Mexico City Air Quality ‘Mala’ on Tuesday, June 2nd: High Health Risk and UV Alert
Mexico City, June 2nd – The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate of Mexico City (Dirección de Monitoreo Atmosférico) issued its daily report today at 3:00 PM EST, classifying the air quality in the capital and the conurbated zone of the State of Mexico as “Mala” (Poor). This assessment indicates a high health risk for individuals engaging in outdoor activities, particularly for sensitive groups.
The agency, which updates the air quality status hourly and daily for the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico, also reported a UV index of 6. This level signifies that “protection is needed” against the sun’s rays, prompting recommendations for protective measures.
Recommendations for Residents
In response to the current conditions, Mexico City authorities have issued the following recommendations:
- Protection is required against UV radiation damage.
- Wear long-sleeved cotton clothing, a hat, and UV-filtering glasses.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30+.
- Try to stay in the shade or indoors.
Affected Areas in Mexico City and the State of Mexico
The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate operates 16 stations across Mexico City. According to the latest report, several areas experienced “Mala” air quality:
- Benito Juárez (BJU): Mala
- Coyoacán (CCA): Mala
- Gustavo A. Madero (GAM): Mala
- Iztacalco (IZT): Mala
- Venustiano Carranza (MER): Mala
- Miguel Hidalgo (MGH): Mala
- Álvaro Obregón (PED): Mala
- Tláhuac (TAH): Mala
- Coyoacán (UAX): Mala
- Iztapalapa (UIZ): Mala
Areas with “Aceptable” (Acceptable) air quality included Tlalpan (AJM), Azcapotzalco (CAM), and Iztapalapa (SAC). Cuajimalpa (CUA) reported “Buena” (Good) air quality. Stations in Cuauhtémoc (HGM) and Cuajimalpa (SFE) were without data or under maintenance.
In the State of Mexico, out of 13 monitoring stations, several reported “Aceptable” air quality:
- Cuautitlán Izcalli (CUT): Aceptable
- Naucalpan (FAC): Aceptable
- Anexo de Tlalnepantla (LPR): Aceptable
- Nezahualcóyotl (NEZ): Aceptable
- Tlalnepantla (TLA): Aceptable
- Tultitlán (TLI): Aceptable
Several stations in the State of Mexico, including Atizapán (ATI), Chalco (CHO), Nezahualcóyotl (FAR), Ecatepec (LLA), Ecatepec (SAG), Coacalco (VIF), and Ecatepec (XAL), were without data or under maintenance.
Understanding Air Quality Levels and Health Risks
The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate categorizes air quality into five levels, each with associated health risks:
- Good (Green): Minimal health risk; general population and sensitive groups can enjoy outdoor activities.
- Acceptable (Yellow): Sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms; those with pre-existing conditions should limit vigorous outdoor physical activity.
- Mala (Orange): Significant increase in respiratory symptoms for sensitive individuals; increased risk of worsening conditions for those with respiratory and heart diseases, and higher probability of premature deaths in individuals with heart or lung disease. Both sensitive groups and the general population should take precautions for outdoor activities.
- Muy Malo (Red): Worsening respiratory symptoms in sensitive populations and individuals with lung disease, as well as cardiovascular symptoms in heart patients. Increased probability of premature deaths in individuals with heart or lung disease.
- Extremadamente Malo (Purple): Significant increase in severe respiratory symptoms in the general population, serious respiratory effects and worsening symptoms in sensitive individuals and those with lung disease, and worsening cardiovascular symptoms in heart patients, along with an increased probability of premature death in individuals with lung and heart disease.
Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, individuals with nutritional deficiencies, people who perform outdoor activities, cyclists, and even workers. Authorities use these reports to implement environmental measures such as environmental contingencies and the “Double Hoy No Circula” (Today You Don’t Drive) program when air quality deteriorates significantly.
