David Williams

Air Pollution in Mexico City

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Causes of.
Topography, meteorology and a huge concentration of pollution sources
The city sits in an elevated basin at an altitude of 2,240m above sea level, surrounded
by mountain ridges
The Basin often comes under the influence of high-pressure systems, with weak
winds and persistent temperature inversions, trapping pollutants
Pollution comes from burning fossil fuels by almost 20 million residents, 3.5 million
vehicles and 35,000 industries and services
This is worst in winter as rain is infrequent and temperature inversions are frequent
Impacts of
The concentrations of ozone, the main constituent of photochemical smog, and
suspended particulate matter, associated with breathing problems
100,000 children die annually from air pollution
250,000 people suffer from eye diseases related from eye pollution
life expectancy has been reduced by up to 10 years
Pollution levels are higher than the World Health Organisation recommended for 50%
of the time
Solutions to
Replacement of fuel oil with natural gas in industry and power generation, and
removal of lead from petrol
Vehicle inspection and maintenance has increased and a city wide no driving day
(Hoy No Circula) banning the use of 20% of all private vehicles on Monday to Friday
Modernisation of vehicle fleets and a compulsory vehicle exhaust-monitoring
programme, in which the cleanest vehicles can be used on all days