**11 Air Quality Alerts in Tijuana: A Growing Concern**
Since September 2024, Tijuana has witnessed 20 days marked by poor air quality, prompting 11 alerts primarily in Tijuana and Mexicali, as reported by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. These alerts align with the new Mexican regulation NOM-172-SEMARNAT-2023, which came into effect on July 23, 2023, mandating public reporting on air quality issues and prevention measures. The state introduced Baja California’s Atmospheric Environmental Contingency Program on August 22, 2024.
Mónica Vega, the Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development, highlighted the need for increased monitoring in Tijuana, where, currently, only two state-operated stations are active, with another from the consulate out of service. In Mexicali, there are three state stations and one from the municipal government. She explained that air quality issues are complex, caused by various human activities, such as industries and transportation, exacerbated by climatic conditions like Santa Ana winds and lower temperatures. She urged the public and government to reduce air pollution by avoiding the use of fireworks, bonfires, and burning waste, especially during the winter when the problem tends to worsen.
Carlos Bustamante from the civic association Redspira emphasized the long-standing nature of air pollution and the importance of public alerts to raise awareness. He noted that according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), air pollution is a recognized carcinogen, also linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and even neurodegenerative diseases. Bustamante called for increased government collaboration with civic groups and more investment in monitoring centers, given the current insufficient infrastructure. He also stressed the need for efficient vehicle emission inspections, as vehicle pollution is a major contributor in Tijuana.
**Secondary Article: Rising Concerns Over Air Quality in Mexico**
In a related development, cities across Mexico are increasingly grappling with air pollution challenges. According to experts, urban areas like Tijuana are at significant risk, with vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and climate conditions exacerbating pollution levels. With limited monitoring infrastructure, experts call for better emission regulations, increased public awareness, and proactive government policies to tackle and mitigate air quality issues effectively.
Furthermore, comparing global approaches, some cities leverage technology with smart sensors and data analytics to address pollution more effectively. Implementing similar strategies could help Mexican cities improve their air quality management, thus safeguarding public health and environmental sustainability.