Capital’s air quality remains unhealthy

Reports indicates heightened ratio of air pollutants, recorded above permissible limits, and air quality was unhealthy

ISLAMABAD:

The air quality in the federal capital was reported unhealthy on Monday amid dry weather putting vulnerable and sensitive age groups comprising children, women, and the elderly at 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, open garbage dumping and wood burning continued to surge.

The Pak-EPA daily air quality report indicated a heightened ratio of air pollutants, recorded above permissible limits, and the air quality was unhealthy. The hazardous air pollutant particulate matter of 2.5 microns (PM2.5) remained at 44 micro grams per cubic meter on average which was higher than the NEQS of 35 micrograms per cubic meter and denoted the air quality unhealthily.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2023.