HEALTH IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION

Abstract

Pakistan’s urban air pollution is among the most severe in the world. In November 2024, Lahore-Pakistan became the most polluted city in the world. The toxic smog has left citizens struggling to breathe, and over 15,000 people have been hospitalized. There are numerous causes of pollution across the major cities of Pakistan; pollution put out by vehicles and factories, and the stubble burning taking place in the winter months. A combination of legislative, technological and social behavioural changes is to be made to solve this problem. Air pollutions is injurious to human health. Wearing masks, developing urban forests, building parks and fountains in cities can mitigate air pollution. Where there is a lack of free areas for landscaping, an ‘Algae Bioreactor’ can be used. An algae bioreactor is a machine that utilises microalgae to capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and wastewater to produce biomass and oxygen. Types and amounts of indoor air pollutants differ from those found outdoors. Indoor air may contain a variety of contaminants, including particulate matter, tobacco smoke, radon, biological contaminants and many chemicals. Eliminating smoking indoor, using products with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions, reducing Radon levels, using exhaust fans, and cleaning air filters of air conditioners can reduce indoor air pollution. Air purifiers can be used to clean indoor air. Small units of Algae Bioreactors can also be used to decrease air pollution indoors.

Pak J Physiol 2024;20(4):1-2, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v20i4.1804