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Solar radiation levels have risen significantly in Mexico's capital city
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025

Earlier this week, environmentalists in Mexico City raised the alarm over unexpectedly high levels of solar radiation. Radiation levels in and around the Mexican capital, which are recorded weekly, have increased significantly. Representatives of the National Atmospheric Monitoring System are currently investigating the circumstances that may have contributed to the increased radiation.
Local residents are warned to take additional measures to protect themselves from solar radiation and to reduce the time spent in the open sun.
By "solar radiation" ecologists mean all electromagnetic oscillations emitted by the bright sun. The intensity of solar radiation directly depends on both the height of the sun and the angle of incidence of the sun's rays. The intensity of radiation can also be affected by the state of the atmosphere and the degree of air pollution.
In addition to the significant increase in solar radiation, Mexican environmentalists also reported a high level of air pollution. Experts say that the air was not so dirty just a few months ago. Environmental pollution can also affect the level of solar radiation; it was previously noted that in rural areas, where the level of air pollution is significantly lower, the level of solar radiation also decreases compared to urban areas.
Representatives of the National Atmosphere Monitoring System warned local residents that it is not recommended to spend much free time outdoors without need in the coming weeks. Experts recommend that residents of Mexico City and its immediate surroundings apply sunscreen to exposed areas every day before leaving home, and do not forget hats or light umbrellas. Ecologists believe that simple precautions will help protect the local population from the negative impact of too dangerous sun rays.
Mexico City doctors have also warned the local population that, despite the welcoming spring sun, they should refrain from staying outdoors for long periods of time under direct sunlight. Health officials believe that being outdoors can be dangerous at the moment. It has been reported that being under the sun can trigger such an oncological disease as skin cancer or cause significant damage to human vision. Open sunlight causes a strong change in the composition of human skin, which can lead to the formation of tumors. As for the impact on vision, solar radiation can contribute to the development of allergic conjunctivitis and can damage the cornea and even the lens during direct exposure to human eyes.
Mexican scientists say that changes in radiation levels have been noticed before, but this is the first time such a significant difference has been recorded. Previously, representatives of the National Atmosphere Monitoring System did not issue a warning to the population, since the problem did not seem significant; this is the first time scientists have issued a statement on this matter.