by Rod Hughes

Air quality in the capital declined last year from 2006, a recent report from the National Autonomous University at Heredia (UNA) clearly shows. The main villain is nitrogen dioxide generated from automobile exhausts, despite a marked improvement over several years due to better vehicle inspections.

The acceptable limit for such emissions is 40 micrograms per cubic meter of air but at many points tested by UNA scientists, the air contained from 40 to 50. Excessive contaminats are blamed for skin irritation, allergic reactions and, of course, respiratory problems.

The country has 1.2 million cars, trucks and buses circulating, as the average person is not surprised to find out because they all seem to be on one’s route when one wants to drive anywhere. Another contaminants are particles emitted from exhausts but these, according to INA’s Jose Rojas, who acceptable limit is 50 micrograms per cubic meter. But particles are up a tirfle but, probably due to Riteve’s vehicular inspections, are not exceeding limits.

At the press conference presenting the report, San Jose Mayor Johnny Araya, weighed in with extensive commentaries, suggesting that people should consider walking or riding bicycles. Araya, a presumptive National Liberation Party nomination candidate for president, is not the one to turn to for a solution, after his countless years as municipal executive and mayor. The capital’s sidewalks remain in as hazardous condition as when he first came on the political scene.

Besides better vehicular inspections, the government has tried to reduce contamination from vehicles stopped at intersections by installing so-call “smart” traffic lights to allow a smoother flow of traffic. While the Ministry of Transport claims it saves motorists millions of colones per year in fuel they do not burn waiting for the light to turn, it is unlikely to make a dent in the pollution. There are just too darned many cars out there and the National Insurance Institute says the number increases 8.5% per year.