Authorities in Mexico City have decided to keep Phase 1 of the environmental contingency in effect across the Valley of Mexico Metropolitan Area (ZMVM), the sprawling region that includes the capital and dozens of surrounding municipalities in the State of Mexico, home to more than 20 million people. The decision, announced by the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAME), comes after ozone levels once again exceeded safe thresholds in parts of the basin.
Ground-level ozone tends to spike in this high-altitude valley when strong sunlight, heat, and vehicle and industrial emissions combine, especially during the dry, sunny months. When pollution reaches this alert stage, officials typically ask residents—particularly children, older adults, and people with respiratory or heart conditions—to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and limit time spent outside during peak sunlight hours.
CAME did not report a return to normal air quality readings, meaning the precautionary measures already in place will continue rather than be lifted. The commission has not indicated when conditions are expected to improve, and officials say they will keep monitoring pollution levels throughout the day to determine whether adjustments are needed.
For the full report and details on air quality readings across the region, read the original story at jornada.com.mx.
Source: La contingencia ambiental por ozono se mantiene en la ZMVM (jornada.com.mx). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: kevin dooley, BY 2.0 (via Openverse).