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Lahore's Air Crisis: Second Most Polluted City Amid Toxic AQI of 189

Lahore has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the world's second most polluted city. The city's air quality index reached a very unhealthy level of 189, posing serious health risks to residents. PM2.5 particle levels were measured at 22 times higher than World Health Organization safety standards. In response, the Punjab government has deployed smog guns that spray water mist to combat the dangerous pollution levels.

Key Points: Lahore Ranks Second Most Polluted City Globally with AQI 189

  • Lahore's AQI of 189 ranks as second most polluted city worldwide
  • PM2.5 levels measured 22 times higher than WHO safety guidelines
  • Health risks include bloodstream absorption of toxic particles
  • Punjab government deploys smog guns using water mist technology
2 min read

Lahore ranks second most polluted city globally with very unhealthy AQI of 189

Lahore's air quality hits very unhealthy AQI of 189, ranking second worst globally. PM2.5 levels 22 times WHO limit pose severe health risks.

"Avoid outdoor exercise, run air purifiers and prioritise wearing masks - IQAir"

Lahore, October 19

Lahore was ranked the second most polluted city in the world in terms of air quality on Sunday, according to air quality monitoring platform IQAir, Dawn reported.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures the concentration of pollutants in the air, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), coarse particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). Any IQAir AQI above 150 is considered "unhealthy", and above 200 is "very unhealthy," Dawn added.

The AQI reading for Lahore stood at a very unhealthy 189, Dawn reported. Additionally, levels of PM2.5 were measured at 109 microgrammes per cubic metre of air (mg/m³), 21.8 times higher than the World Health Organisation's annual PM2.5 guidelines. PM2.5 particles measure 2.5 micrometres or less and are small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream upon inhalation, IQAir noted.

The platform advised residents to "avoid outdoor exercise, run air purifiers and prioritise wearing masks," and also recommended "closing all windows to avoid dirty air from outdoors," Dawn reported.

Lahore has historically faced smog and poor air quality during the winter months.

Around the same period last year, the city's AQI peaked at 394 amid a smog crisis mainly caused by crop residue burning and industrial emissions, leading to health issues such as coughing, breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and skin infections.

To combat this year's smog, the Punjab government introduced 'smog guns'. Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the devices were already in use across Lahore.

"Through this modern machine, tiny droplets of water are sprayed into the air to combat smog," she explained. "The water mist helps clean pollution and dust particles present in the atmosphere. This modern machinery is also being used in countries like China and others to reduce smog."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
PM2.5 levels 21.8 times higher than WHO guidelines? That's alarming! We need to learn from each other's experiences. In North India, crop burning is a major contributor too. Hope the smog guns help.
A
Arjun K
While I sympathize with the people of Lahore, I wish our media would give equal coverage to pollution levels in Indian cities. Many of our cities regularly cross 300+ AQI but don't get this much attention.
S
Sarah B
As someone who lived in Delhi for 3 years, I understand how terrible this must be for residents. The health impacts are serious - especially for children and elderly. Hope the authorities take stronger action.
V
Vikram M
Smog guns seem like a temporary solution. We need to address the root causes - industrial emissions and agricultural practices. South Asia needs a coordinated approach to tackle this common problem.
M
Michael C
The health advisory is crucial. When AQI crosses 150, it's really dangerous to be outside for long. People should definitely follow the mask and air purifier recommendations. Health comes first! 😷

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