How Deadly is Smog for Bike Riders?

Once again, this year, Lahore ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. While our city competes closely with Delhi, the Indian city that has claimed the unfortunate title of the world’s most polluted city, Lahore is currently in second place.

The current Air Quality Index of Lahore is 201-265, which is not just bad; it’s deadly for human lungs. The city is so polluted that in the evening, it looks like there’s fog outside, but that’s the pollution, so dense that it reduces visibility.

Let’s examine smog, how it is created, and how deadly it is for human lungs, specifically for bike riders who are constantly exposed to it.

What is Smog Actually?

Smog forms when certain pollutants mix and react in the air, especially on sunny days. It starts with emissions from cars, factories, and other sources that release nitrogen oxides (NOx) and organic compounds (VOCs). These are the key “ingredients” for smog.

When sunlight hits NOx, it breaks down and forms ozone, which is high up in the atmosphere but harmful at ground level. VOCs then react with this ozone in a chain reaction, creating more ozone and other toxic compounds. This is what we call “Smog”. This is not good for human lungs.

Another component is particulate matter, or tiny particles formed when NOx and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from fossil fuels combine with other compounds in the air. These particles give smog a thick, hazy look.

How Does it Affect Human Lungs?

Smog negatively impacts human lungs by irritating and inflaming the respiratory tract, making breathing difficult and causing or worsening respiratory conditions. The primary components in smog are ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), which is not good for human lungs.

When inhaled, ozone in the Smog reacts with lung tissues, causing inflammation, irritation, and even tissue scarring. It can worsen asthma symptoms, reduce lung function, and lead to coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. 

While these conditions are possible, they might not affect you as severely because your body has developed some resistance to smog, especially if you’re living in Lahore. Our immune system can adapt to frequent exposure to certain pollutants and irritants, building a degree of resilience, like against this Smog. However, this doesn’t mean smog isn’t harmful. You’ll still see flu-like symptoms, fever, and sore throats among many people in Lahore due to the constant exposure to Smog.

If you’re feeling these light symptoms, that’s because smog is triggering your respiratory system. However, your respiratory system has developed a strong resistance to Smog, so no severe damage can occur. Light flu and sore throat are, of course, possible.

So, it’s better not to push your immune system to the limit and try avoiding exposure to the Smog.

Does it Affect Motorcycle Riders?

Yes, smog heavily impacts motorcycle riders, who are directly exposed to polluted air. While riding, they inhale pollutants like ground-level ozone and fine particles more intensely, leading to respiratory irritation, coughing, eye irritation, and, over time, lung damage. Constant exposure can also trigger asthma or worsen existing respiratory conditions, but that’s very unlikely to happen; eye infections, sore throats, and flu are common in that case.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Wear a Quality Mask: Use an N95 or similar mask designed to filter out fine particles. Basic cloth masks won’t provide enough protection against particulate matter or ozone.
• Wear Goggles: Protect your eyes with goggles to prevent irritation from pollutants.
• Avoid High-Smoke Hours: Smog levels are typically highest during the morning and evening rush hours. Ride outside these times.
• Take Less-Traveled Routes: Choose routes with less traffic and green areas, where air quality is generally better.

Let us know what you think about the Smog.