Air Pollution's Deadly Impact On Mexico's Population

Air pollution has been a significant issue in Mexico City for decades, causing about one in seventeen (5.9%) of all deaths in the country. While Mexico City's air quality has improved in recent years, dropping from the most polluted city in the world to 917th in 2021, it still exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines for airborne particle concentrations. The causes of air pollution in Mexico City are diverse, including industrial growth, a sharp increase in population, the proliferation of vehicles, wildfires, and volcanic activity. The health effects of air pollution are extensive, ranging from respiratory and cardiovascular issues to increased vulnerability to COVID-19 and even premature death. According to Greenpeace, particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution caused an estimated 15,000 premature deaths in Mexico City in 2020, with an additional 8,800 deaths attributed to it since January 1, 2021.

Air pollution is linked to premature death in children and adults

Air pollution is a pressing issue in Mexico, particularly in Mexico City, which was once named the world's most polluted city. While significant improvements have been made, and Mexico City is no longer ranked as the most polluted city, the air quality still exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines. This is concerning as air pollution is linked to premature death in children and adults, and it is a major threat to public health.

The sources of air pollution in Mexico are diverse and include industrial growth, a sharp increase in population, the proliferation of vehicles, wildfires, and volcanic activity. These factors have contributed to high levels of particulate matter (PM) and ozone pollution, which have had detrimental effects on human health.

The health risks associated with air pollution are far-reaching. Short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of mortality in both children and adults. Studies have found a consistent association between PM levels and post-neonatal mortality due to respiratory causes and sudden infant death syndrome. Ambient air pollution has also been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature birth, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth retardation. Children are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution due to their higher minute ventilation, immature immune systems, involvement in vigorous activities, and the continuing development of their lungs.

The impact of air pollution on adult health is also significant. Older adults are at an increased risk of health issues due to air pollution, with studies showing a substantial increase in deaths within a 2-day period when exposed to high levels of fine particles or ozone. Additionally, air pollution has been associated with various health conditions, including asthma, heart attacks, strokes, and cancers.

The Mexican government has implemented various policies and initiatives to combat air pollution, such as the "Hoy No Circula" program, which restricts vehicular circulation on certain days, and the expansion of public transportation. These efforts have contributed to the improvement in air quality, but more aggressive policies may be needed to address the root causes of the problem.

In conclusion, air pollution in Mexico has been linked to premature death in children and adults. The diverse sources of air pollution have led to high levels of particulate matter and ozone, which have detrimental health effects. The Mexican government's efforts to improve air quality have shown progress, but further action is necessary to protect public health and mitigate the impact of air pollution on mortality rates.

Air pollution is one of the top causes of death in Mexico

Air pollution is a major cause of death in Mexico, with one in seventeen deaths in the country caused by poor air quality. Mexico City, in particular, has long suffered from severe air pollution, though it has dropped from being the world's most polluted city to the 917th in 2021. Despite this improvement, the city's air quality is still far from ideal, and the country as a whole continues to struggle with the deadly effects of air pollution.

The causes of Mexico's air pollution crisis are multifaceted. The country's rapid industrialization and urbanisation in the 20th century, coupled with a population boom, led to a significant increase in pollution levels. Mexico City's high altitude of 7382 feet above sea level also contributes to the problem, as it causes oxygen levels to be 25% lower. The proliferation of vehicles, many of which are old and emit high levels of pollutants, is another significant factor. In addition, the frequent activity of the nearby volcano Popocatepetl has been linked to increased contamination in Mexico City.

The health risks associated with air pollution are well-documented. Even short-term exposure to polluted air can have immediate effects, such as aggravating cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses and increasing the risk of infection from viruses that target the respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure can lead to permanent health issues, including accelerated ageing of the lungs, reduced lung capacity, and increased vulnerability to COVID-19. Those with pre-existing heart conditions are at an even greater risk of suffering adverse health effects from air pollution.

The Mexican government has implemented various policies and programs to combat air pollution over the years. In the early 1990s, the government mandated the removal of lead from gasoline and the implementation of catalytic converters in automobiles. More recently, there has been an expansion of public transportation, and drivers have been prohibited from using their cars one day a week. While these measures have helped improve air quality, more aggressive policies are needed to address the root causes of the problem.

The economic costs of air pollution in Mexico are also significant. The reduction of PM10, for example, would result in average "savings" of US $760 million annually, in addition to 33,287 fewer emergency room visits and 4,188 fewer hospital admissions for respiratory distress. It is clear that air pollution is not just a public health issue but also a financial burden for the country.

Wildfires and forest fires contribute to air pollution

Air pollution is a pressing issue in Mexico, causing about one in seventeen (5.9%) of all deaths in the country. While Mexico City was once the world's most polluted city, it has since dropped to the 917th most polluted city as of 2021. This improvement is largely due to the Mexican government's efforts to reduce emission levels through citizen participation, vehicular restrictions, increased green areas, and expanded bicycle accessibility. However, the city still faces challenges in meeting the internationally recommended ratio of green areas to urbanized spaces, which contributes to the resuspension of particles and heat islands.

Wildfires and forest fires significantly contribute to air pollution and are closely linked to climate change. They release super pollutants, including black carbon, which is particularly harmful to both the climate and human health. Black carbon emissions from wildfires can spread over vast distances, affecting people and animals across wide areas. The increase in wildfires is attributed to the climate crisis and land use changes, with hotter and drier conditions making forests more susceptible to fires.

In 2024, global wildfires and vegetation fires generated approximately 1,940 megatonnes of carbon monoxide. The Canadian wildfires of 2024, for example, released more carbon in five months than Russia or Japan's total fossil fuel emissions for 2022. Wildfires in peatlands, which cover less than 3% of the Earth's surface, are especially problematic as they release greenhouse gases that drive the climate crisis.

The impact of wildfires on air quality was evident in Mexico in 2019. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources reported at least 66 fires in the capital and 130 in the State of Mexico, contributing to the worsening air quality. The smoke and particles from these fires, combined with other environmental conditions, had severe consequences for human health.

To address the challenges posed by wildfires and forest fires, policymakers must focus on prevention and intervention. Countries have established frameworks, such as the 'REDD+' under the Paris Agreement, to protect forests and combat climate change. Additionally, initiatives like the 'Fire Ready Formula' emphasize allocating resources for planning, prevention, preparedness, and recovery to effectively manage wildfires and mitigate their impact on air pollution.

Air pollution is linked to a higher risk of infection from viruses

Air pollution is a pressing issue in Mexico, causing about one in seventeen (5.9%) of all deaths in the country. While Mexico City was once the world's most polluted city, it has since dropped to 917th. This improvement is largely due to the Mexican government's efforts to reduce emission levels, including the "Hoy No Circula" policy, which restricts vehicles from circulating on certain days. However, air pollution still poses significant health risks, particularly in highly populated urban areas.

The link between air pollution and an increased risk of infection from viruses has been a subject of research, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have found a positive association between long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution and increased mortality rates from COVID-19. For example, a study in the United States by Wu et al. found that an increase of 1𝜇g/m3 in long-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an 8% increased risk of COVID-19 mortality. Similarly, a study in England showed that long-term exposure to NO2 and PM2.5 increased the risk of death from COVID-19. These findings suggest that air pollution may have contributed to higher infection rates in densely populated urban areas.

Additionally, air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular issues. Particulate matter, such as PM2.5 and PM10, can cause irreversible damage to cells in the respiratory system, leading to accelerated ageing of the lungs and a loss of capacity. This can make individuals more susceptible to viral infections, as their respiratory and cardiovascular systems are already compromised.

Furthermore, air pollution can create a chronic inflammatory state in the body, increasing the risk of chronic respiratory diseases. This, in turn, has been linked to higher mortality rates from viral infections, as individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues may struggle to recover from infections. Populations in densely populated urban areas with high levels of air pollution may, therefore, be at greater risk of severe outcomes from viral infections.

While the specific mechanisms require further investigation, the available evidence suggests a correlation between air pollution and a higher risk of infection from viruses. This correlation underscores the importance of implementing policies to reduce air pollution and protect public health. By addressing air pollution, Mexico can not only improve the quality of life for its citizens but also potentially reduce the impact of viral outbreaks.

Air pollution in Mexico City has improved but is still a concern

Air pollution in Mexico City has improved significantly in recent years, but it still poses a serious health risk to its residents.

In the 20th century, Mexico City experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to a substantial increase in its population. This growth, coupled with the proliferation of vehicles and industrial activities, resulted in severely poor air quality. By the 1980s and 1990s, the city was recognized as one of the most polluted cities globally, with air pollution posing a significant threat to public health and economic development.

Recognizing the severity of the issue, the Mexican government implemented various policies and programs to combat air pollution. Notable initiatives included the "Hoy No Circula" program, which restricted vehicular circulation on certain days, and the removal of lead from gasoline. These efforts led to notable improvements, and by 2021, Mexico City had dropped to the 917th most polluted city in the world, according to IQAir.

However, air pollution in Mexico City remains a concern. While no longer at historically high levels, the city's air pollution levels are still very high and above the World Health Organization's guidelines for particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM10). The annual concentration of PM10 has exceeded the limit for the last decade, with the highest levels recorded in November 2019. Ground-level ozone, formed through the interaction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, is another critical pollutant, with concentrations in 2016 reaching almost the levels seen in the 1980s.

The health impacts of air pollution are significant. Very high levels of air pollution can immediately aggravate cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, causing stress to the heart and lungs. Prolonged exposure can lead to permanent health issues, such as accelerated lung ageing, reduced lung capacity, and increased vulnerability to respiratory infections. Air pollution is estimated to cause about 5.9% of all deaths in Mexico, and it is the eighth-largest cause of death in the country. Greenpeace estimates that PM2.5 air pollution led to approximately 15,000 premature deaths in Mexico City in 2020, and 8,800 deaths since January 1, 2021.

To further improve air quality, experts have recommended programs that incentivize the use of public transportation and discourage the use of highly polluting vehicles like SUVs and trucks. Addressing the root causes of air pollution and implementing aggressive policies will be crucial for Mexico City to continue making strides toward cleaner air and improved public health.

Frequently asked questions