[Air pollution with nitrogen dioxide and its impact on health].

BACKGROUND

The Chilean Metropolitan region is exposed to nitrogen dioxide levels that are above the WHO Air Quality Guidelines.

AIM

To report the exposure to nitrogen dioxide levels and to estimate the damage that these levels can cause in health.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Description of nitrogen dioxide levels in the Chilean Metropolitan Region between 2016 and 2018 and the attributable risk of these levels on the population health.

RESULTS

The average hourly levels of nitrogen dioxide exceeded 40 pg/m3. In the three years studied, 11,686 attributable health problems were estimated, including deaths, hospitalizations, and attendance to emergency rooms.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide valid information to review and adjust primary air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide. The exposed population should be educated about the risk of this exposure to promote self-care.