LAHORE – Air remained severely polluted in the provincial capital Lahore with Air Quality Index (AQI) index reaching 300 in the morning on Tuesday, and the metropolis topped the list of world’s most polluted cities.
Data shared by IQAir shows alarming numbers with city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing hazardous threshold of 300, indicating precarious air quality levels.
The primary pollutant contributing to this alarming situation is PM2.5, which has reached a concentration of 225.9 µg/m³. This level of PM2.5 is a staggering 45.2 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual air quality guideline value.
Experts warn that such elevated concentrations pose significant health risks to residents, particularly vulnerable populations, including those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
For the unversed, AQI should ideally be below 50 for healthy air, meaning Lahore’s air is currently 80 times more polluted than what is considered safe.
Meanwhile, health authorities are advising Punjab capital residents to take precautions against harmful effects of air pollution. Recommended measures include avoiding outdoor activities, keeping windows and doors closed, wearing masks, and utilizing air purifiers.
The city remained among top polluted cities despite ongoing government initiatives to combat smog. Meanwhile, the government mulled artificial rain as mitigation strategy, which could cost between Rs5 million and Rs7 million. Furthermore, the government is committed to cracking down on factories and vehicles emitting toxic pollutants.
Ahead of winter season, Lahore and other cities listed among most polluted cities. The city’s air quality often surpasses 500, exacerbating health risks for residents, particularly younger and old age people.
