Here’s how severely smog is impacting Lahoris’ lives

LAHORE: Lahore is once again in the grip of heavy smog, cementing its position as the ‘most polluted’ city of the year.

The city’s residents are experiencing alarming consequences, with their average annual age decreasing by six to seven years.

For children venturing out into this hazardous atmosphere, the impact is akin to smoking 30 cigarettes daily.

These distressing findings stem from research conducted and published by the University of Chicago. The study reveals a concerning trend: the average age of Lahore’s populace is on the decline, decreasing by seven years annually.

Additionally, the report highlights a startling fact: the current pollution levels pose a risk equivalent to smoking 30 cigarettes a day for children.

According to data from the Environment Department, an air quality index (AQI) of 200 is considered normal.

However, when the index hovers between 200 and 300, it triggers eye irritation. The situation becomes extremely perilous if the AQI reaches 400 to 500.

At this level, even healthy individuals face adverse effects. Unfortunately, several areas in Lahore have witnessed AQI readings surpassing 500, indicating a hazardous escalation in smog levels.

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These escalating smog levels cast doubt on official claims of effective pollution control measures.

Unable to control the situation and hesitant to impose heavy fines on factories emitting smoke, the Punjab government announced a four-day holiday today as it grapples with a deadly wave of smog, said caretaker provincial chief minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday. This is not the first time schools will be closed in Lahore due to smog.

In addition to smog holiday, the air pollution has also made travelling difficult for Lahoris.

The smog levels in Lahore are already high, and they are expected to further worsen driving conditions in the city and its surrounding areas in winter.

Smog is a form of air pollution that significantly impairs visibility. Coined in the early 1900s, the term “smog” originally referred to a combination of smoke and fog, primarily resulting from the burning of coal.

Smog was prevalent in industrial regions and continues to be a recognisable issue in certain urban areas even today.

Unfortunately, this situation has led to accidents on highways. Last year, the M2 motorway and Lahore Ring Road were closed multiple times due to low visibility.