How smog is formed?
When autumn season going to end and winter is coming the cold air stagnant the dust pollutants. When sunlight and its heat react with these particles and gases in the atmosphere, smog is formed. It is purely caused by air pollution.
What is AQI?
AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is an international standard to measure air quality. It measure the quantity of six air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ground level ozone). PM2.5 and PM10 are very small particles which has ability to penetrate deeply in your body. They can cause heart diseases, lungs diseases, stunt growth in children and can even cause premature deaths. Air Quality Index (AQI) scale is given below:
In Punjab, especially in Lahore AQI is always unhealthy for sensitive groups or general public and in smoke season it reaches to hazardous condition i.e. above than 300. It is mainly in central Punjab.
Causes of Smog in Punjab
1. Transport is the main contributor to pollution. Usage of low quality fuel and lack of public transport is 43% responsible for this smog season.
2. Industrial waste, coal power projects and substandard oil use for electricity generation is 25% responsible for causing pollution.
3. In agriculture, stubble burning causes 20% air pollution of Punjab.
What Government can do
As we discuss above transport, industry and agriculture are the major cause of increasing in AQI. And government can control these factors to decrease air pollution through reforms, policies and law making.
Entire transport system need to be revamp, reduce the number of fueled cars and introduce electric cars. Government need to introduce policies and apply standards in industry sector. Government need to think about our future generation and take decisions without pressure of business man. Dependencies on petroleum should be reduced and fuel quality should be improved. Clean Energy should be encouraged on commercial as well as domestic level such as solar, wind energy. Renewable energy and solar energy should be our future. There is a lack of understanding in people government should drive campaigns to spread awareness on seriousness of this issue.
Precautions
Stay home during this season. Use air purifier at home. If you have to go outside then must use masks. Don’t let anybody to burn garbage outside.