Guatemala: Air Pollution Across the Country

Recent information from various authorities highlights significant air pollution issues affecting Guatemala. Key updates are as follows:

1. National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) and Ministry of Health (May 20):

• Information: Monitor updates from CONRED and the Ministry of Health regarding air pollution.
• Protective Measures:
  • Limit outdoor activities and ensure appropriate protection.
  • Keep doors and windows closed to prevent indoor contamination.
  • Wear masks to reduce direct contact with polluted air.
  • Keep car windows closed while driving to avoid external pollution.
  • For those with respiratory conditions, manage health carefully and seek medical care if needed.
• Source: Soy502 – Recommendations from CONRED

2. Ministry of Education (May 20-22):

• May 20: All educational institutions in Guatemala Department will suspend outdoor activities.
  • Source: GuatemalaGob – Education Ministry Update
• May 21: Due to “dangerous and very poor” air quality, outdoor activities remain suspended. Further coordination with health and meteorological agencies will determine actions for the following day.
  • Source: MineducGT – Ministry of Education Update
• May 22: Outdoor activities in all educational institutions will continue to be suspended due to “very poor” air quality.
  • Source: MineducGT – Education Ministry Update

3. National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH):

• Observation: Monitoring pollution levels in Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango Department, Petén Department, Solalá Department, Huehuetenango Department, and Izabal Department.
  • Source: INSIVUMEH – Pollution Observations
• Air Quality Index (AQI): The air quality index for Guatemala Department is regularly updated.
  • Source: INSIVUMEH – Air Quality Index