Capital breathes healthy air after months in Islamabad

The air quality of the federal capital recorded improvement after repeated days of polluted ambience as hazardous pollutants were below permissible levels. Previously, the air quality had reached a record high, however, the new year has brought it with much relief for the immunocompromised citizens of Islamabad.

According to the data released by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), the particulate of 2.5 microns (PM2.5), which is a hazardous ambient air pollutant causing chronic respiratory diseases and premature deaths, was recorded within safe limits in the capital's air on Wednesday, a spokesperson shared.

The data maintained that PM2.5 was recorded at 29.85 micrograms per cubic meter (mg/m3), which is lower than the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) of 35 mg/m3 as well as the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) standard of 20 mg/m3.

Read more: Week’s lockdown helps improve capital’s air

It further revealed that the presence of 23.65 mg/m3 sulphur dioxide and 17.16 mg/m3 nitrogen dioxide against the NEQS’ 120 mg/m3 and 80 mg/m3 meter, respectively, were recorded.

As per the data released on December 30, 2020, the PM2.5 was recorded at 55.83 micrograms per cubic metre (mg/m3) whereas sulphur dioxide was recorded at 33.8 mg/m3 and nitrogen dioxide was 21.03 mg/m3 against the NEQS of 120 mg/m3 and 80 mg/m3, respectively.

According to an EPA official, the prevailing dry weather and increased vehicular emissions was the main reason for the compromised air quality in the city. It is the most health damaging environmental pollutant causing chronic respiratory diseases and premature deaths as it could easily penetrate into human blood through the lungs, the official added.

They further said that sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were released from industrial emissions and car engines at different concentrations that accumulated into the ambience causing air pollution.

The official maintained that the capital’s air quality was commendable during the lockdown as vehicular emissions had drastically reduced, however, after three months of repeated polluted days the air quality was once again healthy. The main reason of air pollution was a large number of vehicles on the roads emitting combustion gases, they added.

The spokesperson shared that EPA regularly monitored the capital's air quality, which was found to be unhealthy during dry weather, storm or pre-rain like situation. The residents should continue to wear face masks and sunglasses during outdoor visits just as they were advised to when pollution levels were recorded high, they added.

A senior pulmonologist of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences expressed serious concern over the presence of hazardous pollutants in the air as they can cause respiratory diseases and serious health complications.

He said the people should be careful during dry weather and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. Use of face mask or covering was the best remedy to avoid contact with hazardous pollutants while sunglasses during day time will help prevent eye rashes or allergy due to dust, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2021.