What can I do about the noise and pollution from a construction site in my neighborhood?

Question

I live in a house next to a construction site in a neighborhood in Mexico City. They started demolishing the old house and building a new one about a month ago. The noise is really loud and the machines they're using are polluting the air with strong smells from gasoline and motor fumes. The smell is really bad and it lasts for hours. I've already asked the construction workers to do something about it, but they just ignore me. I'm getting really stressed out from the noise and pollution. Do you know if there's anything I can do to make them stop contaminating my home?

Toby F · Answer

Check if they have construction permits. If they don't, report it and they'll have to shut down the work.

fernanda_mexico · Answer

The motor of one of those machines costs more than a new mid-range car. Obviously, they won't change it because someone yelled at them. If the motor is visibly polluting, you can take pictures and videos and report it to the ecology department. Construction sites like this should have a sign with the permit number visible, if they don't, you can report them. If they do, you can go to the local government or the environment department (SEDEMA).

marianalima · Answer

Legally, you can report it to the local government or the environment department. Mechanically, those machines don't have filters like cars do, so they usually remove them. I suggest you get an air purifier and try to keep your windows open, except the ones that face the construction site. To reduce the noise, consider replacing the window panes with PVC ones that have a hermetic seal.

What can I do about the noise and pollution from a construction site in my neighborhood?