Capital’s air quality remains unhealthy despite rain

Respiratory ailments spread due to high air pollution

ISLAMABAD:

The federal capital’s air quality on Sunday was reported unhealthy despite the light rain, jeopardising the health of vulnerable age groups comprising children, women, and the elderly people who are at the most risk of contracting respiratory ailments.

Air pollution in the metropolis remained high since the onset of the fall season as prolonged dry weather, increased vehicular traffic and wood burning continued. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) daily air quality report indicated a heightened ratio of air pollutants and the air quality was unhealthy.

The hazardous air pollutant particulate matter of 2.5 microns (PM2.5), remained beyond 62 micro-grammes per cubic metre on average which was higher than the NEQS of 35 micro-programmes per cubic metre and denoted the air quality as unhealthy.

Senior Pulmonologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Dr Ziaul Haq advised citizens to avoid unnecessary prolonged outdoor visits during the morning and evening time in cold weather.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2023.