As our country becomes increasingly industrialised and more and more people can afford cars, air pollution has become a serious threat to the health of the nation.
This not just Pakistans problem as the world is facing this problem too. More and more pollutants are being spewed into the air as there is little restraint showed by industrialists and a large section of the society is unaware of the impact of its daily activities on air pollution.
Air pollution is the cause of many respiratory problems in the nation. Not only does it lead to problems like asthma, hay fever and dust allergies, it also leads to more fatal diseases like cancer and asbestos poisoning.
The release of mercury is also a significant contributor to air pollution. This is the by-product of many factories and is released into the air in the smoke spewed by many factories. This mercury then mingles with rain which then waters many crops and is mixed in many rivers and seas that are used as a source of drinking water. Hence, mercury poisoning is also a serious concern of health and it leads to serious health developments in children. This is the legacy we are leaving for our children: poisoned air, poisoned soil and poisoned water.
There is no environmental regulation in Pakistan and many factories are unchecked and not fined for their gross violation of environmental concerns. Even the public is not aware which of their activities cause air pollution like using faulty fridges, using environmentally unfriendly air-conditioners, outdated aerosols, not getting your car combustion cleaned and using leaded petrol.
SANA ALTAF
Lahore
