Colombia: High air pollution levels in Medellín /update 2

Event

High levels of air pollution continue to be recorded in Medellín - Colombia’s second largest city - and the surrounding Aburrá Valley as of Wednesday, February 28. Air Quality Index (AQI) readings consistently remain at “warning” levels (100-148), regularly surpassing the “unhealthy” threshold (150) in parts of the city. The pollution tends to be particularly bad during the morning hours.

As a reminder, municipal authorities have reinforced routine driving restrictions, which are based on license plates numbers and are in effect on a permanent basis; these increased restrictions, first introduced on February 23 along with other measures, are currently set to remain in place until further notice.

This air pollution constitutes a health hazard, notably for vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, pregnant women, and people suffering from asthma and other respiratory issues. Air pollution can also be harmful to heart health and could contribute to factors that provoke heart attack or stroke. The local authorities are advising all residents to limit outdoor activities and to consider working from home when possible.

Advice

Individuals present in Medellín are advised to limit outdoor activities, notably strenuous activity, until pollution rates fall and to expect increased crowding on public transit.