David WilliamsAir Pollution in Mexico City

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