Mexico City Faces ‘Mala’ Air Quality, High Health Risk
Mexico City, July 6, 2026 – The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate of Mexico City today reported “Mala” (poor) air quality across the Mexico City Metropolitan Area, indicating a “High” health risk. This ongoing monitoring is crucial in one of the world’s largest and most populated cities, where various pollutants affect the air we breathe.
Daily and hourly updates from the Directorate of Atmospheric Monitoring provide essential information, prompting authorities to advise the public on outdoor activities and to implement measures such as environmental contingencies and the ‘double Hoy No Circula’ program.
Current Air Quality Report (July 6, 3:00 PM EST)
The air quality in Mexico City and the State of Mexico is classified as “Mala,” presenting a significant health risk. This warning is particularly critical for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
UV Radiation Levels and Precautions
In addition to air quality, the UV radiation index reached level 6, signifying a need for protection when outdoors. The following recommendations have been issued:
- Protection against UV radiation damage is required.
- Wear long-sleesleeved cotton clothing, a hat, and UV-filter glasses.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30+.
- Try to stay in the shade or indoors.
Air Quality by Boroughs and Municipalities
The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate operates 16 stations in Mexico City and 13 in the State of Mexico. As of the latest report, several areas show particularly poor air quality:
Mexico City Boroughs with ‘Mala’ Air Quality:
- Tlalpan (AJM)
- Benito Juárez (BJU)
- Azcapotzalco (CAM)
- Coyoacán (CCA)
- Cuajimalpa (CUA)
- Venustiano Carranza (MER)
- Álvaro Obregón (PED)
- Iztapalapa (SAC)
- Tláhuac (TAH)
- Coyoacán (UAX)
- Iztapalapa (UIZ)
Mexico City Boroughs with ‘Aceptable’ Air Quality:
- Gustavo A. Madero (GAM)
- Cuauhtémoc (HGM)
- Iztacalco (IZT)
- Miguel Hidalgo (MGH)
State of Mexico Municipalities with ‘Mala’ Air Quality:
- Nezahualcóyotl (NEZ)
- Tlalnepantla (TLA)
State of Mexico Municipalities with ‘Aceptable’ Air Quality:
- Atizapán (ATI)
- Ecatepec (LLA)
- Anexo de Tlalnepantla (LPR)
- Tultitlán (TLI)
- Coacalco (VIF)
Several monitoring stations in Chalco, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Naucalpan, Nezahualcóyotl, Ecatepec, and Cuajimalpa were either without data or under maintenance at the time of the report.
Understanding Air Quality Levels and Health Recommendations
The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate categorizes air quality into five levels, each with specific health implications and recommendations:
- Good (Green): Minimal health risk; all individuals can enjoy outdoor activities.
- Acceptable (Yellow): Sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms; those with comorbidities should reduce vigorous outdoor activities.
- Mala (Orange): Increased likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals; higher risk of aggravation of respiratory and cardiac diseases, and premature deaths in those with heart or lung conditions. General population should also take precautions.
- Muy Malo (Red): Aggravated respiratory symptoms in sensitive and pulmonary disease populations; increased cardiovascular symptoms and higher probability of premature deaths in individuals with heart or lung disease.
- Extremely Malo (Purple): Significant increase in severe respiratory symptoms for the general population; serious respiratory effects and aggravated symptoms in sensitive and pulmonary disease individuals; aggravated 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.
