Experts Emphasize Regional Cooperation in Air Pollution Mitigation

APP

Islamabad: Environmentalists stated that Pakistan must learn from the experiences of other countries in controlling smog and air pollution. It is high time to revise our national standards for emissions and ensure compliance with laws in line with prevailing international standards.

Experts underlined the need for ensuring inter-departmental and regional cooperation in air pollution mitigation strategies, adding that all stakeholders need to take practical steps to overcome the smog issue.

As the alarming increase in pollution with the change of weather poses a heightened risk of infection, they called for urgent measures to reduce air pollution and advised citizens to diligently adhere to precautionary measures to shield themselves from the threat of smog engulfing Punjab.

Environmentalist Dr Rukhsana Tariq explained that the air quality in Lahore city has relentlessly deteriorated to dangerous levels and become a critical health concern in recent months.

Dr Tariq further said that people of all ages are affected by smog, with children and the elderly being more susceptible to diseases caused by air pollution.

Smog is a kind of air pollution that was originally named after smoke and fog mixed in the air. It affects visibility, human health and crops, she mentioned.

Dr Rukhsana explains that smog can irritate the eyes and the nose as it dries out the protective membranes and interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections.