UNTIL a few years ago, “smog” was a new word here, but now even children know it. However, awareness of its severe effects is still lacking. In many countries, like the U.S., Europe, China, India and parts of Africa, efforts to address it have been underway for years. In early November 2016, Lahore and several other central cities were covered in smog or polluted fog. For a day or two, people thought it was regular fog, signifying winter’s arrival. But when eyes began watering, it seemed like every person in Lahore was about to cry and some were coughing. People soon realized this wasn’t winter fog but an invasion of pollution.
The term “smog” combines “fog” and “smoke.” In Urdu, it’s known as “dusty fog.” Chemically, it consists of industrial pollutants, vehicle emissions and smoke from sources like brick kilns. Smog raises ozone levels in the air, endangering humans, animals, plants and ecosystems. Prolonged exposure to smog leads to breathing difficulties, coughing and throat irritation. It penetrates deeply into the lungs, causing inflammation and posing severe risks to asthma patients. Thick smog also irritates the eyes, causing burning, redness and tearing. The government has issued safety guidelines, advising people to avoid going outdoors whenever possible; if going outside, prefer early morning. They recommend wearing a mask outdoors and washing eyes and nose afterward, avoiding taking babies and young children outdoors, taking extra care with those who have asthma or heart issues, and avoiding heavy physical activities.
Due to environmental changes, smog now affects many areas. The weather department predicts no rain for days and fog may persist until December. Besides health risks, smog causes traffic accidents, leading the government to adjust office and school hours. Smog mostly affects the eyes, especially for motorcyclists and those working outdoors.
Smog contains carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, methane and other particles. Similar conditions are now affecting Lahore and Karachi, where cases of eye irritation, breathing difficulties, coughing and lung problems are on the rise. The number of allergy sufferers is also increasing, as much of the country is now blanketed in this dusty fog. Many people mistake it for regular fog, reflecting a national tendency to overlook imminent dangers. However, we must now take a serious approach; the threat looms right above us, and the government must take concrete actions to control pollution, while the public adjusts its behaviours.
China, facing similar pollution challenges, has recently taken innovative steps by launching “smog towers” that filter polluted air, providing cleaner air to surrounding areas. These towers, after successful trials in cities like Beijing and Xi’an, are being installed in additional cities, effectively reducing pollution levels and improving air quality. Pakistan, too, needs similar technology, such as smog towers, to mitigate pollution and purify the air in major cities. The government should consider China’s successful efforts and explore implementing similar projects locally. Public awareness, alongside effective policies, is crucial in tackling the smog problem.
—The writer is a senior journalist, analyst, and researcher, based in Lahore.
