Polluted smog continues to cover several areas of Punjab

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Heavy smog loaded with pollutants continue to cover several urban and rural areas across Pakistan including Lahore and Islamabad, prompting breathing problems. Several cities in Punjab province, including the provincial capital Lahore, federal capital Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad, Okara have been engulfed in haze for the last couple of days. The smog has caused irritation in residents' eyes and an increase in respiratory-related health problems. With scores of residents reporting respiratory problems and irritated eyes, doctors are advising residents to try to stay indoors and wear facemasks outside. Experts say increasing construction dust, burning of garbage, factory emissions and motor vehicle exhausts are all contributing factors to the phenomenon. On the other hand, smog-related diseases are spreading widely in Punjab as smog continues to thicken in several cities in Punjab including Lahore. The diseases are spreading at rapid pace due to plummeting air quality. Air pollution must not exceed 80 microgram per cubic meter as per standard measures but the same has exceeded 200 microgram per cubic meter in multiple areas of Lahore. Experts have warned against condensing of smog in days to come as farmers burn paddy straw in Punjab.