ISLAMABAD: Environmentalists are issuing an urgent call for immediate action to combat air pollution and urging citizens to diligently follow preventive measures to protect themselves from the looming threat of smog engulfing Punjab.
The alarming rise in pollution, exacerbated by changing weather conditions, poses a significant risk of infections.
In an interview with state news channel, Environmentalist Dr. Rukhsana Tariq emphasized that the air quality in Lahore has steadily deteriorated to dangerous levels, becoming a critical public health concern in recent months.
She stressed the need for Pakistan to learn from the experiences of other countries in controlling smog and air pollution. Dr. Tariq also highlighted the importance of revising national emission standards and ensuring compliance with international norms and regulations.
Furthermore, she pointed out that smog affects people of all ages, with children and the elderly being more vulnerable to diseases caused by air pollution. Smog, originally named after the combination of smoke and fog in the air, adversely affects visibility, human health, and crops.
In response to a question, Dr. Tariq explained that smog can irritate the eyes and nose as it dries out protective membranes and hinders the body’s ability to fight infections.
Experts underscored the importance of inter-departmental and regional cooperation in developing strategies to mitigate air pollution, emphasizing the need for all stakeholders to take practical steps to address the smog issue. —APP
