Mexico City pollution: Residents urged to stay indoors Published duration 15 May 2019

image copyright AFP image caption Some residents donned face masks as pollution levels rose

Officials in Mexico City have declared an environmental emergency after air pollution in the Mexican capital reached levels potentially dangerous to human health.

They urged those at particular risk to stay indoors and restricted the number of cars which can be driven in the city on Wednesday.

Smoke from nearby forest fires has contributed to the spike in pollution.

The city has been wrapped in a smoky haze for days.

Mexican photographer Santiago Arau tweeted video taken from a drone showing the extent of the pollution.

Particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or less, known as PM2.5, reached 158 micrograms per cubic metre of air at one measuring station on Tuesday morning, more than six times the World Health Organisation daily mean recommended limit.

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PM2.5 particles are thought to be particularly damaging because they are so small, they can penetrate the deepest parts of the lungs.

More than 21 million people live in Mexico City's metropolitan area and it was once infamous for its poor air quality. Air pollution levels dropped in the late 1990s but have again been on the rise in recent years.

media caption Hector Ruiz is on a one-man mission to make Mexico City cleaner

The city lies in a valley and when there is little wind, the air can quickly become stagnant.

image copyright Getty Images image caption The city was covered in a yellow haze

Mexico City's environmental commission advised residents to avoid outdoor activities and Mexico's first division football league postponed a match between León and Club América, which was due to be played in the capital on Wednesday.