Risk to the health of the population by inhalation of PM2.5 from the atmosphere in Mexico

Abstract

Mexico is not exempt from the growing global concern about the increase in air pollution and its harmful effects on health. Therefore, this study aims to determine the health risk index for PM2.5 inhalation present in Mexico’s atmosphere. To this end, the number of atmospheric monitoring networks in the country (36) was reviewed, and how many of them had available data on PM2.5 (9), as well as meteorological data (wind direction and speed, temperature) during the period 2016-2019. Data tables were produced for each monitoring network, and the spatial behavior and meteorological variables of PM2.5 were determined. The health risk index was calculated, and it was determined that the sites with the highest risk index for PM2.5 inhalation in Mexico were, first, San Cristóbal in the State of Mexico and second, Xalostoc in Mexico City.