Lahore retains title as world’s most polluted city with worsening AQI

WEB DESK: Lahore, once again, claims the unenviable position of the world’s most polluted city, with an alarming average pollution reading of 230.

The gravity of the situation is underscored by the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching over 400 at Mall Road and the Lahore Cantt areas registering a concerning 313 AQI.

In a recent advisory, the caretaker Punjab government urges the public to wear facemasks when venturing into public spaces.

The urgency of this recommendation is evident in the air pollution data released by the Punjab Environment Protection Department, with Shahra-e-Quaid-e-Azam identified as the most polluted area, boasting a staggering AQI reading of 424.

The AQI, calculated based on five key pollution categories—ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide—reveals a hazardous scenario.

An AQI ranging from 151-200 is deemed unhealthy, 201-300 is more harmful, and anything surpassing 300 is classified as extremely hazardous.

Experts point out that air pollution tends to escalate during the winter due to factors such as changes in wind speed, wind direction, and declining minimum temperatures.

The denser winter air causes toxic particles, including substantial amounts of carbon and smoke, to descend, resulting in a pervasive layer of pollution covering the region.

The environmental challenge poses a serious health risk, highlighting the need for proactive measures to address and mitigate the causes of this concerning pollution level in Lahore.

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