Pollution in Madrid reaches critical levels: public urged to avoid outdoor exercise

Madrid is experiencing one of the year’s most severe pollution episodes this week. The arrival of airborne dust from the Sahara, combined with smoke from the fire at the Colmenar Viejo landfill and other active sources in Spain, has sent particulate levels in the air to values classified as “bad” by monitoring bodies. According to Madrid Salud records, concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 far exceed the limits set by the OMS, affecting both the capital and several municipalities in the region.

Given this situation, 112 and the Salud Pública department have issued urgent recommendations: avoid all outdoor physical activity, reduce prolonged exposure in the street and wear a mask if necessary. The warning is aimed especially at people with respiratory or cardiovascular problems, young children, people over 65 and pregnant women. In areas closest to the smoke plume, people are also asked to keep windows closed, turn off ventilation systems that draw in outside air and go out only if necessary.

Experts warn that episodes like this will become increasingly frequent with the combination of heatwaves, drought and forest fires. For this reason, associations such as Ecologistas en Acción are calling for a comprehensive strategy against pollution, including preventive measures and more robust response plans. Meanwhile, the Comunidad de Madrid updates official information every few hours through its emergency channels and the air-quality website, where the latest recommendations can be followed.