Poor air quality forcing public indoors
The poor quality of air in the federal capital on Tuesday, forcing many people to stay indoors instead of exercising in open spaces.
Latest data released by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), showed that particulate of 2.5 (PM2.5) microns, which was a hazardous ambient air pollutant causing chronic respiratory diseases and premature deaths, was higher than safer limits at 62.76 micrograms per cubic metre. The PM2.5 not only exceeded the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) of 35 micrograms per cubic metre.
Health experts pointed to the unhealthy and hazardous pollutants in the air and warned citizens to avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. They added that the air quality in the city was unhealthy for people belonging to sensitive groups particularly those suffering from lung and heart diseases, older people, children and teenagers.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2020.