Insights into the Current Smog Episode in Punjab: Air Pollution and Health Crisis
Keywords:
Smog, Punjab, Air quality indicators, Pollution, Asthma, Cardiovascular diseasesAbstract
Background: Smog is a critical environmental issue, posing a significant threat to public health, air quality and urban sustainability. Punjab, the largest province of Pakistan by population, is facing severe environmental challenges due to smog and all major divisions of Punjab are affected by smog.
Objective: To assess the impact of smog on the air quality parameters, and health and behavior of people in Punjab
Methods: The cross-sectional analytical study covered a one-year period encompassing pre-smog and peak smog season in Punjab. Total 2000 residents of major cities of Punjab exposed to smog-related air pollution selected. Air quality and health outcomes assessed using a combination of Environmental Monitoring Points and Health Assessments. Bivariate regression employed to explore association between air quality indicators and health outcomes.
Results: The concentrations of air quality indicators including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, Sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide significantly increased in peak smog season (p<0.05), while a reduction was observed in Ozone concentration. Multan faced the highest problem of smog followed by Lahore and then other cities. The number of hospital admissions, cardiovascular incidents, respiratory symptoms score, and respiratory problems (asthma, bronchitis and COPD) elevated significantly (p<0.05). Moreover, public awareness to smog and use of masks significantly increased (p<0.05), while average time spent outdoors reduced markedly (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Smog had a severe health impact in Punjab. Increased concentrations of air quality indicators has been linked with worsening of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Although public awareness about smog is increased, but more effective and sustainable methods to address the effects are still required.
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