Pakistan: Lahore ranked world's most polluted city as air quality hits hazardous levels
Lahore and Karachi Face Severe Air Pollution and Health Challenges
Lahore and Karachi, two major cities in Pakistan, are facing severe air pollution issues, according to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) rankings from IQAir. Lahore has been ranked as the most polluted city globally, with an AQI of 354, which is considered "Hazardous." The city's poor air quality is mainly due to vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and crop burning, affecting over 11 million residents. In the past month, nearly 1.9 million people have fallen ill due to smog, with over 129,000 seeking hospital treatment for respiratory issues. Additionally, more than 6.1 million individuals have been diagnosed with cardiothoracic conditions.
Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, ranks 13th on the list with an AQI of 164, categorized as "Unhealthy." The city's pollution is attributed to its busy port, heavy traffic, and industrial areas. Despite efforts to combat air pollution, Karachi's air quality remains a significant concern, especially for those with existing health conditions.
The Climate Action Centre (CAC), an environmental organization, has linked the smog in Lahore and Karachi to vehicle emissions, which account for 60% of Karachi's pollution and 80% of Lahore's. CAC Director Yasir Hussain highlighted these issues during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club.
Additionally, a measles outbreak during the winter season has raised concerns among health experts. Measles, a highly contagious disease, poses a threat to vulnerable children, especially those who are malnourished or not vaccinated. Doctors urge parents to vaccinate their children between nine months and one and a half years to protect them from this illness.
Doubts Revealed
Lahore
Lahore is a big city in Pakistan, which is a country next to India. It's known for its rich history and culture.
Karachi
Karachi is another large city in Pakistan. It's an important port city and is known for being very busy and crowded.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is when the air becomes dirty and harmful to breathe because of smoke and other pollutants from vehicles and factories.
AQI
AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It's a number that tells us how clean or polluted the air is. A higher number means the air is more polluted.
Vehicle Emissions
Vehicle emissions are the smoke and gases that come out of cars and trucks. These emissions can make the air dirty and unhealthy.
Industrial Activities
Industrial activities refer to the work done in factories and industries. These activities can release pollutants into the air, contributing to air pollution.
Climate Action Centre
The Climate Action Centre is an organization that works to protect the environment and reduce pollution. They study and suggest ways to improve air quality.
Measles Outbreak
A measles outbreak is when many people, especially children, get sick with measles, a contagious disease that causes a rash and fever. Vaccination can help prevent it.
Vaccination
Vaccination is when a person gets a shot to protect them from certain diseases. It helps the body fight off infections like measles.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *