LAHORE, October 27, 2024: The air quality index (AQI) in Lahore reached alarming levels this morning, soaring to a hazardous 690 AQI, placing the city at the top of the world’s most polluted cities list.
Medical experts have reported a surge in respiratory issues among residents, including coughs, viral flu, and sore throats, due to the deteriorating air quality.
Health authorities are advising citizens to take immediate precautions: wearing masks and goggles, avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities, and safeguarding their health.
In their recommendations, health officials urged Lahore residents to refrain from outdoor exercise, keep windows closed to prevent polluted air from entering homes, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors for cleaner air.
The worsening air quality is exacerbated in winter months, as colder temperatures cause harmful particles to settle closer to the ground, creating a thick layer of pollution.
Experts attribute the smog to emissions from burning crop remnants, industrial activities, and waste disposal, with the impact intensifying at the onset of winter and lasting throughout the season.
