Objective:

To analyze the effects of air pollution on the health of a vulnerable population in the Mexico City after the nine environmental contingencies presented in the year 2024.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among outdoor workers (street vendors). Risk factors and respiratory symptoms were documented, and respiratory function tests were performed.

Results:

A total of 300 patients were enrolled. The most frequent clinical symptoms were increased expectoration (52%), recurrent respiratory infections (44.3%), headache (39.6%), cough (35%), laryngeal irritation (34%), nasal itching (30%), dyspnea (26%), vertigo (22%), conjunctivitis (20.6%), and chest pain (19.6%). Spirometry results showed: 61.3% with a restrictive pattern, 14.3% with an obstructive pattern, 13.3% with a mixed pattern, and 11% with no abnormalities. Forty-four percent of this group experienced exacerbations of diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusions:

Air pollution constitutes a serious public health problem, especially for low-income people, who live and work in areas with high levels of pollution, as evidenced in our study. Further epidemiological studies are essential to evaluate the impact of ozone and other pollutants on vulnerable groups, to implement more effective preventive measures.

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