Overview
- Peru’s Senamhi cautioned that mass pyrotechnics on Christmas could sharply raise PM2.5 in Lima, heightening risks for children, older adults, pregnant people and those with respiratory or cardiovascular disease.
- Senamhi’s REMCA data from Christmas 2024 showed pronounced overnight spikes, including Puente Piedra at 99.0 µg/m³ (+23% vs 2023) and San Juan de Lurigancho at 80.7 µg/m³ (+18%), with peaks between 1:00 and 3:00 a.m.
- Mexico’s CAMe, with the environmental secretariats of Mexico City and the State of Mexico, urged residents across the Valley of Mexico and Toluca metros to avoid pyrotechnics and bonfires to reduce the chance of air-quality contingencies.
- The National Institute of Public Health warned that exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 can cause eye and throat irritation, allergic reactions, respiratory infections, asthma flare-ups, COPD worsening and acute cardiovascular events.
- Authorities advised staying indoors with windows closed during very poor air, avoiding vigorous outdoor activity—especially the morning of December 25—wearing masks if going out, reporting fires to 800-737-0000 or 911, and checking official monitors and CAMe apps for real-time conditions.