The Megalopolis Environmental Commission (CAMe) activated Phase 1 of the Ozone Environmental Contingency Plan in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico (ZMVM) after maximum ozone concentrations of 158 and 157 parts per billion (ppb) were recorded at the Ajusco Medio and Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CCA) monitoring stations, located in the Tlalpan and Coyoacán boroughs of Mexico City.
According to the official report, the high concentrations were detected at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, prompting the immediate activation of the measures outlined in the Programs for Preventing and Responding to Atmospheric Environmental Contingencies currently in effect for the region.
As of the 8:00 p.m. report, pollution levels remained high, and therefore, traffic restrictions and recommendations to avoid outdoor activities are in effect this Monday. Why was the environmental contingency activated?
The Mexico City Atmospheric Monitoring System reported that the Valley of Mexico continues to be under the influence of an anticyclonic system, accompanied by a dry and stable air mass, clear skies, light winds, and temperatures up to 28 degrees Celsius.
These weather conditions favored the formation and accumulation of ozone, one of the most harmful pollutants to health, especially during peak solar radiation hours.
No Driving Today, Monday, February 16: Vehicles that are NOT allowed to circulate
As part of the actions to reduce emissions, this Monday, February 16, the No Driving Today Program will be in effect with extraordinary restrictions, from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Vehicles that must suspend circulation:
Private vehicles with hologram 2.
Vehicles with hologram 1, license plate ending in 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9.
Vehicles with hologram 0 and 00, yellow sticker, license plate ending in 5 or 6.
Vehicles without a hologram (older vehicles, out-of-state vehicles, demonstration vehicles, new vehicles, or vehicles with a tourist pass), with the same restriction as hologram 2.
50% of LP gas delivery units without a dry disconnect valve, with odd-numbered license plates.
Local and federal freight vehicles, which will not circulate from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., except those integrated into self-regulation programs.
Taxis with hologram 00, 0, 1, or 2, with restrictions from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., as applicable. Vehicles Exempt During the Contingency
The following are exempt from Phase 1 of the environmental contingency:
Electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as those with an exempt hologram.
Vehicles with a 0 or 00 hologram, provided they do not have a yellow sticker or a license plate ending in 5 or 6.
Vehicles for medical emergencies, public safety, fire departments, civil protection, and urban services.
School and employee transportation with current emissions testing.
Vehicles for people with disabilities with the corresponding permit or hologram.
Authorized hazardous waste transportation (except fuels).
Refrigerated transportation of food and perishable products.
Motorcycles, which are exempt from Phase 1.
Health Recommendations for the Public
Authorities recommend avoiding outdoor exposure between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
It is also recommended to suspend outdoor sports, cultural and recreational activities, not to smoke in enclosed spaces, and to stay informed through the Aire App and official air quality channels.
Source: msn
