The Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis activated the environmental contingency on Wednesday afternoon due to the accumulation of ozone in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico Valley, due to a maximum hourly concentration of ozone of 164 ppb at the UAM Xochimilco station. The influence of a high-pressure system parked over the center of the country has increased atmospheric stability in the region.
Various restrictions have been applied to the circulation of private vehicles and the transport sector. Vehicles with verification hologram 0 and 00, green sticker, plate termination 1 and 2 are the most affected, as well as those with verification hologram 2. Taxis are also subject to restrictions, depending on their hologram.
Exemptions have been established for electric vehicles, hybrids, those with ecological registration, as well as for medical emergency situations. The circulation of taxis is allowed at certain hours to support the mobility of the population. Exceptions are also contemplated for urban service vehicles, school and staff transport, funeral processions, waste transport, and people with disabilities, among others.
Regarding industry, measures have been established to reduce emissions in refineries, thermoelectric plants, and activities such as brick making, ceramics, and casting in artisanal furnaces. Additionally, restrictions have been imposed on services and businesses that generate fugitive emissions into the air.
Recommendations have been given to the population to reduce exposure to polluted air, as well as measures to decrease emissions, such as facilitating remote work, avoiding the use of solvents, refueling gasoline at specific times, and reducing fuel consumption at home.
To combat the contingency, the circulation of official vehicles will be restricted, monitoring of polluting vehicles will be intensified, burning of materials will be prohibited, maintenance activities that generate emissions will be suspended, and operation in boilers without emission control systems will be reduced. Federal environmental authorities will also take measures to contribute to the reduction of emissions in the metropolitan area of Mexico Valley.
