Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world, has a major problem wi
th high levels of anthropogenic gases and aerosols. Some facets of this pro
blem have been studied through measurements made during the past 40 years.
These measurements are reviewed and evaluated with respect to physical proc
esses that underlie the primary and secondary formation of gases and aeroso
ls, their spatial and temporal evolution as well as their potential impact
on the local and regional environment. Past measurements are heavily biased
towards certain locations and time periods, and are of limited use for und
erstanding fundamental processes that govern the formation and evolution of
the principal pollutants. Recommendations are made whereby the measurement
database could be expanded to better represent the characteristics of Mexi
co City gases and aerosols and to contribute to mitigation strategies that
would lessen the environmental impact of these pollutants. (C) 2001 Elsevie
r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.