Alarm Bells Ring Over Worst Air Pollution in a Decade in Mexican Capital Deutsche Welle
go to original March 15, 2016

The statue of Mexican hero Leonardo Bravo is seen with a protective mask, during the launch of a campaign called "Breathing Shouldn't Be Something For Heroes," in Mexico Cit. (Getty Images)

Update: More Cars Banned in Mexico City After City Issues First Pollution Alert in 14 Years (Agence France-Presse)

Mexico City's government has advised people to stay indoors and restricted traffic due to air pollution. Ozone levels have been measured at nearly twice the acceptable limit, triggering the first alert in over a decade.

Authorities said Monday that the alert stemmed from an "extraordinary increase" in ozone concentration due to the presence of a high pressure weather system and intense solar radiation around greater Mexico City. The Mexican capital is home to more than 20 million inhabitants.

An advisory posted by the city authorities recommended that people stay off the streets between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., refrain from vigorous exercise in the open and curb sporting activities, in order to avoid respiratory problems.
 

For over two decades, Mexico City has battled to combat air pollution and smog with a slew of measures. (DW)

The last time a a phase one alert was issued for particle pollution was on New Year's Day 2005. Then, air quality was likely affected by heavy use of firecrackers, a city official said. Ozone, which is a key ingredient of air pollution, is a form of oxygen created by the reaction of sunlight with air containing other pollutants such as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide.

...Heightened ozone levels can cause breathing difficulties and worsen heart disease. Children and the elderly are especially at risk.

Read the rest at Deutsche Welle

Related: Climate Priority #1 for Mexico in 2016: Adopt Strong Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles (Switchboard)

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