Air Pollution In Pakistan: Understanding The Main Culprits

Pakistan is facing an air pollution crisis that is affecting the physical and mental health of its citizens, particularly children. In 2019, Pakistan was ranked as the second most polluted country in the world, with a PM2.5 reading of 65.81 μg/m³, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m³. Major cities such as Lahore, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad suffer from severe air pollution caused by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction work, and crop burning. The high levels of particulate matter, smog, and toxic chemicals in the air have led to respiratory disorders, cardiovascular problems, and increased mortality rates, with an estimated 128,000 deaths attributed to air pollution-related illnesses annually. The Pakistani government has recognized the urgency of the situation and launched initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme to address the air quality issues and mitigate their impact on public health.

Vehicular emissions

Pakistan's roads are filled with cars, motorbikes, trucks, and buses, many of which are outdated and use unsafe engines and low-quality fuel, further exacerbating the pollution problem. The emissions from these vehicles include harmful substances such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is particularly prevalent in areas of high traffic, and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These emissions contribute to the formation of smog, which permeates the air in Pakistan's megacities, causing a multitude of health issues for residents.

The impact of vehicular emissions on air quality is not limited to a single city or region. In 2019, Pakistan had a PM2.5 reading of 65.81 μg/m³, which not only placed it in the "`unhealthy'" category but also ranked it as the second most polluted country in the world. This reading was nearly double that of China's, with Pakistan's annual PM2.5 average being 74.3 μg/m³. High levels of PM2.5, particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, have severe health implications for those who inhale them.

In addition to nitrogen and sulfur dioxide, vehicular emissions release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, which can easily turn into gases at low temperatures, making them more easily respirable. The burning of fossil fuels, which is a major source of energy for vehicles, contributes to global warming and exacerbates the effects of climate change on human health. The combination of vehicle emissions and industrial activities has led to Pakistan's poor air quality, posing a serious public health emergency in the country.

To address the issue of vehicular emissions and improve air quality, Pakistan needs to focus on implementing measures such as stricter vehicle emission standards, encouraging the use of alternative fuels or electric vehicles, and improving public transportation systems to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Additionally, raising awareness about the impact of vehicular emissions on the environment and public health can help drive collective efforts to tackle this pressing issue.

Industrial pollution

Pakistan has been ranked as the second most polluted country in the world, with nearly all Pakistanis living in areas where the average levels of particulate air pollution are above the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The country's industrial sector covers a broad range of industries, including textiles, leather, chemicals, fertilisers, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, paper and board, electrical goods, food, sugar, and other agriculture-related industries. These industrial processes generate hazardous waste, toxic gaseous pollutants, and other harmful emissions, such as smoke and dust.

The burning of fossil fuels in industrial zones is a major contributor to air pollution in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, where it increases the concentration of harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Industries involved in combustion processes, such as cement, paper, chemicals, and metals, emit particulate matter (PM) and heavy metals, which have severe impacts on the ecosystem and human health. The release of these pollutants into the atmosphere has detrimental effects on the health and well-being of the populace, causing respiratory disorders, cardiovascular problems, and other illnesses.

Pakistan's industrial policy and implementation have been criticised for lacking urgency and effectiveness. Despite the existence of stringent requirements for the safe disposal of hazardous substances under the World Trade Organization (WTO) regime, environmental compliance by industries in Pakistan is lacking. Toxic waste is often dumped into water bodies, and drinking water in many major cities is contaminated and unsuitable for human consumption.

The effects of industrial pollution are exacerbated by other sources of air pollution in Pakistan, including vehicular emissions, which account for almost 45% of pollution. The combination of industrial and vehicular emissions has resulted in high levels of pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants contribute to the formation of deadly smog and haze, which permeate the air and cause a multitude of health issues for Pakistan's inhabitants.

To address the issue of industrial pollution in Pakistan, it is crucial to prioritise environmental compliance by industries and ensure the safe disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, there is a need to explore and implement effective treatment technologies and pollution control measures. By tackling industrial pollution and improving air quality, Pakistan can reduce the negative impacts on human health, the environment, and the socioeconomic well-being of its citizens.

Fossil fuel burning

Pakistan has been ranked as the second most polluted country in the world. The air pollution in the country is mainly caused by fossil fuel burning, which is exacerbated by climate change. The burning of fossil fuels releases nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, contributing to smog and acid rain formation. Nitrogen oxides are emitted from transportation, industry, and the burning of fossil fuels.

The limited consumption of fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, and gasoline is key to reducing air pollution. The Pakistani government should support clean air programs and raise awareness about air pollution causes and effects. Reforestation is also important for reducing pollution as trees store carbon dioxide from the air, a major pollutant.

Businesses can play a role in reducing fossil fuel burning by managing and reducing emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and buying renewable energy. Individuals can also help by conserving energy, limiting driving, and using energy-efficient equipment.

The consequences of burning fossil fuels include melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and increasing global temperatures. Air pollution from fossil fuels has severe impacts on human health, causing respiratory and inflammatory disorders, and increasing the risk of heart attacks. It is also associated with an increased prevalence of intimate partner violence against women in low and middle-income countries in South Asia.

According to a recent study, air pollution from fossil fuels is responsible for about 8.7 million deaths worldwide each year, with China and India accounting for nearly five million of those premature deaths. The combustion of fossil fuels also leads to ozone air pollution and smog, further impacting human health.

Crop residue burning

The burning of crop residues releases harmful greenhouse gases with downstream effects on air quality, human health, and climate change. It creates black carbon, a significant contributor to global warming, possibly second only to CO2. The toxic emissions generated by crop burning lead to over 20,000 premature adult deaths in Pakistan annually and over 160,000 disability-adjusted life years lost due to sickness, disability, or early deaths. The economic cost of air pollution results in a loss of 6.5% of GDP annually.

Despite government bans and air quality concerns, farmers continue to burn crop residues due to limitations in policy implementation and uncertainty around access to and returns on alternatives. An integrated response that applies systems thinking across economic, regulatory, and information policy is needed for change. Regulations like price support and usage ratios can stimulate innovation and new markets, such as for crop residue. An essential intervention is assigning economic value to crop residue to deter farmers from burning. In parallel, long-term fixes should focus on crop diversification to ease the pressures to clear residue. Support for farmers and entrepreneurial innovation can yield equitable, sustainable system changes.

To address the issue of crop burning in Punjab, the Punjab Agriculture Department (AgriPunjab) launched the Mechanized Management of Rice Crop Residue (MMRCR) program to subsidize two types of machines – rice shredders and Happy Seeders. These machines shred rice crop residue and incorporate it back into the soil, rather than burning it. The government also introduced subsidized 'happy-seeders' for small farmers in 15 major rice-growing districts in Punjab, which cut operating costs by half, incorporate residue back into the soil, and potentially reduce GHG emissions by 78% per hectare.

Construction work

The dust generated by construction activities can be particularly harmful to human health. It can contain silica, which, when inhaled over time, can lead to respiratory issues such as silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, the release of VOCs from paints, solvents, and other construction materials can contribute to ground-level ozone formation, exacerbating respiratory problems and causing eye and throat irritation.

The impact of construction work on air quality is further exacerbated by the lack of proper waste management practices at construction sites. Improper disposal of construction waste, such as dumping in open areas or burning, releases toxic fumes and contributes to land pollution.

To mitigate the effects of construction work on air pollution, it is essential to implement sustainable practices in the construction industry. This includes adopting dust control measures, such as using water sprays to suppress dust, proper waste management techniques, and utilizing more environmentally friendly materials and processes.

Furthermore, the implementation of regulations and standards for air quality monitoring and control at construction sites is crucial. Regular inspections and enforcement of these regulations by local authorities can help minimize the impact of construction work on air pollution, protecting both workers and nearby communities from harmful pollutants.

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