Increasing Ambient Air Pollution Raises Risk of Respiratory Illness

News Desk

Islamabad:A combination of prolonged dry weather and rising particulate pollution in the federal capital has raised concerns among health experts about an increase in respiratory problems, particularly as colder weather approaches.

Air quality monitoring data collected by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) showed that PM2.5 levels in Islamabad averaged around 42 micrograms per cubic metre over the monitored period, exceeding the national permissible limit of 35 micrograms per cubic metre.

The fine particles, which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, are commonly released through vehicle emissions, industrial activity, waste burning and road dust, particularly from unpaved surfaces.

Senior pulmonologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Dr Ziaul Haq, said dry and cold weather could make people more vulnerable to respiratory infections by affecting the natural protective lining and secretions of the respiratory tract.

He said hospitals had recently seen an increase in patients reporting breathing and other respiratory complaints, particularly during periods of colder weather.

Dr Haq advised people, especially older adults and those with chronic heart, kidney or lung conditions, to take additional precautions during the winter months. He also recommended seasonal flu vaccination for people at higher risk of respiratory complications.

The pulmonologist urged residents to limit unnecessary outdoor exposure during colder morning and evening hours. Those who need to go outside should use masks and appropriate face protection, while maintaining adequate hydration and consuming warm fluids.

Pollution Adds to Winter Risks

The latest air quality readings highlight the additional health burden created when dry weather combines with traffic emissions and dust.

Pak-EPA monitored air quality across the capital through three eight-hour intervals. While the overall pollutant levels remained within several national standards, PM2.5 emerged as a key concern after exceeding the prescribed limit.

The issue is not limited to Islamabad. The World Health Organization estimates that 99 per cent of the world’s population is exposed to air that fails to meet its air quality guidelines, with low- and middle-income countries facing some of the highest exposure levels.

The WHO estimates that outdoor air pollution contributes to around 4.2 million premature deaths globally each year, underscoring the growing public health implications of deteriorating urban air quality.

With the dry season continuing, health experts have stressed that controlling dust, vehicle emissions and other sources of fine particulate pollution will be crucial to reducing respiratory risks in the capital.