Overview
- Reports this week show Arequipa now records about 26 µg/m3 of particulate matter while Lima records about 20 µg/m3, both far above the World Health Organization guideline of 5 µg/m3.
- Alberto Morisaki of the Asociación Automotriz del Perú (AAP) said the country fell in global pollution rankings from 58th to 40th out of 143 nations because of worsening urban air quality.
- AAP and other specialists pin the decline mainly on thousands of buses, trucks and some transit units that have exceeded recommended service lives, increasing soot and particle emissions.
- Proposed remedies include strengthening the 'bono del chatarrero' scrappage program, budget support for retiring old vehicles, wider adoption of vehicle natural gas (GNV) and tax incentives for hybrids and electric cars, but reporting finds limited government action so far.
- Weaknesses in the technical vehicle inspection system allow many unfit and highly polluting units to stay on the road, which raises health risks for urban residents and could prompt stricter policy or spending moves if the trend continues.