Mexico City issues second-highest pollution alert
Mexico City's government issued its second-highest pollution alert warning on Tuesday and ordered major traffic restrictions
The government of Mexico City issued its second-highest pollution alert warning on Tuesday and ordered major traffic restrictions.
City officials issued the warning for the first time in 13 years and recommended people stay indoors due to severe air pollution.
A statement from officials on Monday urged residents to stay indoors between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and avoid vigorous exercise and sporting activities in the open to or risk respiratory problems.
The government said an "extraordinary increase" in ozone concentration was caused by the presence of a high pressure system and intense solar radiation around greater Mexico City.
The city last issued a ‘phase one’ pollution warning for dangerous levels of ozone in September 2002, and a ‘phase one’ alert was last issued for particle pollution on New Year's Day 2005.
Ozone, a form of oxygen created by the reaction of sunlight with air containing other pollutants, is a key ingredient of smog.
It can compound heart disease and cause breathing difficulties, with children and the elderly especially at risk.
