The air quality in Islamabad, the federal capital of Pakistan, has reached healthy levels, according to a report by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA). This is good news for the residents of Islamabad who have been experiencing dry weather and exposure to development projects on major roads in the city. The report indicates that air pollution in the metropolis has remained low since the onset of the spring season, as prolonged rainy weather helped contain air pollutants in the atmosphere.
Air pollution and its effects
Air pollution is a major environmental concern and has numerous health impacts. In Islamabad, the hazardous air pollutant particulate matter of 2.5 microns (PM2.5) was a hazardous atmospheric contaminant that remained at 14.46 micrograms per cubic meter on average, which was higher than the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) of 35 micrograms per cubic meter and denoted the air quality as unhealthily.
Causes of air pollution in Islamabad
According to the Pak-EPA officials, the increased use of automobiles has resulted in higher levels of vehicular emissions, which is one of the primary reasons for the deteriorating air quality in Islamabad. However, it is worth noting that industrial emissions have been decreasing due to the implementation of advanced technologies that absorb carbon in various steel manufacturing units.Other causes of air pollution in Islamabad include the burning of garbage or inflammable material, dust blown up by fast-moving cars plying on non-cemented patches of roads, and development projects on major roads.
Health impacts of air pollution
Air pollution has numerous health impacts, particularly on the respiratory system. Dr. Zia Ul Haq, a senior pulmonologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), has explained that exposure to cold and dry air during different phases can lead to breaches in the lining of the respiratory tract. This can result in respiratory infections and damage to the normal secretions that take place within the respiratory organs, ultimately causing respiratory ailments.He has advised the elderly (over 50) or patients with chronic heart, kidney, and lung diseases to get the flu vaccine during the peak winter season to avoid respiratory diseases. He has also advised people to avoid unnecessary prolonged outdoor visits during the morning and evening timings of cold weather, and in case of any visit, they should properly take precautions. Additionally, he has directed the masses to ensure the intake of warm fluids as necessary beverages like warm water and hot tea to control damage to the respiratory tract amid bad weather and poor air quality.
Steps to improve air quality
To improve air quality in Islamabad, it is crucial to take measures to reduce vehicular emissions, such as promoting public transport and encouraging the use of electric vehicles. Additionally, the burning of garbage or inflammable material should be banned and dust control measures should be implemented on non-cemented patches of roads. Furthermore, carbon-absorbing advanced technology should be installed at all industrial units, and construction companies should follow the guidelines and regulations regarding construction projects.
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Air pollution is a major environmental concern, and its impacts are not limited to the environment alone. It has numerous health impacts, particularly on the respiratory system. The air quality in Islamabad has reached healthy levels, which is good news for the residents of the city. However, it is crucial to take measures to ensure that air quality remains healthy and that steps are taken to reduce air pollution in the future. It is important that everyone plays their role in reducing air pollution by using public transport, avoiding burning garbage or inflammable material, and following the guidelines and regulations regarding construction projects.
