Increasing Air Pollution In Federal Raises Risk Of Respiratory Illness

News Desk

Islamabad: The air quality in the federal capital is deemed hazardous on Friday due to the bad weather, putting vulnerable age groups including children, mothers, and the elderly at risk of developing respiratory illnesses.

Since the start of the fall season, air pollution in the city has been high due to the prolonged dry weather, increased traffic, and an increase in rubbish and wood burning.

The daily air quality report from Pakistan’s Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) showed dangerous levels of air pollutants that are recorded above permissible limits.

The Agency is responsible to ensure the protection of the environment under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997.

The hazardous air pollutant particulate matter of 2.5 microns (PM2.5), which was a hazardous atmospheric contaminant, remained beyond 70 micro grammes per cubic meter on average which was higher than the NEQS of 35 mic-programmes per cubic meter and denoted the air quality unhealthily.

PM2.5 is produced by motor exhaust, industrial pollutants, the burning of trash or combustible materials, and dust kicked up by fast-moving vehicles travelling on unpaved sections of the road.

Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Senior Pulmonologist Dr Ziaul Haq stated that the winter respiratory illnesses are mostly caused by the dry, chilly air.

“The respiratory tract consisting of the throat and lungs has internal surfaces possessing normal bacteria whereas there is no breach in it. However, as a result of a person being exposed to the outdoors more frequently, the dry and cold air at different times caused breaches in the lining of the respiratory tract, which in turn used to cause infections and harm the normal secretions produced by the breathing organs,” he stated.

According to Dr Ziaul Haq, pulmonologists typically advise patients with chronic heart, kidney, or lung ailments or those over 50 to obtain the flu shot during the coldest months of the year to prevent respiratory illnesses.

Senior pulmonologists urged people to avoid prolonged outside visits during cold weather morning and evening hours, people are also instructed to appropriately protect their eyes and face by donning masks and coverings.

In addition, Dr Zia instructed the populace to ensure that they consumed warm liquids as necessary drinks, such as warm water and hot tea, to prevent respiratory tract damage in the face of poor weather and air quality.