Due to smog and pollution, the air in Lahore, the capital of Punjab, has become extremely hazardous, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching an all-time high of 1165.
It's worth noting that Lahore has been ranked as the most polluted city in the world for several days now, with the winds from India exacerbating the city's hazardous air quality, causing the AQI to repeatedly surpass the 1000 mark.
According to air quality monitoring website IQAir, between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM today (November 6), the lethal particulate matter (PM2.5) levels reached as high as 1165, before dropping to 559 at 6:00 PM. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers any level above 10 to be unhealthy.
Fine particles (PM2.5), coarse particles (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) are among pollutants contributing to the poor air quality. AQI over 100 is considered 'unhealthy,' while over 150 is deemed 'very unhealthy.'
Last week, Lahore’s air pollution exceeded WHO’s recommended safe levels by 80 times. An Environmental Protection Department official, Jahangir Anwar, told AFP that Lahore had never previously reached an AQI level of 1000, adding that the high AQI levels may persist for another 3-4 days.
Yesterday, the maximum AQI was recorded at 609 between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Despite the poor air quality, the city’s daily activities continued as normal, with no significant decrease in traffic flow and little compliance observed among citizens regarding the administration’s SOPs.
In light of the current situation, the Punjab government issued a notification to close educational institutions in various districts until November 17. According to the notification by the Director-General of Environment, private and public educational institutions in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana Sahib will remain closed up to the 12th grade and for Cambridge International Education up to A Levels.
Given the worsening smog situation across Punjab, there has been an increase in cases of eye, nose, throat, and respiratory illnesses.
According to the Punjab Health Department, more than 55,000 cases of eye infections were reported across Punjab in the last week of October, with 7,000 of these cases in Lahore alone.
Additionally, respiratory issues, throat infections, and other illnesses have also been on the rise in Lahore and other parts of Punjab.
Various studies, including those by WHO, have already shown that air pollution and smog can lead to serious diseases such as heart disease, lung cancer, and strokes, resulting in the deaths of millions worldwide each year.
The governments of Pakistan and Punjab claim that the worsening smog in Lahore is due to pollution from India’s capital, New Delhi.
Last week, Lahore was declared the world’s most polluted city with an AQI of 708, prompting the Punjab government to declare smog a disaster.
The provincial government declared smog a disaster under Section 3 of the Punjab National Climate Act of 1958, empowering all deputy commissioners as relief commissioners to take necessary measures to control the smog.
According to a statement from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), measures to combat smog include banning crop residue burning as well as burning solid waste, garbage, shopping bags, tires, and plastic. The provincial government has also prohibited the sale and use of substandard fuel.
The government decided to remove parking spots that cause traffic blockages, ban stone crushers that operate without water, and restrict industrial units from operating without emission control systems.
What is Smog?
Smog is a combination of smoke and fog, typically found in densely populated industrial areas. The word “smog” is derived from the English words “smoke” and “fog.”
This type of air pollution comprises nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, ozone, and invisible pollutants like carbon monoxide and chlorofluorocarbons.
How does Smog form?
When polluted gases are released into the air, sunlight and heat interact with these gases, creating smog. It usually results from high traffic, elevated temperatures, sunlight, and stagnant air. In winter, when wind speeds are low, smoke and fog settle, creating smog as pollution levels near the ground increase.
Causes of Smog
The primary causes of smog include emissions from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, industrial plants, crop burning, and heat from human activities.
What are the health effects of Smog?
Smog is harmful to humans, animals, plants, and the environment, significantly increasing the risk of serious illnesses, especially respiratory diseases. It reduces sunlight exposure, causing a drop in essential elements like vitamin D, which can lead to diseases. When smog engulfs a city, its effects are immediately felt, causing eye irritation, cough, throat or chest irritation, skin issues, pneumonia, colds, and even deadly lung diseases.
Even minimal exposure to smog can trigger asthma attacks, particularly affecting the elderly, children, and people with respiratory conditions.
What to do to protect yourself?
Avoid going to affected areas when smog is present; if unavoidable, stay indoors with windows closed.
Use a face mask if you need to go outside, and avoid wearing lenses, opting for glasses instead.
Avoid exercising during smog, particularly in the afternoon when ozone levels are highest.
If you have asthma, always carry your inhaler and consult a doctor if symptoms worsen.
If you suffer from respiratory issues and need to go out, avoid crowded areas prone to traffic jams, and keep your vehicle windows closed to avoid inhaling toxic smoke.
Increase water and warm tea consumption
Avoid smoking entirely during smog. After returning home or arriving at the office, wash your hands, face, and exposed skin, and drink warm beverages like tea or coffee to help clear your throat.
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