A few hours before saying goodbye to 2024, the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi) warned that the air quality in Lima will reach levels dangerous to health during the New Year celebrations.
This deterioration will mainly affect the areas of northern and eastern Lima, where pollution is expected to reach “unhealthy” levels on January 1.
Through a statement on its official account on This forecast adds to an urgent call to the population to avoid the burning of dolls and the use of fireworks, traditions that significantly increase the levels of polluting particles in the environment.
Although air quality in Peru showed a slight improvement compared to 2022, the country still exceeds the standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This puts vulnerable people at risk, such as children, older adults and those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
Senamhi also recommended limiting outdoor activities in areas where pollution levels are moderate or higher, to reduce exposure to harmful particles. This alert is reinforced with recent data: during the early hours of December 25, in the midst of the Christmas celebration, the highest peaks of air pollution were recorded in districts such as Puente Piedra and Villa María del Triunfo.
The burning of dolls and the use of fireworks, deeply rooted in the end-of-year festivities in Peru, are mainly responsible for this problem. Given this, the authorities urged the adoption of more sustainable practices that allow the celebrations to be enjoyed without compromising public health.
