The Smog Emergency in Pakistan: Health Risks and Urgent Solutions
Imagine stepping outside and facing a thick, grey haze that stings your eyes, irritates your throat, and makes your breathing feel heavy. This isn’t an unusual sight for millions in Lahore and many other cities in Pakistan, where the smog has escalated to crisis levels and the AQI has crossed 1000, making it the most polluted city in the world. Once a city of gardens and cultural heritage, is now suffocating under a blanket of smog. The once-vibrant metropolis is now a ghost town, its citizens confined to their homes, their lungs gasping for clean air. This is not a scene from a dystopian future; it’s the grim reality of Pakistan’s annual smog emergency. Each winter, a “smog emergency” grips cities, creating hazardous living conditions and turning fresh air into a scarce resource. The reality is grim, but understanding the health dangers and taking preventive actions can make a difference. So, what is smog, and why is it so destructive to human health?
What is Smog?
Smog, a portmanteau of “smoke” and “fog,” is a type of air pollution that occurs when various pollutants combine with sunlight to form ground-level ozone. The primary culprits include nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), all of which significantly degrade air quality and visibility. This noxious mix of gases and particulate matter can severely impact human health and the environment.
Smog is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which monitors the concentration of pollutants like PM2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres) and PM10. According to the World Health Organization, an AQI value above 300 is considered hazardous, and during peak smog season, Lahore often reaches AQI levels of 400 or higher, this time reaching an AQI of 1000, indicating severe air pollution risks to the general public.
The Health Implications of The “Smog Emergency”: A Closer Look
The health risks associated with smog are serious, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory issues. Here’s how smog affects human health, supported by recent studies:
1. Respiratory Issues
Exposure to smog can lead to respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Research in the Global NESt journal shows how particulate matter in smog causes morbidities like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute lower respiratory infection.
2. Cardiovascular Complications
Fine particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. A report by the American Heart Association concluded that long-term exposure to air pollution is linked to higher rates of cardiovascular mortality.
3. Reduced Lung Function in Children
Children’s developing lungs are especially vulnerable to pollutants. According to the European Respiratory Society, prolonged exposure to smog reduces lung function and increases asthma prevalence among school-aged children.
4. Mental Health Effects
Emerging research has linked high air pollution levels to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. A study by the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology concludes that there is a significant association between exposure to pollution and performance on working memory as well as attention tasks. Students residing in Lahore (a polluted city) showed poor performance on both working memory and attention tasks, including a lower number of hits, lower dʹ score, longer reaction time on both congruent and incongruent trials, and higher error rates than in Islamabad. The study’s findings indicate that students exposed to pollution perform poorly on cognitive tasks compared to children with little/no exposure.
5. Premature Mortality
The WHO attributes over 22,000 premature deaths in Pakistan annually to air pollution-related diseases, making smog a significant public health threat.
How Has Smog in Pakistan Become The “Smog Emergency”?
The root causes of smog in Pakistan are both environmental and anthropogenic, including unchecked industrialisation, vehicular emissions, and agricultural practices.
- Crop Burning: In Punjab, for example, crop burning is a seasonal contributor that releases harmful pollutants, worsening the air quality significantly during winter.
- Vehicle Emissions: Vehicle emissions, too, are a substantial problem. In Lahore alone, more than 60% of emissions come from older, poorly maintained vehicles that release high levels of toxic gases. In addition, urbanisation and construction dust add to the PM levels, further aggravating the smog emergency and crisis.
Steps to Address the “Smog Emergency”
While tackling smog requires a collective effort, some solutions are already showing promise. The following actions can help mitigate smog and protect public health:
- Implementing Stricter Emission Standards: Regulating vehicle and industrial emissions through updated policies and cleaner fuel standards can significantly reduce pollution. Electric vehicle incentives are also a practical solution for long-term pollution control.
- Encouraging Tree Planting: Trees act as natural air filters. Increased green spaces, especially in urban areas, can absorb pollutants and improve air quality.
- Promoting Public Transportation: Reducing private vehicle usage and investing in reliable public transport can help cut down emissions. Lahore’s Orange Line Metro, for instance, is a step in the right direction, but more such systems are needed nationwide.
- Advancing Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the importance of reducing air pollution through small changes—such as carpooling, avoiding unnecessary travel, and limiting outdoor activities during peak smog hours—can contribute to improving air quality.
- Using Air Purifiers and Masks: Individuals can also take personal measures like using indoor air purifiers and wearing masks with PM2.5 filters, especially during high-smog days, to reduce their exposure.
- Take The Necessary Medication: For those suffering from cough and congestion due to smog, Prospan, an ivy leaf syrup, provides natural relief by easing cough and helping clear respiratory passages, making breathing easier. Consider using Prospan-Ivy Leaf syrup for safe and effective respiratory support, particularly during smog season.
Conclusion
The smog emergency in Pakistan, particularly in cities like Lahore, is a grave concern with serious health repercussions. As we continue to witness worsening air quality, the need for comprehensive measures becomes more urgent. From enforcing stricter emission controls to promoting public awareness, there’s much that can be done to alleviate this smog emergency. At an individual level, adopting precautionary measures such as air purifiers and protective masks and using Prospan syrup to relieve respiratory discomfort can help mitigate the impact of smog on health. Addressing Pakistan’s smog emergency requires collaboration from citizens, policymakers, and industries alike, aiming to create a cleaner, healthier future.
FAQs
1. What is smog, and why is it harmful?
Smog is a mix of smoke and fog containing harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. It’s harmful because it can cause respiratory, cardiovascular, and even mental health issues.
2. How does smog affect children?
Children are especially vulnerable as smog can impair lung development, increase asthma rates, and affect overall growth.
3. What causes smog in Pakistan?
Major causes include vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, crop burning, and dust from construction activities.
4. How can I protect myself during smog season?
You can reduce exposure by staying indoors, using air purifiers, wearing masks with PM2.5 filters, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak smog levels.
5. What product can help relieve cough due to smog exposure?
Prospan, an ivy leaf syrup, is effective for easing cough and respiratory discomfort caused by smog exposure.
