Explore the severe smog crisis gripping Lahore, affecting health and daily life. Learn about the hazardous effects, healthcare responses, and measures taken by authorities.

Smog Crisis in Lahore: Urgent Health Measures, Government Actions, and Expert Recommendations

Smog Alert: An Environmental Health Crisis

A. JABBAR DENTAL CLINIC

Sadia Khan

Overview

The city of Lahore is currently engulfed in a dense layer of smog. This environmental crisis is not just a visibility hazard but a significant public health concern. 

Smog is a hazardous mix of air pollutants that is severely impacting the health and daily lives of the people. In recent days, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Lahore, indicating the concentration of fine particles in the atmosphere, has consistently been around 400. AQI readings of 100 or lower are typically considered acceptable and safe.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>

Specialists attribute the pollution primarily to crop residue burning during the onset of the wheat sowing season. Moreover, Lahore, formerly famed as a garden city, now faces reduced green spaces due to swift urbanization and population expansion.<a href="#accordion">[10]</a>

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</ul>

According to the Air Quality Life Index produced by the University of Chicago, air pollution shortens people&#39;s lives by almost 7 years in Pakistan&#39;s most polluted regions, including Lahore.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>&nbsp;In the last month, toxic smog in Lahore led to 12,000 people seeking emergency hospital treatment.<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>&nbsp;Following are some, but not all, of the negative effects one can experience due to air pollutants:

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<ul>
	<li>Symptoms such as coughing and wheezing are frequently reported in areas with high levels of air pollution, indicating respiratory distress.</li>
	<li>Those with pre-existing conditions like asthma are especially at risk of developing exacerbating/worsening symptoms.</li>
	<li>It can also lead to an increased risk of coronary vascular disease.</li>
	<li>Some compounds found in smog are classified as carcinogens, posing a risk of cancer development over prolonged exposure.</li>
	<li>A decreased resistance to infections can develop as the body&#39;s immune response weakens.</li>
	<li>Eye irritation is a common issue associated with exposure to airborne pollutants.<a href="#accordion">[8]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

What Has been done?

In response to the escalating smog crisis in Lahore, local healthcare authorities and other governmental bodies have implemented a range of measures to mitigate the impact on public health and the environment. These actions, while varied, aim to address the immediate health concerns and long-term environmental challenges posed by the city&#39;s severe air pollution. 
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<ul>
	<li>The Punjab provincial government has mandated the closure of schools, offices, malls and parks in Lahore and other cities until Sunday to reduce exposure to smog.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a></li>
	<li>Lahore&#39;s healthcare authorities have heightened alert levels in hospitals, increased staff and resources for respiratory and cardiovascular issues.</li>
	<li>The government is actively monitoring air quality and issuing health advisories. Efforts to raise public awareness about the smog crisis, such as text message alerts, are ongoing.</li>
	<li>The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) and the Commissioner Lahore Office organized a &#39;Smog Awareness Family Cycling Ride&#39; to promote eco-friendly transportation and raise awareness about the city&#39;s pollution.<a href="#accordion">[3]</a></li>
	<li>Scientists from Punjab University, propose revisiting the artificial rain project to alleviate the smog situation, contingent on receiving financial support from the government.<a href="#accordion">[11]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

These measures reflect a multi-faceted approach to tackling the smog crisis in Lahore, encompassing immediate health responses, public engagement and innovative environmental solutions. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives is contingent on sustained governmental support, adequate resources and active public participation. 
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Guidelines

The residents of the cities currently afflicted are advised to take the following precautions:

<ul>
	<li>Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, especially during peak smog hours (early morning and late evening).</li>
	<li>Wear N95 or surgical masks when stepping outside to filter out harmful particles.</li>
	<li>Use air purifiers and humidifiers indoors to maintain air quality.</li>
	<li>Increase fluid intake to help the body detoxify. </li>
	<li>Consume hot nutritious beverages such as bone broths and soups. </li>
	<li>If experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent cough, or irritation in the eyes, consult a doctor immediately. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Recommendations And Suggestions

To combat the smog crisis, experts recommend:

<ul>
	<li>Implementing stricter regulations on crop burnings,&nbsp;industrial emissions&nbsp;and vehicular pollution.</li>
	<li>Expanding urban green spaces to improve air quality since this has proved to effectively improve health, wellbeing, social, and environmental outcomes.<a href="#accordion">[6]</a></li>
	<li>Promoting public transportation, carpooling, walking, and cycling to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.<a href="#accordion">[9]</a></li>
	<li>Educating urban residents on the environmental impact of their activities and encouraging eco-friendly practices.&nbsp;<a href="#accordion">7]</a></li>
	<li>Advocating for compact urban development and enforcing regulations against urban sprawl to enhance air quality.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a></li>
	<li>Implementing Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) for low-cost, local emission reduction.<a href="#accordion">[9]</a></li>
	<li>Developing urban sensing systems and predictive models for effective air quality monitoring and management.<a href="#accordion">[12]</a></li>
</ul>

[1] Asghar, B. K. N. &. T. (2023, November 10). Toxic smog chokes Pakistan and shuts cities. BBC News.

[2] Cho, H., & Choi, M. J. (2014). Effects of Compact Urban Development on Air Pollution: Empirical Evidence from Korea. Sustainability, 6(9), 5968–5982.

[3] DAWN.COM. (2023b, November 13). Family cycling ride as part of anti-smog drive held. DAWN.COM.

[4] DAWN.COM. (2023, November 10). Lahore smog needs long-term strategy. DAWN.COM.

[5] Desk, W. (2023d, November 12). At least 12,000 people land in hospitals due to smog. ARY NEWS.

[6] Hunter, R. F., Cleland, C., Cleary, A., Droomers, M., Wheeler, B. W., Sinnett, D., Nieuwenhuijsen, M., & Braubach, M. (2019). Environmental, health, wellbeing, social and equity effects of urban green space interventions: A meta-narrative evidence synthesis. Environment International, 130, 104923.

[7] Juel, R., Sharpe, S., Picetti, R., Milner, J., Bonell, A., Yeung, S., Wilkinson, P., Dangour, A. D., & Hughes, R. C. (2023). Let’s just ask them. Perspectives on urban dwelling and air quality: A cross-sectional survey of 3,222 children, young people and parents. PLOS Global Public Health, 3(4), e0000963.

[8] Naureen, I., Saleem, A., Aslam, S., Zakir, L., Mukhtar, A., Nazir, R., & Zulqarnain, S. (2022). Potential Impact of Smog on Human Health. Haya Saudi J Life Sci, 7(3), 78-84.

[9] Pisoni, E., Christidis, P., Thunis, P., & Marco, T. (2019). Evaluating the impact of “Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans” on urban background air quality. Journal of Environmental Management, 231, 249–255.

[10] Toxic smog spreads through the city; Thousands of people got sick; Schools closed. (n.d.). B92.net.

[11] Tribune. (2023b, November 13). Scientists ready to revive artificial rain project. The Express Tribune.

[12] Yu, R., Yang, Y., Yang, L., Han, G., & Move, O. A. (2016). RAQ–A Random Forest approach for predicting air quality in urban sensing Systems. Sensors, 16(1), 86.

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