Headline:
Breathless Dawn: Air Quality in Mexico City‘s Metropolis Deteriorates, PM2.5 Levels Trigger Preventive Measures
Article:
Mexico City, Jan 1st 2025 – The Commission for Environmental Affairs of the Megalopolis (CAMe) has activated the preventative phase for particle matter (PM2.5) in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (ZMVM) due to alarming levels detected on New Year’s Day. At 8:00 AM on Wednesday, January 1st, the PM2.5 concentration averaged 87.5 µg/m³ in the Nezahualcóyotl station in the State of Mexico, surpassing the preventative phase threshold of 81 µg/m³.
In a statement, CAMe attributed the increase in air particle concentration during the early morning hours to widespread fireworks (pirotecnia), bonfires, and domestic chimney usage. These activities were further aggravated by unfavorable atmospheric conditions, such as low wind speed and high stability, making it difficult for contaminants to disperse. An anticyclonic circulation over the Valley of Mexico exacerbated these conditions, hindering ventilation throughout the region.
Consequently, following the guidelines set by the Air Quality Contingency Programs applied in the ZMVM, CAMe has initiated the preventative phase for PM2.5. This measure aims to reduce the population’s exposure to polluted air and mitigate potential health risks.
According to the Air Quality Index (IQA) by the Secretary of Environment, the air condition in the ZMVM on January 1st, 2025, is deemed "extremely poor." The most affected areas include municipalities in the State of Mexico, such as Nezahualcóyotl, Coacalco, Texcoco, and Chimalhuacán, displayed in purple on air quality maps. Meanwhile, areas with "very poor" air quality are marked in red, including Ecatepec, Iztapalapa, Coyoacán, Xochimilco, Cuauhtémoc, and Venustiano Carranza. Azcapotzalco is listed as having "poor" air quality.
Residents are urged to stay informed through the "AIRE CDMX" mobile app, official website, and social media account. To protect public health, it is recommended to:
- Stay indoors with windows closed
- Refrain from smoking and avoid lighting candles, wood, charcoal, or incense
- Use air conditioning in recirculation mode to prevent contaminated air from entering homes and vehicles
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities, such as running or cycling, as these increase respiratory rate and intake of pollutants
- Monitor the nearest air quality index and consider engaging in moderate or intense outdoor activities only when air quality is deemed "good" or "acceptable."
As a result of poor air quality, the "Hoy No Circula" program has also been implemented, which restricts traffic based on vehicle license plate numbers. Stay informed about the affected vehicles and times using the official resources provided.
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