According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), which measures the density of certain pollutants in the environment, it was categorized today as very poor or harmful.
Air Quality Index in Mérida
The reason was that readings above 151 and up to 162 were obtained in some areas of the Yucatecan capital. According to the classifications of this index, parameters above 100 can already be harmful to the health of certain sectors such as children, the elderly, or people with heart or lung diseases.
The index ranges from 0 to 500; the higher the number, the greater the level of pollution. A number above 200 is considered “very harmful.”
The Air Quality Index measures the density of ground-level ozone, particles, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. In the case of Mérida, according to the aqui.in page, the level of particles in the air was 3.7 times above the limit recommended by the WHO air quality guidelines for 24 hours, which occurred around 1 p.m.
The index is also divided into color-coded categories: green and yellow represent the best conditions, and orange, red, and purple indicate progressively worsening levels.
Gray Atmosphere in Mérida
The cause of this pollution was the smoke from fires recorded over the last few days due to high temperatures, detailed meteorologist Juan Antonio Palma Solís. This meant that during the day, a gray or “cloudy” atmosphere was perceived in the city, as users commented on social networks.
Today, Mérida recorded 42.7 degrees, meaning there were 19 days of extreme heat in the Yucatecan capital, detailed the specialist.
Source: Diario de Yucatan
