Pakistan’s air quality is the most talked about topic during the winter months, especially in major cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, etc.
But today at Sphere Medium we will highlight mainly Lahore and the effect of smog during these cold winter months.
Overall, the air quality of Pakistan has deteriorated and has become a serious health concern.
Smog has been affecting the air quality to the point that it’s causing respiratory issues along with cardiovascular problems too. I’d like to point out that not all are sensitive to the smog to the extent that they fall ill, but those who already suffer from these ailments or are of low immune status are particularly vulnerable and can be affected.
The Causes of Smog
Smog is caused by a number of factors, but the main one is crop burning for rotation purposes from surrounding areas of Punjab and also the neighbouring countries.
Factors contributing to the Smog
• Variation in seasons
• Air pollution levels
• Industrialisation
• Factories
• Vehicle emissions
• Population increase
Pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides combine with atmospheric moisture to form smog, a mixture of smoke and fog. Hazardous for the health is one concern, but this smog causes extremely poor visibility, which can then cause major accidents.
The most affected area of Pakistan is Lahore, where the air quality ranks the highest alongside India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Iran, and so on.
PM2. 5 – particulate matter
These are minute particles that may get into the lungs deeply and also the blood stream, which is why we see a rise in chest infections, cardiovascular problems, and other respiratory issues during the winter months when smog is at its peak.
Crop burning
The main cause of smog worsening is the burning of crops for crop rotation purposes when the season ends.
After the farmers have harvested, particularly rice straw, they opt to burn the left-over straw and other left-overs to clear up fields for the upcoming planting season.
This is a common agricultural practice that is even done in Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, and Kasur, which is close to Lahore and where I currently reside.
What measures are being taken?
The government is trying their best to address these issues by setting up campaigns and spreading awareness and has been giving alternatives to this practice, but farmers are also under pressure economically and remain challenged. It’s so hard on them too.
The effects of smog
Smog can affect everyone but then some won’t have any symptoms at all.
From mild irritation to extreme symptoms depending on your level of physical fitness. If you’ve got underlying health ailments such as asthma or any other respiratory issues, and for people already suffering from cardiovascular problems, you are most vulnerable, alongside the young and elderly. Please protect yourself and visit a doctor if you develop the following symptoms:
- A cough
- Sore irritated eyes
- Constantly exhausted
- Chest pains
- Chest tightness
More severe symptoms are:
- Lung infections
- Chest constantly wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Asthma attacks
- Cardiovascular disorders
Protecting yourself with the correct masks
I’m just going to list the masks available in Pakistan for smog protection, these masks are available at all major pharmacies, retailers, or you can order online from Daraz or OLX
- Surgical
- P100
- Vogmask
- FFP3
- FFP2
- KN95
- N95
Please note that the surgical masks don’t provide much protection, but are better still than the cloth mask.
The dos and don'ts list to protect yourself from this smog
The dos
- Put on masks: To filter out dangerous particles, especially while venturing outdoors, put on N95 or comparable masks.
- Remain indoors: Avoid going outside on days when pollution levels are high. Use air purifiers if they are accessible, and keep doors and windows closed.
- Remain Hydrated: By removing toxins from the body, drinking lots of water reduces health risks.
- Make Use of Air Purifying Plants: Indoor air can be made cleaner by using plants liked snake, spider, and aloe vera. a
- Track Air Quality: Make use of AQI applications to keep abreast of local pollution levels and adjust your plans accordingly.
The don'ts
- Avoid Exercise Outside: Steer clear of strenuous outdoor activities since they increase the amount of contaminants inhaled.
- Don’t Burn Rubbish: Refrain from burning any items, including domestic rubbish, to prevent adding to pollution.
- Avoid Smoking Indoors: If at all possible, smoke outside, as indoor smoking degrades the quality of the air.
- Don’t Ignore Symptoms: See a doctor right away if you have persistent symptoms, such as coughing or chest pain.
- Steer Clear of Highly Polluted Routes: When commuting, try to stay away from places with a lot of traffic or industrial activity.
Thank you for reading. When writing this blog, I used a lot of different sources to make sure it was accurate and complete. Please leave feedback in the comments section below and share your thoughts about this blog. Once again, thank you for reading here at Sphere Medium.
FAQs
How can I keep an eye on my city's air quality?
You can check air quality levels using a variety of AQI tracking apps, such as AirVisual, and websites, such as the official website of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency.
Which Pakistani cities get the worst smog?
The worst-hit cities include Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, especially in the winter.
Can indoor pollution be efficiently reduced by air purifying plants?
Indeed, indoor air quality can be enhanced by plants like snake plants and aloe vera, but they are most effective when combined with other air filtration techniques.
Is it effective to wear a mask during the smog season?
Yes, using a N95 mask or anything similar when stepping outside during periods of high pollution is advised because they effectively filter out particulate matter.
What health hazards are connected to extended pollution exposure?
Long-term exposure, particularly in susceptible people, might exacerbate pre-existing medical illnesses and cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Pakistani Air Quality: Recognising the Smog Epidemic and Self-Prevention Strategies
Writer | Scribbler of Dramatic Verses | Zoophilist | Empath |In the midst of writing my very first Novel | Mens Skincare Coming Soon | Husband’s Right Hand
