Air quality in Madrid has reached particularly critical levels these days due to a cocktail of factors that have put both authorities and public health experts on alert. The pollution episode, notified by Madrid Salud and reinforced by recommendations of emergency services, coincides with the arrival of the African air mass loaded with dust in suspension and with the direct consequences of the fire next to the landfill in Colmenar Viejo suffered yesterday in the region.
Since the early hours of yesterday morning, the index of suspended particles (PM 10 and PM 2.5) is placed in “bad” or “unfavorable” values, well above the limits recommended by the WHO and European authorities. In addition to this episode of haze, there is a dense cloud of smoke and particles generated by the fires that are spread throughout the country, which continues to cause breathing problems and discomfort to the inhabitants of the northern area and adjacent municipalities. The air and dust masses reach concentrations of up to 50 micrograms/m³ and in the eastern part of the region has worsened compared to yesterday.
Recommendations when air quality is bad in Madrid
Therefore, 112 and the Public Health Area warn clearly: it is recommended to avoid physical activity outdoors, especially sport or intense exercise in parks, streets and outdoor gyms and use a mask if necessary. This indication is mainly addressed to the most vulnerable groups: people with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, pregnant women, children under six years of age, people over 65 years of age and those suffering from allergies or asthma. For the general population, they suggest reducing any prolonged exposure to outdoor air, opting for public transport and, if possible, staying in ventilated indoor spaces only when the air is free of particles contaminated by fire smoke.
In neighborhoods and municipalities directly affected by fire smoke, 112 gives specific instructions: keep doors and windows closed, turn off air conditioning equipment that draws air from outside, and avoid going outside except in case of emergency. The authorities also insist on moving away from the area of the fire, follow the guidelines of the emergency teams and be attentive to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent cough or eye irritation. In case of any symptom, they recommend going to the nearest health center.
Beyond the immediate recommendations, environmental associations such as Ecologistas en Acción and public health experts are calling for a more ambitious and planned response to the increasing frequency of ozone and particulate matter episodes in Madrid, aggravated in summer by heat waves, drought and forest fires. In the meantime, the regional administration itself keeps the public informed with hourly reports through the official air quality website and emergency channels.