Quintana Roo Workers Suffer in Scorching Heat Without Protection

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Despite temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104°F), workers in Quintana Roo, including fishermen, construction laborers, and gardeners, continue to toil under the scorching sun due to economic necessity. Many lack proper protective measures, raising concerns about heat-related health risks.

Relentless Heat Forces Workers to Adapt

Workers in the region reported that prolonged exposure to intense sunlight has become an unavoidable part of their daily routines. In the municipality of Benito Juárez, maximum temperatures reached between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius (93–97°F) yesterday, with a perceived heat index of 40 degrees (104°F). Specialists warn that prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of heatstroke, severe burns, premature skin aging, and even skin cancer.

Elio, a tourism promoter, noted that while breezes occasionally provide relief, he must hydrate at least five times a day to cope with the conditions. “I have to work—who else will put food on the table? I protect myself with a hat and sunscreen, but the sun is relentless,” he said.

Edilberto, a fisherman in Playa del Niño, described the harsh reality of spending four to seven hours under direct sunlight each day. “The burns are intense, but we’ve grown accustomed to it,” he said, adding that despite two to three cases of heatstroke reported among his peers this week, work cannot stop.

Construction and Outdoor Laborers Struggle

Luis, a construction worker, starts his day at 5 a.m. to avoid peak heat but still faces grueling conditions. “Wearing long sleeves and covering my face makes me sweat excessively, and sometimes I struggle to breathe,” he explained. Workers take breaks to rehydrate, but dizziness and exhaustion remain common due to physical exertion.

David, a gardener in Cancún’s hotel zone, lamented the toll on his health: “I’ve lost my natural skin tone after five hours in the sun daily, but I have no choice—I must keep working.”

Tourist Incident Highlights Risks

The dangers of extreme heat were underscored when a 79-year-old foreign tourist collapsed at Cancún International Airport’s Terminal 4, suspected to be suffering from heatstroke. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause.

Despite the risks, workers emphasized that economic pressures leave them no alternative but to endure the conditions. Local reports indicate that while some take precautions like hydration and protective clothing, systemic workplace protections remain insufficient.

Workers’ testimonies highlight the urgent need for improved labor protections in extreme weather conditions.