On December 25, 2024, authorities announced the activation of the air quality contingency phase for the Mexico Valley as pollution levels escalated dramatically following Christmas celebrations. According to the Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe), air pollution caused by high concentrations of PM2.5 particles made the air quality extremely hazardous.
The situation was dire, with monitoring stations reporting concentrations of particulate matter exceeding 81.7 µg/m³, prompting officials to issue health warnings to the residents of Mexico City and the surrounding State of Mexico.
"The only monitoring station reporting 'very bad' air quality is Santiago Acahualtepec, located in Iztapalapa," the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System informed the public early on Christmas morning. This area, along with others like Coacalco and Ecatepec, became synonymous with poor air quality as families celebrated.
Authorities traced the rise in pollution levels back to the widespread use of fireworks during Christmas Eve. A CAMe spokesperson noted, "During the night of December 24 and the early hours of December 25, extraordinary emissions resulted from widespread firework use, increasing PM2.5 pollution levels throughout the region." The stable atmospheric conditions on Christmas morning prevented the dispersal of these pollutants, creating hazardous living conditions for residents.
The effects were felt most acutely by vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. To combat the deteriorative effects of the air, health recommendations urged such groups to avoid outdoor activities and minimize time spent outside during peak pollution hours.
Residents were advised to stay indoors with windows closed to limit exposure to the polluted air. The CAMe emphasized the need for community-wide cooperation, stating, "To maintain air quality and protect public health, we must engage everyone to minimize emissions collectively. This includes reducing car use and avoiding the burning of materials."
The contamination issues were not limited to one locality. Across the Mexico City metropolitan area, pollution sensors indicated widespread elevated PM2.5 and PM10 levels. Iztapalapa, Coacalco, Ecatepec, and Nezahualcóyotl were noted as particularly problematic regions. By midday, readings from several areas had not improved, and health alerts remained active.
Local governments are currently putting forth all efforts to monitor and manage this air quality crisis closely. The atmosphere's conditions, historically less conducive to pollution dispersal during the festive season, would have to be closely managed. Should pollution levels not return to acceptable conditions, authorities hinted at the potential need to escalate the contingency to Phase 1, which would impose stricter controls on traffic and other activities exacerbated by pollution.
Given the festive celebrations, CAMe also called for awareness campaigns, urging citizens to be mindful of their actions and their impact on air quality. The Community Health announcement noted, "Avoid physical activities outdoors and use precautionary measures to protect your health during high pollution periods."
Reports show the intensity of the air quality crisis, with significant parts of the metropolitan area still under warnings. Urgent measures are being put forth, calling on citizens to trust air quality monitoring systems and adhere to health recommendations, particularly on high pollution days such as Christmas.
While many looked forward to festivities, they were met with reminders of air quality’s immediate influence on health, transforming holiday joy for some families, especially those living on the margins of air pollution impacts, such as Iztapalapa.
