Lahore, the capital of Punjab, has been named the world's most polluted city, according to data from IQAir released on Tuesday. The air quality in Lahore has reached a hazardous level, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 400. For context, healthy air has an AQI of below 50, meaning Lahore's air is about 80 times more polluted than what is considered safe.
Environmental experts explain that the change in wind patterns during winter contributes to this problem. In winter, winds blow from Pakistan to India, and common causes of pollution include burning agricultural waste, vehicle emissions, and energy production. The slower winds in winter trap polluted air in the city, mixing with fog to create dangerous smog.
New Delhi is the second most polluted city, with an AQI of 285, which is also unhealthy. Karachi ranks 13th on the list, with an AQI of 107, putting people with allergies and sensitivities at risk.
IQAir advises Lahore residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution. They recommend avoiding outdoor exercise, keeping windows and doors closed, wearing masks outside, and using air purifiers indoors.
Last year, a report highlighted that rising air pollution in South Asia could reduce life expectancy by more than five years per person, underlining the serious health risks associated with poor air quality in the region.