In several municipalities of Nuevo León, Mexico, residents have been experiencing strange odors in the air, accompanied by physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting. This situation significantly affects the quality of life and well-being of people in the region.
An ecologist mentioned the importance of addressing this problem due to the short and long-term repercussions of continuous exposure to air pollutants. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes about 6.7 million premature deaths annually worldwide, and Nuevo León is not exempt from this grim reality.
Among the most common pollutants detected in the municipalities of Nuevo León are sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), benzene, and other volatile compounds, many of which come from industrial activities in the area. Environmental studies have identified companies and industries as the main sources of harmful emissions and pollutants, according to the Annual Reports on Pollutant Gas Emissions issued by the local Ministry of Environment.
Following reports from residents about gas odors in the early morning on Sunday in various metropolitan municipalities, the 77th Legislature of Congress unanimously approved a Point of Agreement urging state Civil Protection to investigate the origin of the emissions. Legislator José Luis Garza presented this proposal, which includes a request for detailed information on the measures taken to prevent future episodes of air pollution.
Garza recalled the incident on March 2 when residents from several municipalities reported strong gas odors in the environment, generating social alarm and concern. This event highlights a recurring problem that has affected the region for months, underscoring the urgent need to address and control air pollution in Nuevo León.
