The air quality in Mexico City and the State of Mexico has reached alarming levels this Wednesday, March 5, 2025, with high concentrations of ozone (O3) and suspended particles (PM 10). This has led authorities to activate Phase 2 of the Metropolitan Air Quality Index (Imeca), which puts the health of the population at risk and could result in the declaration of an environmental contingency if the situation does not improve in the coming hours.
Recently, specifically on February 26, the second environmental contingency of the year was activated, which was lifted the next day. However, forecasts for the dry-hot season of 2025 indicate the possibility of activating between three and eleven additional environmental contingencies due to ozone.
According to the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe), the levels of air pollutants this Wednesday present a considerable risk to health, especially for those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Various delegations and municipalities in the metropolitan area have reported poor air quality, while other areas maintain acceptable levels, revealing disparities in the distribution of pollution.
The determination to activate an environmental contingency is based on three phases established by the CAMe, which consider the levels of ozone and suspended particles in the air. In addition to the restrictions applied in Phase 1 and the pre-contingency, Phase 2 involves the temporary suspension of school activities and outdoor events to protect the population from greater exposure to pollutants. On the other hand, restrictions under the "Hoy no circula" program are implemented, affecting vehicles with zero and double zero holograms in order to reduce pollutant emissions and the number of circulating vehicles.
