Mexico City Implements Emergency Measures as Ozone Levels Spike
Mexico City residents face restricted vehicle access and health advisories as authorities respond to dangerously high ozone concentrations.
Mexico City activated the first phase of an environmental contingency plan on Thursday, February 12th, after recording a peak hourly ozone concentration of 155 parts per billion (ppb) at 4:00 p.m. at the Center for Atmosphere Sciences (CCA) station in the Coyoacán borough. The surge in pollution prompted the Megalopolis Environmental Commission (CAMe) to implement restrictions aimed at reducing emissions and protecting public health.
Atmospheric Conditions Fuel Pollution
According to reports, the current situation is driven by an unexpectedly persistent anticyclonic system that has created atmospheric stability over the Valley of Mexico. Initially, meteorological models predicted the system would move away, lessening its impact. However, it intensified, resulting in poor ventilation, high humidity, clear skies, and intense solar radiation. Maximum temperatures reached 28 Celsius, further exacerbating the conditions.
“The combination of these elements caused favorable conditions for the formation and accumulation of ozone,” a senior official stated.
Vehicle Restrictions Take Effect Friday
To mitigate the crisis, CAMe announced that starting Friday, February 13th, certain vehicles will be prohibited from circulating between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The restrictions apply to:
- Private vehicles with verification hologram 2 and 1, specifically those with a last numerical digit of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 0.
- Private vehicles with verification hologram 0 and 00, featuring a blue sticker and a plate ending in 9 or 0.
- Vehicles lacking a verification hologram – including older models, demonstration vehicles, new cars, those with tourist passes, foreign plates, or plates comprised of letters – will face restrictions equivalent to those with hologram 2.
- 50 percent of LP gas distribution units serving stationary tanks without a dry disconnection valve, identified by a registration ending in NON.
However, several vehicle types are exempt from these restrictions, including electric and hybrid vehicles, those with an ecological license plate or an exempt hologram, and vehicles with a valid “0” or “00” hologram possessing tires other than blue and a plate ending in 9 or 0. Vehicles used for urgent medical emergencies are also permitted to circulate. Taxis are allowed to operate from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on restricted days to ensure public mobility. Urban service vehicles providing emergency services, medical care, public safety, firefighting, rescue, civil protection, environmental surveillance, and water supply are also exempt.
Public Health Advisory Issued
CAMe strongly advises residents to limit their exposure to pollution peaks between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. This recommendation is particularly crucial for infants, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges Mexico City faces in managing air quality and protecting the health of its citizens. Further updates will be provided as the atmospheric conditions evolve.
