Mexico City, September 17 – The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate of Mexico City (Dirección de Monitoreo Atmosférico) released its daily report on air quality for the capital and the surrounding metropolitan area of the State of Mexico today at 3:00 PM. The report indicates that air quality is currently “Good” across the region, with a low health risk for residents.
Current Air Quality Status: “Good” Across the Region
The Air and Health Index, provided by the capital’s government, confirms that air quality is “Good” throughout Mexico City and the State of Mexico. This classification suggests a “Low” health risk for individuals engaging in outdoor activities, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate updates its air quality status hourly, providing crucial information that allows residents to take precautions regarding outdoor activities and informs authorities on potential environmental measures, such as the application of environmental contingencies or restrictions on vehicle circulation (e.g., “Doble Hoy No Circula”).
UV Radiation Levels Reach Moderate Intensity
In addition to air quality, the report also detailed the intensity of Ultraviolet (UV) rays. The UV index reached a level of 5, which signifies that “protection is needed” against sun exposure. Authorities recommend taking precautions, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. These recommendations include wearing hats and UV-filtered glasses, and applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ when exposed to the sun.
Detailed Air Quality by Boroughs and Municipalities
The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate operates 16 monitoring stations in Mexico City and 13 in the State of Mexico. According to the latest report, the air quality across most active stations was rated as “Good.”
Mexico City Boroughs with “Good” Air Quality:
- Azcapotzalco (CAM)
- Cuajimalpa (CUA)
- Gustavo A. Madero (GAM)
- Cuauhtémoc (HGM)
- Iztacalco (IZT)
- Venustiano Carranza (MER)
- Miguel Hidalgo (MGH)
- Álvaro Obregón (PED)
- Iztapalapa (SAC)
- Tláhuac (TAH)
- Coyoacán (UAX)
- Iztapalapa (UIZ)
Several stations, including Tlalpan (AJM), Benito Juárez (BJU), Coyoacán (CCA), and Cuajimalpa (SFE), were reported as either having no data or being under maintenance at the time of the report.
State of Mexico Municipalities with “Good” Air Quality:
- Atizapán (ATI)
- Cuautitlán Izcalli (CUT)
- Naucalpan (FAC)
- Nezahualcóyotl (FAR)
- Ecatepec (LLA)
- Anexo de Tlalnepantla (LPR)
- Nezahualcóyotl (NEZ)
- Ecatepec (SAG)
- Tlalnepantla (TLA)
- Tultitlán (TLI)
- Coacalco (VIF)
- Ecatepec (XAL)
The Chalco (CHO) station was also reported as having no data or being under maintenance. Some municipalities and boroughs appear multiple times in the list due to having more than one monitoring station.
Understanding Air Quality Levels and Recommendations
The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate categorizes air quality into five levels, each with specific health implications and recommendations:
- “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 may see aggravation. Sensitive groups should consider reducing vigorous outdoor physical activity.
- “Bad” (Orange): Increased probability of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals. Higher risk of aggravation and reduced physical activity tolerance for those with respiratory and cardiac diseases. Increased risk of premature deaths in individuals with heart or lung conditions.
- “Very Bad” (Red): Aggravated respiratory symptoms in sensitive populations and those with lung disease. Worsening cardiovascular symptoms in heart patients. Higher probability of premature deaths in individuals with heart or lung disease.
- “Extremely Bad” (Purple): Significant increase in the likelihood of severe respiratory symptoms in the general population. Serious respiratory effects and aggravated symptoms in sensitive individuals and those with lung disease. Worsening cardiovascular symptoms in heart patients and increased probability of premature death in individuals with lung and heart disease.
Sensitive groups, as defined by authorities, include children, the elderly, individuals with nutritional deficiencies, people engaged in outdoor activities, cyclists, and outdoor workers.
Source: Infobae Mexico
