Are you concerned about the damaging effects that the dense layer of dirty air that envelops your city may have on your health?
Unfortunately, pollution season has come to be associated with winter in the majority of Pakistan. This year, the toxicity of the air in several places reached new heights even before the onset of the cold weather. The majority of the central and northern regions are affected, but Lahore is perhaps the worst off because the haze has pretty much destroyed daily life there.
The Lahore High Court has issued a 10:00 PM curfew on stores, marketplaces, and restaurants in an effort to combat the city’s smog issue.
On the Air Quality Index (AQI), Lahore is currently one of the top ten most polluted cities in the world, with some parts having readings of 328 and 434. To give you an idea, readings of the AQI between 151 and 200 are regarded as unhealthy, while those between 201 and 300 are dangerous. In the meanwhile, anything over 300 is quite risky.
The authorities are adopting a number of measures to enhance the city’s air quality because the AQI of Lahore is about 30 times higher than the WHO’s advised recommendations. However, it is crucial for the general public to adhere to a few safety steps in order to safeguard their health until the skies become clear and the air becomes less dangerous.
What are the Causes of Smog
The Smog in Lahore has gotten worse over the last ten years, putting an end to much of the wintertime activity in the once-vibrant city. Following is some of the primary causes of the reduction in air quality:
- Industrial Activity That Is Unchecked
- Harmful Emissions from Vehicles
- Unchecked Population Increase
- Burning Both Wood and Coal
- Unsafe Farming Techniques
Lahore, one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing cities, is home to numerous industries that emit pollutants into the sky. In addition, the city’s traffic issue is getting worse as more and more brand-new automobiles and motorcycles enter the road every day, increasing the release of gases that threaten the ozone layer. These are all reasons of causes of smog in Lahore.
How To Prevent Yourself From Smog
Here are some recommendations on how to shield yourself from Lahore’s smog’s negative impacts.
RESTRICT YOUR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Reducing your exposure to air pollution in Lahore is one of the best strategies to maintain good health. If you enjoy exercising outside or going for daily walks, you might want to switch up your schedule a little and attempt to spend more time indoors. Until the air quality improves, you could even turn a spare room in your home into a home gym.
DON’T OPEN DOORS OR WINDOWS
Keep your windows closed and stay indoors if there is fog in Lahore, is the general advice. Although some may find it severe, it’s probably the simplest way to maintain the indoors smog & winters are the extreme.
CLEAN UP INSIDE AIR
Eliminating contaminants from the interior air is the next advice for avoiding exposure to Lahore’s air pollution. You might start by making an investment in a portable air purifier to ensure that your house always smells fresh and clean.
Additionally, you might think about putting air-purifying indoor plants in your living room, bedroom, and corridors to enhance the air because they release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.
PUT ON ASURGERY FACE MASK
Surgical facemasks have become a staple of modern life thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, and you can continue to use them to shield your body from the impacts of smog in Lahore. High-quality masks can prevent you from breathing in dangerous contaminants and are quite important.
Drink plenty of WATER
To rid your body of toxins, make sure to consume plenty of water and healthy juices. In the winter, it’s crucial to stay hydrated, especially if you’re dealing with dangerously high pollution levels.
ALERT FOR DAILY AIR-QUALITY
By often checking the Air Quality Index or weather alerts, you may stay informed about the current air quality in Lahore. You can schedule your outside activities thanks to it. It will give you a good notion of when it is safe to go outside with your loved ones and when the pollution levels are dangerously high. Those who reside in busy regions should take note of this advice.
AVOID BURNING TRASH OR WOOD
During the winter, you have undoubtedly seen individuals burning wood or coal to remain warm. Unfortunately, these activities worsen the problem by increasing the air pollution in Lahore. Similar to this, burning rubbish contributes significantly to urban smog and is environmentally irresponsible.
By taking these actions, we may decrease the impact of smog in Lahore while also preserving the ecosystem.
RESEARCH & WRITTEN BY:
SANAH ABBASI