The concentration of gases in Cartagena is during most of the time within the limits recommended by national standards. However, small particles concentrations remain high, especially in areas close to vehicular high traffic. Further studies that evaluate the impact of PM on respiratory diseases in people living near roads should be made.
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