**Tijuana and Mexicali Struggle with Poor Air Quality**
As of Sunday, October 27, 2024, both Tijuana and Mexicali are experiencing significant air quality concerns. Tijuana has reactivated its alert for poor air quality due to particulate matter, while Mexicali has recorded very poor air quality levels.
According to preliminary environmental monitoring conducted by the Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Development, areas of Tijuana and Mexicali show elevated PM 2.5 pollutant levels in the air, a notable concern given that a PM 2.5 level of around 15 is considered good. Current reports indicate Mexicali’s UABC campus reached 103 PM 2.5, categorizing it as having extremely poor air quality. Tijuana presented a level of 67 PM 2.5, indicating poor air quality.
These levels prompted alerts in both cities on Saturday, October 26. While Tijuana’s alert was briefly deactivated on Saturday afternoon, it was reissued the following day. Mexicali’s air quality deteriorated further, reaching the stage of Very Poor Air Quality.
The Secretariat recommends that vulnerable groups—such as individuals over 60 years old, young children, and pregnant women—reduce outdoor activities. To contribute to healthier air, residents are advised to:
– Limit the use of private vehicles and opt for carpooling or public transport.
– Report any fire incidents promptly.
– Avoid using fireworks.
– Refrain from lighting bonfires.
– Reduce outdoor activities that might generate particulate emissions.
– Wet gardens and uncovered surfaces to prevent the re-suspension of particles.
– Avoid burning materials or waste, including for training purposes.
– Prohibit agricultural and forest burning.
**Additional Context and Updates**
Recent developments underscore the ongoing air quality challenges these regions face. On October 26, 2024, Mexicali entered an alert phase due to high pollution levels, amplifying concerns about community health risks. These conditions underscore the necessity of implementing and adhering to environmental guidelines to mitigate the effects of pollution.
In related news, broader measures and city-specific strategies to combat pollution and protect public health are being discussed. Officials stress the importance of community participation to ensure effective pollution reduction and encourage residents to stay informed through official channels. Continued monitoring and responsive actions are deemed essential in managing such environmental crises.
Both Tijuana and Mexicali are striving to find sustainable solutions to enhance air quality standards, offering insights into broader environmental challenges faced by urban areas globally.