Islamabad's Air Pollution Remains High Despite Light Rain

According to the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency’s daily air quality report, the ratio of air pollutants was above permissible limits, and the air quality was unhealthy.

Islamabad's Air Pollution Remains High Despite Light Rain

Since the start of the fall season, air pollution in Islamabad has remained high due to prolonged dry weather, increased vehicular traffic, garbage and wood burning, and other factors.

The air quality of the Federal Capital, Islamabad, was rated unhealthy on Wednesday, despite light rain, putting the health of vulnerable age groups such as children, women, and the elderly at risk of contracting respiratory ailments.

According to the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency’s (Pak-EPA) daily air quality report, the ratio of air pollutants was above permissible limits, and the air quality was unhealthy. Under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997, the agency is responsible for ensuring environmental protection.

PM2.5, a hazardous air pollutant, remained above 62 micrograms per cubic metre on average, which was higher than the NEQS of 35 micrograms per cubic metre and denoted unhealthily.

PM2.5 is produced by the combustion of an engine, industrial emissions, the burning of garbage or flammable material, and dust blown up by fast-moving cars driving on unpaved roads.

According to EPA officials, one of the leading causes of air pollution in Islamabad is increased vehicular emissions. Carbon-absorbing advanced technology installed at various steel manufacturing units has already reduced industrial emissions.

According to Dr Zia Ul Haq, senior pulmonologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the dry and cold air caused breaches in the lining of the respiratory tract at various stages, which used to lead to infection and also damage the normal secretions taking place inside the breathing organs, causing respiratory ailments.

He stated that pulmonologists typically advise the elderly over the age of 50, as well as patients with chronic heart, kidney, and lung diseases, to get the flu vaccine during the peak winter season to avoid respiratory diseases.

Senior pulmonologists also advised people to avoid unnecessary prolonged outdoor visits during cold weather morning and evening hours, but in the event of any visit, they should properly cover their eyes and face by wearing face masks and coverings.

Furthermore, he directed the general public to consume warm fluids as necessary beverages, such as warm water and hot tea, in order to prevent respiratory tract damage caused by bad weather and poor air quality.

Most of the country has experienced cold and cloudy weather over the last 24 hours. Rain did, however, fall in north and west Balochistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, central and southern Punjab, and Kashmir are all affected. Meanwhile, snow fell in Kalam and Malam Jabba, and foggy conditions prevailed in plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh.