LAHORE – Parents have expressed concerns over the health and safety of schoolchildren in Lahore as persistent smog pushes air pollution to hazardous levels, raising questions about whether educational institutions will be closed to protect students.
According to the latest air quality data provided for Lahore at 8am on October 28, the city recorded a US Air Quality Index (AQI) of 358, ranking it world’s most polluted city. The main pollutant was fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, with a concentration of 254 micrograms per cubic metre.
AQI Crosses 500 in Lahore Areas
The situation varies across the city, with several monitoring stations reporting extremely high pollution levels.
Allama Iqbal Town B recorded an AQI of 635, followed by CERP Office at 599 and Burki Road Paragon at 457. Other locations, including ARC Lahore and AirWatchPakistan-RG, also reported readings above 400.
Health risks raise concerns for schoolchildren
The worsening air quality has raised concerns among parents about children attending school amid persistent smog. Experts warn that exposure to polluted air can cause eye irritation, throat irritation and breathing difficulties.
Fine airborne particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, posing serious risks to respiratory health. Children, older people and individuals suffering from asthma have been advised to take extra precautions during the period of heavy pollution.
Experts have also advised residents to avoid spending unnecessary time outdoors and to use appropriate protective masks when going outside. Physical exercise and strenuous activities in polluted environments may further aggravate breathing problems, particularly among people with existing respiratory conditions.
People experiencing persistent coughing, shortness of breath or chest tightness have been advised to seek medical guidance.
Will schools remain open in Lahore?
Despite the hazardous air quality and concerns surrounding students’ health, the government has not yet announced any decision to close schools in Lahore.
Parents and students are therefore awaiting an official announcement on whether the worsening smog will lead to school closures or other precautionary measures.
