Growing smog may harm country’s economy, say experts

LAHORE:The medical experts said that if the smog is not controlled, it will take Pakistan’s economy to the brink. The West also controlled the smog by adopting a comprehensive strategy and Pakistan will have to adopt the same policy. They expressed these views while addressing a seminar on the prevention of smog organised by the General Cadre Doctors Association (GCDA) and Fatima Memorial Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday. Former PMLN lawmaker and medical expert Dr Saeed Elahi said that unnecessary cutting of forests should be banned to prevent the smog.

GCDA President Dr Masood Sheikh said that smog has now become a public health issue for the whole world and it is necessary to cooperate not only at the individual and national level but also at the international level to prevent it. Western countries have contributed to increasing smog in developing countries by pushing those industries to the developing countries, from which the chemical emissions are causing a continuous increase in the smog, he added.

He said according to the World Health Organisation, the ratio of PM2.5 and PM10 in the environment should be 10 and 20 respectively, but it has increased to 140, which is 14 times more than WHO standards. The PM2.5 particles found in smog are more dangerous, as these can cross the lungs and can circulate in the blood leading to damage in different organs of the body including the heart, lungs, brains skin etc, he added.

Dr Masood said that in the last few decades, smog has been the main reason for the increase in heart, brain, nerve and eye diseases. To prevent smog, the flats system should be promoted instead of bungalows. Allocate three days for heavy vehicles and four-wheelers so that the increase in air pollution is less. It is necessary to take the fitness of the vehicles before driving them on the road to control the increase in air pollution.