Karachi, known for its bustling ports and vibrant culture, has now become the most polluted city in the world, as the city’s air quality deteriorated amidst the ongoing cold wave. On Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Karachi reached a concerning level of 271, which is categorized as "very unhealthy" by the Swiss air quality monitoring group IQAir. The city’s residents are grappling with not only the biting cold but also dangerous levels of air pollution.
The primary pollutant responsible for the hazardous air quality is fine particulate matter, or PM2.5. These tiny particles, which are small enough to enter the bloodstream when inhaled, were measured at 162 µg/m³ in Karachi, which is more than 32 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit. Such levels of PM2.5 pose serious health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
The cold weather in Karachi is likely contributing to the worsening air quality. During the winter months, lower temperatures cause smog and pollutants to become trapped closer to the ground, limiting the dispersion of toxic particles. This phenomenon is common in many cities during colder weather and exacerbates air pollution levels. Karachi’s temperature was recorded at a low 10.5°C in the last 24 hours, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasting temperatures to remain between 9°C and 11°C in the coming days.
While Karachi has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the most polluted city, other cities in South Asia are also facing poor air quality. Lahore, the capital of Punjab, ranks fourth on the list with an AQI of 194, deemed "unhealthy." Bangladesh’s Dhaka (210) is in second place, followed by Wuhan in China (208) and India’s capital, Delhi (204), ranking fifth.
The air quality crisis is particularly severe in Punjab, where a combination of emissions from factories, vehicles, and seasonal crop burning by farmers adds to the pollution. The cool winter temperatures trap the pollution, causing a blanket of smog to settle over many parts of the region, which eventually spreads to cities like Karachi.
Prolonged exposure to toxic air can have serious health consequences. According to the World Health Organization, breathing polluted air can lead to strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. As cities like Karachi face worsening pollution, urgent measures are needed to address both the immediate and long-term health risks associated with poor air quality.
The worsening air pollution in Karachi underscores the need for better environmental policies and solutions to combat pollution, especially in urban areas that are experiencing rapid growth. Immediate steps should include stricter regulations on vehicle emissions, industrial pollution controls, and efforts to curb crop-burning practices that contribute to seasonal air quality deterioration.
As Karachi continues to battle this environmental crisis, it is crucial for residents and authorities alike to stay informed and take proactive steps to safeguard health in the face of this ongoing challenge.
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