Biobío Region reports decrease in air pollution episodes for 2026

The 2026 Critical Episode Management (GEC) season concluded on September 30 in the Biobío Region of Chile, showing a significant reduction in air pollution incidents under the Atmospheric Decontamination Plans (PDA).

In Los Ángeles, authorities reported 9 alerts, 11 pre-emergencies, and 6 environmental emergencies, representing 14% of the period between April 1 and September 30. Notably, environmental emergencies decreased from 10 episodes in 2025 to 6 in 2026. During this period, the Biobío Health Seremi patrolled 2,262 homes, conducting 76 direct inspections that resulted in 13 sanitary summaries.

In the Concepción Metropolitan area, the season recorded 10 alerts and 2 pre-emergencies, with no environmental emergencies reported. Officials attributed the improvement to coordinated efforts between agencies and changes in citizen heating habits.