LAHORE: The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s most populated province, dropped to the worst levels on Earth again on Wednesday.
The Lahore AQI, which measures a range of pollutants, recorded at 1115, placing it in the ‘Hazardous’ category, and affecting more than 14 million people in the city alone.
The AQI 1115 means the air quality in Lahore is 22 times higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard of 50, which is considered healthy.
Last week, the AQI in Lahore was recorded at 1073.
The global pollution monitoring website, IQAir, predicted that Lahore, the second largest city in the south Asian country, will remain in the ‘Hazardous’ category for the next three days.
The air pollution is not limited to Lahore but has also spread to other major cities forcing the Punjab government to close schools in Lahore, Multan, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad divisions for ten days.
Reasons Contributing to Air Pollution
One of the main contributors to smog is the practice of farmers burning crop stubble to clear their fields quickly and cheaply.
Although stubble burning is banned in Pakistan, weak enforcement has allowed the practice to persist. Other factors contributing to air pollution include industrial emissions from factories and construction, as well as fumes from trucks and cars.
Pollution Poses Health Risks
UNICEF reports that nearly 600 million children in South Asia are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution, with half of all childhood pneumonia deaths linked to it.
According to UNICEF, every year, air pollution is estimated to cause the deaths of 130,000 children under the age of 5 in South Asia.
According to the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute report, pollution levels in Lahore exceed those considered safe by the WHO, leading to an average reduction in life expectancy of residents by 7.5 years for the city’s residents.
Another report in Chicago says that fossil fuel-driven particulate air pollution cuts global average life expectancy by 1.8 years per person.
Smog Side Effects on Human
According to the UN Environment Programme report, air pollution is a global health crisis, causing one in nine deaths worldwide. In 2021, exposure to PM2.5 reduced global life expectancy by nearly 20 months.
The deadliest illnesses linked air pollution are:
- Lower Respiratory Diseases
- Cardiovascular Issues
- Reduced Immune Function
- Long-term Health Effects
- Mental Health Problems
- Diabetes
- Stroke
AQI: How Pollution is Measured
An AQI below 50 is considered “Good,” between 51 and 100 is “Moderate,” 101 to 150 is “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” 151 to 200 is “Unhealthy,” 201 to 300 is “Very Unhealthy,” and 301 and above is classified as “Hazardous.”
Essential Tips for Protecting Yourself from Smog
- Limit Outdoor Activities: Stay indoors, especially when AQI levels are high.
- Use Air Purifiers: Help remove pollutants from your indoor air for a cleaner environment.
- Create a Smog-Free Zone: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor air from entering your home.
- Wear Masks: Protect your lungs by wearing an N95 mask or higher when going outside.
- Consult a Doctor: If you have asthma or heart disease, seek personalized advice from your healthcare provider.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check air quality reports and monitor live AQI levels for the latest information before doing outdoor activities.
