A report in Listin Diario highlights findings revealed in the Report on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Informe Nacional sobre Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano Sostenible) by the Ministry of Economy that particulate air pollution has reached levels that are double what is generally accepted for an urban area. Particulate air pollution is anything solid or liquid suspended in the air and includes smoke, fumes, soot, and other combustion byproducts, but also natural particles such as windblown dust, sea salt, pollen and spores.
The city of Santo Domingo is affected by pollution caused by traffic congestion and likewise by particles that come directly out of exhaust stacks and tailpipes of individual generators during the frequent blackouts. The city is also affected by its intense urbanization. Individual homes with their front and back patios have been replaced by concrete high rises with little or no green areas.
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Listin Diario
Ministry of Economy
5 February 2018
