Mexico: Mexico City air pollution alert prolonged May 24 /update 5

Event

An alert for high levels of air pollution (ozone), the "phase 1 contingency plan," has been extended in Mexico City and the surrounding region (Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México) through at least Wednesday, May 24. The measure had been in place May 16-21 before being briefly lifted on May 22 and reinstated May 23.

Due to these high levels of air pollution, intensified driving restrictions are in place in Mexico City for May 24. All foreign-registered vehicles or vehicles without pollution rating stickers are banned from the roads from 05:00 until 11:00 (local time); vehicles with level “1” stickers and license plates ending in 0, 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 as well as all vehicles with level “2” stickers are banned from the roads between 05:00 and 22:00. These intensified driving restrictions are in addition to rotating driving restrictions permanently in place (the Hoy No Circula program) in the region and could be extended or intensified in the coming days should the situation worsen.

On a health related note, this pollution could cause eye, nose, and throat irritation and aggravate cardiovascular and respiratory conditions (such as asthma). The government has advised vulnerable individuals to remain indoors as much as possible - particularly between 13:00 and 19:00 when pollution levels tend to peak - to abstain from exercising outdoors, and to remain well-hydrated. Such individuals include children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses.

Context

Due to high rates of air pollution, permanent driving restrictions are in place in the capital region. Outside periods of peak pollution, cars that are nine to 15 years old (level “1”) are banned from the streets between 05:00 and 22:00 one day per week as well as two Saturdays per month. Cars older than 15 years (level “2”) are banned one day per week and all Saturdays. All cars with foreign license plates, no matter what their model year, are also banned from the roads between 05:00 and 11:00 one day per week and all Saturdays. There are no driving restrictions on Sundays and there are no restrictions whatsoever for hybrid and electric vehicles as well as domestically registered cars eight years old or newer. The Hoy No Circula schedule regarding driving restrictions for older and foreign cars, based on license plate numbers, is available online.

According to one study, being in Mexico City during days of “bad” pollution, of which there were 212 in 2016, is the equivalent of smoking 40 cigarettes per day; more than 9000 people are estimated to die prematurely each year in the capital region due to these high pollution levels.

Advice

Individuals present in the Mexico City region are advised to adhere to all local legislation and to limit outdoor activities until the situation normalizes.