With winter at our doors, what could be a better time to learn a thing or two about air pollution? So let’s talk about our Pak air, which we have polluted to its utmost limit. 

While winter in Pakistan gives us a break from the scorching heat, it comes not without its own issues, the worst of which is Smog. Pakistan is not the only country facing the problem of Smog in Southeast Asia. Major cities in almost all Asian countries face the phantom of Smog, some more than others. However, when it comes to poor quality of air, Pakistan is only second to Bangladesh in air pollution. 

Air pollution affects our lives in more dimensions than we can imagine. It does hurt our lungs and irritates our eyes, but it also compromises the quality of our crops and vegetation, causes acid rain, reduces sunlight, adds too much nitrogen to the land, and, above all, worsens the hole in the ozone. All these changes reduce the quality of life on our planet Earth.

What is Air Pollution and its Types?

Air pollution means the release of pollutants in the air—pollutants that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. 

There are two most prevalent types of air pollution:- 

The first is Soot, which is usually made up of tiny particles of chemicals, soil, air, smoke, dust, and allergens that are carried in the air.

The second form of pollution is Smog, which occurs when emissions from combusting fossil fuels react with sunlight.

Air Pollution – its Units and Measurement

The pollution of the air is measured by AQI (Air Quality Index), a measure of 5 major pollutants in the air—Smog, Soot, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Think of AQI as a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value in a particular area, the greater the level of air pollution. AQI above hundred means unhealthy air quality. And guess what AQI of Lahore in November 2021 was! A staggering 400ug/m3 in certain areas. 

It is impossible to live in a place with such a high level of AQI without feeling sick. This dismal situation of our air quality makes it imperative that we learn more about our actions responsible for destroying our space and what we can do to prevent the impending disaster.

Who Pollutes Our Air?

Just as society plays a vital role in making and nurturing its criminals, all inhabitants of a particular land are responsible for polluting their environment.  Below is the list of our actions that are eroding our land, water, and air:

Crop burning 

• Over enthusiastic industrialization
• Uncontrolled Urbanization 
• Increased number of vehicles
• Poor fuel quality 
• Brick kilns
• Deforestation 

One way or the other, we all contribute some pollution to our land to some extent. You may not be burning crops, but you might be using an extra car with poor-quality fuel, both of which could have been avoided with some planning and diligence. 

Uncontrolled urbanization is another malice to which we all add to some extent. And this urbanization does double damage. On the one hand, it keeps the benefits of health, education, and jobs within the big cities; on the other hand, it continues to spread its pollutants to its neighboring lands, sharing the smog with these small towns without giving them jobs, universities, and hospitals.  We all are responsible for pollution, and only our collective action can restore the freshness of our air

How Air Pollution Damages Our Health?

Air pollution is now considered the world’s largest environmental health threat, a snowball that is getting bigger and bigger by the day, assuming the form of a crisis. Approximately seven million people die annually from air pollution, says WHO. 

Air pollution affects people of all ages, though children, the elderly, and people with ongoing illnesses are more vulnerable. Toxic air has both short-term and long-term consequences. 

Short-term exposure to air pollution can cause: 

• Coughing
• Wheezing/difficulty breathing
• Irritation to eyes, nose, and throat
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause: 

• Respiratory diseases (asthma, emphysema)
• Cardiovascular damage
• Harm to the liver, spleen, and blood
• Nervous system damage
• Cancer Birth defects

How Can We Protect ourselves from Smog?

Let’s close this topic on air pollution with a final and robust message of action. Most institutions agree that the following steps can help us protect ourselves from air pollution. 

• Limit your outdoor activities: Exercise in a gym or at home. 
• Clean indoor air: Use an indoor air purifier or an air cleaner. 
• Clean your home: Wet mopping of floors reduces dust in the house. 
• Stay hydrated: Drinking 2 to 3 liters of water daily helps excrete the toxins in the urine. 
• Choose adequate face protection: Use masks during outdoor activities.  Try to limit emissions on a personal level as much as you can. Don’t burn wood or trash.