Smog: Lahore’s air quality index hits alarming 483

LAHORE: As Lahore grapples with an escalating environmental crisis, the city’s air quality has reached unprecedented hazardous levels. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) has soared to a staggering 483, marking it as the most polluted city globally.

Recent records indicate alarming figures in the provincial metropolis. Mall Road registered the highest AQI at 594, while the Cantt area measured at 537 AQI, and Gulberg at 501. Moreover, early Sunday morning witnessed a pervasive smog cover over various industrial and polluted areas, leading to a surge in hospital visits due to smog-related ailments.

The impact is disproportionately severe in areas such as Manawan, Ravi Road, Salamatpura, Daroghawala, Nishtar Town, Badami Bagh, Shahdara, and Thokar Niaz Baig.

Nasim-ur-Rehman Shah, the director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighted that urban areas, particularly Yateem Khana Chowk, Azadi Chowk, and major city arteries, are among the worst affected by the smog.

The World Health Organization (WHO) stipulates a benchmark for suspended particulate matter at less than 150 micrograms per cubic meter. However, in these affected areas, the recorded levels have surged well beyond 370, significantly exceeding safety thresholds.

The situation demands immediate and collaborative action from authorities, environmental agencies, and the public to mitigate this pressing environmental hazard and safeguard public health. Addressing this crisis requires swift and decisive measures to curb pollution and protect the well-being of Lahore’s residents.

Read more: Lahore ranked most polluted city in the world on Wednesday

Different levels of AQI

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is divided into several categories to describe the quality of the air. When the AQI falls within the range of 0 to 50, it is classified as “Good,” indicating that the air quality is excellent. If the AQI falls between 51 and 100, it is categorized as “Moderate,” which signifies that the air quality is acceptable. However, when the AQI reaches the range of 101 to 301, it is termed “Unhealthy,” indicating that the air quality has deteriorated and poses health risks. In the most extreme cases, with an AQI ranging from 301 to 500, it is labelled as “Hazardous.”