Smog and Covid-19

Smog envelops Lahore every year in winter — from November to February, and the issue has been persisting for the past many years threatening humans as well as other living beings. Since smog makes breathing difficult, it is now posing a greater danger to human life due to the resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic. It is mostly difficulty in breathing that kills most Covid-19 patients. Even in this dangerous situation nobody seems to be taking any particular notice of this stubborn problem. On Nov 1, the city ranked among the most polluted cities of the world. It was Sunday and commercial concerns and industries in the city and the surrounding areas were shut yet the US Air Quality Index registered an unhealthy score of 156 and the air contained pollution concentration of PM2.5 at 64.6 microgrammes per cubic metre. On Saturday, the AQI reading was recorded at 225, evidence that the atmosphere was very unhealthy.

Despite all these dangerous signs, there is no let-up in use of coal, tyres and other waste materials for energy generation in industries and brick-kilns. PM2.5 denotes atmospheric particulate matter. These very small and light particles could enter the lungs and the circulatory system through the nose and throat. Studies have established a close link between exposure to these fine particles and death from heart and lung disease. In areas where industries burn coal and tyres for energy to save on their fuel cost, rooftops and walls are blackened and clothes put on lines to dry out are blackened due to the high level of carbon particles in the air. Respiratory, throat, eye and skin diseases have become common among the residents.

Most industries in the province are operating in violation of environmental laws, a fact that even the provincial minister of environment admitted. It is time to act against pollution. Death and disease should not be the price for prosperity. No one is pleased to see things blackened. Smog is not perfume to anyone.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2020.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.