Smog — A Serious Public Health Concern in Pakistan

 Smog has become a yearly environmental crisis in many cities of Pakistan, especially Lahore. The mixture of smoke, dust, emissions, and fog reduces visibility — but the real danger lies in the tiny pollutants that travel deep into our lungs and bloodstream. Smog is not just an environmental issue; it is a major public health threat.

What Causes Smog?

Smog forms when pollutants from vehicles, factories, brick kilns, crop burning, and household emissions combine with cold air and fog. During winter, the air becomes stagnant, trapping pollutants close to the ground.

Common contributors include:

Excessive vehicle emissions

Industrial pollutants

Burning of waste and crop residue

Dust from construction sites

Low wind speeds in winter

How Smog Affects Your Health?

Smog contains harmful particles (PM2.5) that are 30 times smaller than a strand of hair. These particles easily enter the lungs and bloodstream.

Short-term health effects

Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat

Coughing, sneezing, and sore throat

Difficulty in breathing

Wheezing or asthma attacks

Headache and fatigue

Long-term health effects

Chronic bronchitis

Heart diseases

Reduced lung function

Increased risk of stroke

Complications during pregnancy

Increased cancer risk

Children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with asthma or heart diseases are the most vulnerable.

Public Health Perspective

Smog control is not only the responsibility of citizens. A strong public health response requires:

Strict regulation of industrial emissions

Promotion of public transport

Banning crop residue burning

Regular monitoring of AQI

Public awareness campaigns

Green initiatives (tree plantation, renewable energy)

Reducing smog means protecting community health, lowering hospital burden, and improving overall quality of life.

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