smog

Why should you worry about smog? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it can be “dangerous to breathe in too much of smog.” Period.

A World Health Organization (WHO) report says that the combined effects of ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution cause about seven million premature deaths every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Air pollution in both cities and rural areas is estimated to have caused 4.2 million premature deaths around the world in the year alone. Some 91 percent of these (premature) deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. More recent estimates reveal that 9 out of 10 people are breathing air that contains high levels of pollutants. More than 80 percent people living in urban areas are exposed to air pollution levels that exceed the WHO guideline limits, with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures, both indoors and outdoors.

The data provided by Air Visual shows that Lahore’s air is extremely unhealthy. Last week, it was found to contain PM 2.5 (particulate matter) in 225 to 498 range on AQI (Air Quality Index).

Environment expert Sardar Asif Ali Sial says that particulate matter is a complex mixture of dust, smoke, metals, nitrates, sulphates, dust water, and rubber. Apart from these, forest fires, wood-burning stoves, agricultural burning, emissions from the industry, and dust rising from various construction sites also cause air pollution and, in turn, smog.

“The particles in PM 2.5 category are so small that they can only be detected with the help of an electronic microscope,” Sial says. “Because of their small size, the particles act as gas. So, when you breathe, they penetrate into the lungs, which can cause cough and trigger asthma.”

Since smog is a mixture of air pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone, its impact on our health depends on a number of things. In the words of Dr Mubarak Jamal Mehdi, former public health specialist at WHO on organ transplantation, emergency and humanitarian action, “Various health problems such as emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung infections, and cancers are caused or exacerbated by the effects of smog.”

In 2018, the WHO observed the highest prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or chronic bronchitis (COPD) in Pakistan. (COPD is an inflammation of the lining of our lungs.)

“Smog affects everyone differently,” Dr Mehdi adds. “Some people are more susceptible to its negative effects. Children, seniors, and people with asthma need to be especially careful.”

A 2013 assessment by WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that outdoor air pollution is carcinogenic to humans, with the particulate matter component of air pollution most closely associated with increased cancer incidence, especially lung cancer. Association has also been observed between outdoor air pollution and increase in cancer of the urinary tract/bladder.

Exposure to smog can lead to several types of short-term health problems due to its ozone content. ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist Dr Ibrar Ahmed says that smog can irritate one’s eyes, nose and throat. Besides, with regular, long-term exposure it can trigger heart and lung problems.

“Children may be more allergic to air pollution because their respiratory systems are still developing and they tend to have an active lifestyle. Even healthy young adults breathe less well on days when the air is heavily polluted,” he adds.

Smog is not only harmful for human health, it also damages plants and animal life. Smog inhibits the growth of plants and can cause extensive damage to crops, trees, and vegetation.

Agri Commission Punjab Member Farooq Bajwa says that when crops and vegetables such as wheat, soybeans, tomatoes, peanuts, and cotton are exposed to smog, it interferes with their ability to fight infections and thus increases their susceptibility to diseases.

“Photochemical smog caused when nitrogen oxide reacts in the presence of sunlight, is established to destroy plant life and irritate sensitive tissues of both plants and animals.”

The EPA notes that a majority of people only need to be concerned about smog when ozone exposure reaches high levels. In order to protect oneself and one’s family, one needs to stay informed about the increasing levels of pollution around them.

Individual citizens who are affected by smog can often do very little to help matters, but they can apply adaptive and protective measures to reduce risks. Dr Mehdi suggests that individuals can decrease exposure to smog. For example, “Do not take chances with smog on days when air quality is even poorer. The best approach is to spend less time outdoors and replace vigorous activities such as running or biking, with walk.

“You can also schedule your outside activities for the early morning or evening, when pollution levels are relatively low.”

Health experts believe that human body has the capacity to adapt to smog impacts, but the people at greatest risk are those who suffer from heart and lung problems already. Therefore, if someone has a heart or lung condition, it is advised that they should talk to a healthcare professional about additional ways to protect themselves.

The writer is a staff member and can be reached at warraichshehryar@gmail.com