LAHORE, (TDI): The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore remained in the ‘hazardous’ category on Thursday, with the city once again ranked as the most polluted city in the world.
According to IQAir, a global air pollution monitoring website, Lahore’s AQI was recorded at 784 at 9 a.m. today, showing slight improvement compared to Wednesday’s alarming AQI of 1115 at the same time.
Home to over 14 million people, Lahore consistently ranks as one of the most polluted cities worldwide.
Despite the Punjab government’s efforts to combat pollution—such as imposing a “green lockdown” and closing both public and private schools until November 17—the city’s air quality is expected to remain in the hazardous range for the next few days.
Pollution levels in Lahore have reached alarming heights, with the air quality dropping to some of the worst levels on Earth.
The city’s pollution is now 93.6 times higher than what is considered safe for human health. On the AQI scale, a reading of 50 is considered “healthy.”
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Lahore’s air quality, however, soared well above 1115 in recent days, far surpassing the “hazardous” threshold of 300.
According to the latest report by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute, Lahore residents could lose an average of 7.5 years of life expectancy due to the city’s severe air pollution.
The AQI scale categorizes air quality as follows:
0-50: Good
51-100: Moderate
101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
151-200: Unhealthy
201-300: Very unhealthy
301 and above: Hazardous
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Smog
Smog has become a growing environmental concern in Lahore, with serious health implications, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and long-term damage. As air quality continues to deteriorate, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself and your family.
Here are some effective strategies for safeguarding your health from the harmful effects of smog:
- Limit outdoor activities: Try to stay indoors as much as possible, especially during peak pollution hours.
- Use air purifiers: Invest in air purifiers for your home to reduce indoor pollution levels.
- Wear protective masks: N95 or P100 masks can help filter out harmful particles from the air.
- Keep windows closed: During high pollution periods, keep your windows and doors shut to prevent outdoor air from entering your home.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help your body cope with the effects of pollution.
As Lahore struggles with its ongoing air quality crisis, taking protective measures has become more important than ever for the health and well-being of its residents.
