Mexico City, June 4 – The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate of Mexico City (CDMX) and the State of Mexico (Edomex) issued a report on Thursday, June 4, indicating ‘poor’ air quality across various parts of the metropolitan area. The report, updated hourly, highlighted a ‘high’ health risk for residents, prompting authorities to advise caution regarding outdoor activities.
Air Quality Status and Health Risks
As of 3:00 PM EST on June 4, the overall air quality in CDMX and Edomex was classified as ‘poor’. This classification implies a significant increase in the likelihood of respiratory symptoms for sensitive individuals and a higher risk of aggravating pulmonary and cardiac conditions in those with pre-existing health issues and the elderly. The general population is also advised to exercise greater caution during outdoor activities.
Ultraviolet Radiation Levels
In addition to air quality, the Ultraviolet (UV) Ray Index reached level 6, signifying a need for protection when outdoors. Recommendations include wearing long-sleeved cotton clothing, hats, and UV-filtered glasses, applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30+, and seeking shade or remaining indoors when possible.
Affected Areas in Mexico City
Out of 16 monitoring stations in Mexico City, several reported ‘poor’ or ‘acceptable’ air quality:
- Poor: Azcapotzalco (CAM)
- Acceptable: Benito Juárez (BJU), Gustavo A. Madero (GAM), Iztacalco (IZT), Venustiano Carranza (MER), Miguel Hidalgo (MGH), Álvaro Obregón (PED), Iztapalapa (UIZ)
- Good: Tlalpan (AJM), Cuajimalpa (CUA), Iztapalapa (SAC), Tláhuac (TAH), Coyoacán (UAX)
- No Data/Maintenance: Cuauhtémoc (HGM), Cuajimalpa (SFE)
Affected Areas in the State of Mexico
In the State of Mexico, 13 monitoring stations provided the following data:
- Poor: Atizapán (ATI), Cuautitlán Izcalli (CUT), Naucalpan (FAC), Tlalnepantla (TLA), Tultitlán (TLI)
- Acceptable: Ecatepec (LLA), Anexo de Tlalnepantla (LPR), Coacalco (VIF)
- Good: Nezahualcóyotl (NEZ)
- No Data/Maintenance: Chalco (CHO), Nezahualcóyotl (FAR), Ecatepec (SAG), Ecatepec (XAL)
Understanding Air Quality Levels and Recommendations
The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate categorizes air quality into five levels, each with specific recommendations:
- Good (Green): Minimal health risk; all individuals can enjoy outdoor activities.
- Acceptable (Yellow): Sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms; reduced vigorous outdoor physical activity recommended for sensitive groups.
- Poor (Orange): Significant increase in respiratory symptoms for sensitive individuals, and aggravation of pulmonary/cardiac diseases; increased precautions for both sensitive groups and the general population during outdoor activities.
- Very Poor (Red): Worsening respiratory symptoms for sensitive populations and those with lung disease; increased cardiovascular symptoms; higher probability of premature deaths in individuals with heart or lung disease.
- Extremely Poor (Purple): Substantial increase in severe respiratory symptoms for the general population; serious respiratory effects and symptom aggravation in sensitive individuals and those with lung disease; aggravation of cardiovascular symptoms in heart patients and increased probability of premature death.
Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, individuals with nutritional deficiencies, outdoor workers, and cyclists. Authorities emphasize the importance of heeding these warnings to mitigate potential health impacts.
This ‘poor’ air quality could trigger environmental measures such as the ‘Doble Hoy No Circula’ (Double No Driving Day) program, which restricts vehicle circulation based on license plate numbers to reduce emissions.
Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/06/04/cual-es-la-calidad-del-aire-en-cdmx-y-edomex-este-4-de-junio/
