The Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe) lifted the environmental contingency phase for air quality in Ciudad de México (CDMX) and the Estado de México (Edomex) on December 25, 2024, following significant improvements observed throughout the day.
This decision reflects readings from several monitoring stations, which indicated air quality had moved to 'good' or 'acceptable' levels—some relief for residents who had faced poor air quality due to increased activities like fireworks during Christmas celebrations.
By mid-afternoon, most of the monitoring stations reported improvements, allowing CAMe to retract the preventive phase which had been initiated earlier the same day due to heightened concentrations of PM2.5, particularly affecting areas like Nezahualcóyotl and Santiago Acahualtepec. The pollution levels peaked at 81.7 micrograms per cubic meter at the Santiago Acahualtepec station early on Christmas Day, requiring the initial contingency phase to be activated.
The CAMe attributed this positive turnaround primarily to two factors: the decrease in the use of fireworks and bonfires during festivities, and favorable meteorological conditions which helped disperse existing pollutants.
Despite the suspension of restrictions on outdoor activities, the CAMe urged the public to maintain caution. The Commission highlighted the importance of minimizing pollutant-generatings activities, especially considering the nostalgic practice of setting off fireworks as part of Christmas and New Year festivities.
Officials noted the necessity of monitoring air quality diligently and have promised to continue tracking conditions. "A pesar de la suspensión, la CAMe sigue exhortando a la población..." stated the authority, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Although many areas now report acceptable air quality, the impact of PM2.5—particles which are known to originate from various sources such as vehicles, industry, and biomatter burning—needs to be continuously monitored as they pose serious health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
With rising pollution levels posing challenges, especially during festive seasons, the CAMe has reiterated several recommendations aimed at fostering clean air. Citizens are encouraged to remain indoors with windows shut when pollution spikes, to refrain from smoking, and to avoid igniting any materials during sensitive periods.
Regarding health advice, recommendations include using air purifiers, maintaining proper hydration, and consuming diets rich in antioxidants to combat potential health impacts from pollutants. The CAMe encourages the use of masks, particularly N95 types, when venturing outdoors under poor air quality conditions.
This positive shift with the lifting of the environmental contingency is timely for residents eager to enjoy holiday celebrations without compromising their health. Yet, it reinforces the notion of responsibility—both at the individual and community levels—towards sustaining improvements and preventing future pollution spikes.
CAMe continues to advocate for collective actions, underscoring the significance of reducing car usage, carpooling, and utilizing public transportation as sustainable alternatives to contraction dirty air quality challenges. Well-informed citizens are pivotal to retaining air quality within acceptable limits.
The lifting of the environmental contingency indicates progress, but vigilance remains necessary to safeguard against future air quality issues.
