Authorities declared an environmental emergency on Tuesday for metropolitan Mexico City , one of the world’s most populous megalopolises, as smoke from nearby wildfires pushed pollution to levels deemed potentially harmful to human health.
The concentration of toxic particles and ozone has been made worse by high temperatures and a lack of wind and rain.
Mexico City authorities claim that the environment emergency was caused by a surge of around 130 wildfires in the State of Mexico , 66 in Mexico City, 112 in Hidalgo, and 87 in Morelos, all of which occurred between May 9 and 13 .
Environmental authorities advised residents to avoid outdoor activities and exercise and remain indoors with windows and doors shut. It called for especially sensitive groups, including infants, the elderly and sick, to stay at home.
The local government said later that the circulation of vehicles would be restricted for most of Wednesday .
The Mexican capital is home to nearly 9 million people, with more than 21 million in its metropolitan area.
The city’s Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis came under pressure to act after visibility in the city began dropping sharply last week because of ash and smoke in the air. Dry weather has played a role in a spate of fires around the city.
Fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 hit 158 micrograms per cubic meter of air at the Nezahualcóyotl measuring station at 5 a.m. The World Health Organization recommends a daily mean air quality guideline below 25.
Annual averages above that amount are associated with higher long-term mortality risks. The world’s most polluted capital city, New Delhi, has an annual average of 113.5.
Since some of these microparticles contain toxic compounds, they are often related to the development of lung cancer, among other diseases that reduce life expectancy.
Ultrafine particles pose the largest threat to health, since they can enter the respiratory system all the way to the alveoli, which allow for rapid gaseous exchange. Citizens of Mexico City may develop symptoms such as cough, lung irritation, and dryness.
Mexico City’s air, once infamously lethal, saw a steady improvement through the late 1990s. In recent years, there have been renewed signs of deterioration.
The environmental authority also asked residents and businesses to do their part in helping reduce emissions, such as using cars less, while authorities fight the numerous blazes raging in Mexico City and surrounding states.
A local soccer league, Liga MX , announced it would push back the semifinals of a tournament because of the poor air quality.
Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum
told local media that she would consider suspending classes for students later in the week.
This afternoon, Mexico’s Ministry of Public Education (SEP) decided to suspend classes on Thursday, May 16, both for public and private schools in Mexico City and its surrounding areas.
dm