Home Poor Air Quality in Mexico City and Conurbated Zone Poses High Health Risk

Poor Air Quality in Mexico City and Conurbated Zone Poses High Health Risk

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Mexico City, June 14, 2026 – The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate of Mexico City issued a report yesterday, June 13, 2026, indicating ‘Mala’ (Poor) air quality across the capital and its conurbated zone. This classification signifies a ‘High’ health risk, prompting authorities to advise caution for outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups.

Air Quality Report: A Detailed Breakdown

The daily and hourly reports from the capital’s authorities provide crucial information on air quality and Ultraviolet (UV) Ray intensity. Yesterday’s report, specifically the 3:00 PM update for the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico, highlighted significant concerns.

The overall air quality in Mexico City and the State of Mexico was deemed ‘Mala,’ translating to a ‘High’ health risk. This assessment necessitates protective measures for individuals engaging in outdoor activities, particularly those in vulnerable populations.

In addition to poor air quality, the UV index reached a level of 6, indicating a need for protection when outdoors. Recommendations from capital authorities included:

  • Protection against UV radiation damage.
  • Wearing long-sleeved cotton clothing, hats, and UV-filter glasses.
  • Applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30+.
  • Seeking shade or staying indoors.

Air Quality by Boroughs and Municipalities

The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate operates 16 stations across Mexico City. The latest report revealed varied air quality levels:

  • Good: Tlalpan (AJM), Coyoacán (CCA), Cuajimalpa (CUA), Álvaro Obregón (PED).
  • Acceptable: Benito Juárez (BJU), Gustavo A. Madero (GAM), Cuauhtémoc (HGM), Iztacalco (IZT), Venustiano Carranza (MER), Miguel Hidalgo (MGH), Iztapalapa (SAC), Tláhuac (TAH), Coyoacán (UAX), Iztapalapa (UIZ).
  • Poor: Azcapotzalco (CAM).
  • No data or maintenance: Cuajimalpa (SFE).

In the State of Mexico, 13 monitoring stations reported the following air quality:

  • Poor: Atizapán (ATI), Naucalpan (FAC), Ecatepec (LLA), Tlalnepantla (TLA), Tultitlán (TLI).
  • Acceptable: Cuautitlán Izcalli (CUT), Anexo de Tlalnepantla (LPR), Nezahualcóyotl (NEZ), Coacalco (VIF).
  • No data or maintenance: Chalco (CHO), Nezahualcóyotl (FAR), Ecatepec (SAG), Ecatepec (XAL).

The presence of multiple stations in some municipalities and boroughs accounts for their repeated appearance in the list.

Mexico’s Air Pollution: A National Concern

Mexico is among the Latin American countries with the highest atmospheric pollution, with Mexico City slightly surpassing Santiago, Chile, in fine particle concentration. The 2024 World Air Quality Report by IQAir highlights the significant problem of air pollution in the country, primarily due to high concentrations of PM2.5 fine particles, which are the most dangerous to health.

In 2024, the PM2.5 concentration in Mexico was approximately 3.5 times higher than the annual reference value recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The main pollutant in Mexico, including cities like Monterrey, is PM2.5, composed of organic chemical substances, dust, soot, and metals from vehicles, factories, and burning materials. These microscopic particles can enter the bloodstream and are associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, and other serious illnesses.

Authorities implement environmental measures to improve air quality, such as environmental contingencies and the ‘Hoy No Circula’ (No Driving Today) program, which restricts vehicle circulation based on license plate numbers. However, the persistent ‘Mala’ air quality underscores the ongoing challenge of combating atmospheric pollution in the region.

Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/06/13/en-donde-se-respira-el-peor-oxigeno-en-cdmx-y-zona-conurbada-aqui-el-reporte/

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