In an early November morning in the year 2016, the citizens of Lahore woke up to witness a strange mist that had engulfed their entire city. At first, they confused it with regular fog as it is usual for the plain areas of the province of Punjab to experience dense fogs almost every winter. However, this time, the fog in which the people of Lahore were breathing was entirely different: it left them with red, watery eyes, along with resulting in coughing and causing considerable difficulties in breathing. Later in the day, media channels reported that the mist that was being experienced was not fog at all. It was perhaps the very first time that the word ‘smog’ made its way to the consciousness of the Pakistani masses as they gradually learned about the consequences of the hazardous air they were breathing in.
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What is smog?
In simpler words: smog is a form of air pollution that results from the mixing of various chemical fumes and smoke with the air. Smog is denser than the regular air we breathe in and contains several pollutants that are extremely dangerous for almost all living beings. Smog has its particular odor and opacity level. It can contain compounds from Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Sulfur Oxides (SOx) to smoke particles, and may also have stored Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Carbon Monoxide (CO), as well as harmful radioactive emissions. Cutting and burning of trees and forests, smoke emitting from vehicles and industries, and burning of coal are the leading causes of smog.
Some of the world’s most renowned cities are also the ones that are worst affected by the menace of smog. These metropolitans include Beijing, New Delhi, London, Los Angeles, Tehran, Mexico City, New York, and others.
Smog and illnesses
Smog is responsible for causing numerous diseases in humans. The polluted air results in breathing ailments, such as Asthma, Bronchitis, and Emphysema. It greatly hampers the body’s ability to resist diseases and makes it more vulnerable to infections. Smog causes severe irritation in the eyes and nose. A 2016 research carried out in a Canadian province declared that smog caused the deaths of over 9000 citizens each year. Researches also suggest that areas affected by smog witness decreased weight of infants at the time of their birth along with linking the air pollution to other birth defects as well. A study conducted in the UK also attributed smog with spreading Alzheimer’s disease. A meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in early November 2017 brought to light that almost 10% of the population of Punjab, Pakistan, was suffering from Tuberculosis (TB) and related breathing diseases due to smog.
Preventive steps
In order to ensure the well-being of their citizens, governments need to make important decisions that would result in effectively tackling with the menace of smog. Other than dealing with smoke emitting industries or factories with a strong arm, a check-and-balance needs to be maintained over the vehicular emission as well as it is a major contributor to the progression of smog. Renewable energy sources should replace the current ways through which electricity is produced, especially through the burning of coal, to promote a safe and healthy environment. Deforestation should be greatly discouraged, and steps should be taken to assure the safety and further enhancement of the greenery around us.
Take caution
Unnecessary travel should be avoided during smoggy days, but if making a trip is unavoidable, it is important to cover the eyes and the face with a mask in order to make as less contact with the air outside as possible. Burning of any sort of materials that would result in increased level of smoke should not be considered. Sprinkling some water over dusty surfaces (e.g., roads, streets) should be made part of the daily routine to ensure a clean, dust-free air to breathe in. A timely visit to the doctor, especially in the case of children and senior citizens, must be of high priority in order to trace and treat any ailments resulting from smog.
Few of the recommended steps by the Government of Punjab are:
- Drink abundant amount of water
- Try to stay within closed doors
- Keep door and windows shut
- Use wet mop to clean instead of brooms
- Use sunglasses and thoroughly wash eyes whenever outside
- Use masks to cover your nose and mouth
- Refrain from using chilled drinks
- Keep your cars mechanically fit so reduce harmful exhaust gases
China’s dust supression system
China is among the countries that are worst affected by smog. We have extensively written about their smog problem in our blogs. In 2016, a dust suppression system or DSS was introduced to tackle with the smog conundrum. This cannon-like structure is used to sprinkle water to a maximum distance of 120 meters and a maximum height of 60 meters. It is chiefly used at industrial locations, construction areas, or coal deposit sites to lessen the dust levels and make the air somewhat cleaner to breathe in. Local media reported that the areas where the DSS was used appeared to be brighter and the air there felt cleansed. Keeping in view the rising levels of smog in Pakistan, maybe it’s time the government considers requesting its Chinese friends to hand over a few of these air-cleansing cannons to beat the smog epidemic to a some extent.
Time to step up
Although nature does play a certain role in causing air pollution through volcanic eruption or forest fires, smog significantly results from certain human activities that can be easily avoided or altered. This menace can only be dealt through a joint, dedicated effort of the entire society which has to be overlooked and guided by a committed, well-informed system that should be utmost concerned with the health and safety of all those who fall under it. As responsible citizens, it is up to us to play our part in this battle to ensure a safer atmosphere to breathe in.
