Mexico City air quality: a qualitative review of gas and aerosol measurements (1960–2000)

Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world, has a major problem with high levels of anthropogenic gases and aerosols. Some facets of this problem have been studied through measurements made during the past 40 years. These measurements are reviewed and evaluated with respect to physical processes that underlie the primary and secondary formation of gases and aerosols, their spatial and temporal evolution as well as their potential impact on the local and regional environment. Past measurements are heavily biased towards certain locations and time periods, and are of limited use for understanding fundamental processes that govern the formation and evolution of the principal pollutants. Recommendations are made whereby the measurement database could be expanded to better represent the characteristics of Mexico City gases and aerosols and to contribute to mitigation strategies that would lessen the environmental impact of these pollutants.