NOM-043-SEMARNAT-1993
The NOM-043-SEMARNAT-1993 is an Official Mexican Standard that regulates the maximum permissible emission levels of solid particles from stationary sources into the atmosphere. Its purpose is to protect air quality and public health by controlling emissions from industrial activities and other fixed sources.
What does this standard regulate?
The standard is mandatory across all of Mexico and applies to all fixed sources emitting solid particles, except those governed by specific regulations. It sets limits based on gas flow and geographic location, distinguishing between critical zones and the rest of the country.
The critical zones (with stricter limits) include:
- Mexico Valley Metropolitan Area
- Guadalajara and Monterrey
- Coatzacoalcos-Minatitlán
- Irapuato-Celaya-Salamanca
- Tula-Vito-Apasco
- Tampico-Madero-Altamira Industrial Corridor
- Northern Border Zone (100 km from the U.S. border)
Key technical parameters:
- Emission limits are expressed in milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³).
- The standard provides formulas and tables to calculate values based on gas flow.
- Mandatory measurement methods:
- NMX-AA-009-1993-SCFI: gas flow.
- NMX-AA-010-SCFI-2001: solid particle emissions.
Monitoring and compliance:
Oversight is handled by SEMARNAT, PROFEPA and local authorities. Non-compliance can result in fines, shutdowns, and corrective actions.
Is it up to date?
Although still in force, the standard dates back to 1993. Several stakeholders have called for its update, as current limits may be insufficient for urban health. There are also proposals to review the critical zones due to demographic and environmental changes.
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