Lahore Tops Global Pollution Rankings: PM2.5 Levels 25 Times Above WHO Guidelines

Lahore, Pakistan's cultural hub, has earned the unfortunate distinction of becoming the world's most polluted city on Monday, marking the second occurrence within a single week. The city's air quality has deteriorated to hazardous levels, significantly exceeding World Health Organization guidelines, according to data from a private technology company.

While Punjab province, with Lahore as its capital, lacks its own air quality monitoring system, provincial authorities have confirmed they are actively implementing the Smog Emergency Plan, with particular focus on Lahore.

IQAir reports indicate that Lahore's air quality index (AQI) reached a dangerous 312, with PM2.5 concentration - the most harmful particulate matter - measuring 190.5 micrograms per cubic meter. "This concentration exceeds the World Health Organisation's annual air quality guideline by over 25 times. Real-time monitoring stations throughout Lahore present an even more concerning picture, with numerous areas crossing into the 'hazardous' category," IQAir stated.

By 10 pm on Monday, Lahore topped the global pollution rankings among major cities, surpassing other notorious pollution hotspots including Delhi (AQI 220) and Kolkata (AQI 170).

The PM2.5 concentration levels in Lahore's atmosphere are several times beyond global safety thresholds, increasing risks of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses among other serious health conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and elderly residents.

WHO's 2021 air quality guidelines recommend PM2.5 levels at 5 micrograms per cubic meter annually and 15 micrograms per cubic meter daily, while PM10 levels should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter annually and 45 micrograms per cubic meter daily, emphasizing that clean air is essential for human health.

Smog, a toxic combination of vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and seasonal agricultural burning practices, has become a recurring environmental crisis for Lahore between October and February. This year's data suggests a particularly severe beginning to the pollution season.

Earlier last week, Lahore had also ranked as the world's most polluted city from October 22 to 25, according to IQAir data. During this period, air quality plunged to hazardous levels as smog enveloped the city, with the overall AQI reaching 412, prompting health advisories and a province-wide enforcement effort against pollution sources.

IQAir, a Swiss technology company, specializes in empowering individuals, organizations, and governments to improve air quality through information sharing and collaborative approaches.

Environmental specialists have advised residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, especially during morning and evening hours, and to wear protective masks when venturing outside.

Punjab's Environment Minister Marriyum Auranzeb has stated that the provincial government is actively implementing the Smog Emergency Plan, particularly in Lahore, taking strict measures against brick kilns, factories, and vehicles emitting excessive smoke.

Teams from the Environment Department and Forest Department are conducting round-the-clock monitoring, while authorities are rigorously enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against crop residue burning.

In urban areas, artificial rain applications and cleaning operations using specialized smog guns are underway. Additionally, sprinklers have been installed at construction sites to control dust dispersion and mitigate pollution levels.