Air pollution reaches alarming levels

Faisalabad's index stood at 371, while Gujranwala's reached the extremely dangerous range of 600 to 660.

The AQI in Jhang city reached 678, while the air quality index of Murree, also known as the Queen of Hills, crossed 123.Being industrial cities, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Jhang have recorded extremely dangerous air pollution levels.

If there is no rainfall during the next three days – Saturday, Sunday and Monday – the air quality indices are likely to deteriorate further.Lahore, Multan, Jhang and Gujranwala have been included among the world's most polluted cities.

Medical experts and the health department have issued guidelines in view of the worsening smog situation, advising people to wear masks regularly.Polluted air is proving dangerous for children and patients suffering from respiratory diseases, and they should not be allowed to go outdoors unnecessarily.To avoid eye irritation, people have been advised to wash their eyes with clean water and use eye drops on the advice of a doctor.

They should also keep doors and windows closed during the morning and evening to prevent polluted air from entering their homes.According to the Environmental Protection Department Rawalpindi, the rising air pollution index is mainly caused by brick kilns, stone-crushing machines, smoke-emitting vehicles, the burning of crop residue, the process of extracting black oil by burning old tyres, and smoke from factories, industrial units and large bakeries.

Air pollution reaches alarming levels Qaiser Shirazi | Updated 7 minutes ago | Over 2,900 patients with respiratory, eye-related complaints visit hospitals in Rawalpindi.

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