Air Pollution In Pakistan: Understanding The Main Causes

Pakistan is facing a severe air pollution crisis, with cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad among the most polluted in the world. The country's air quality has deteriorated to levels that pose a significant threat to public health and well-being, causing respiratory ailments, lung damage, and increased mortality rates. The main causes of air pollution in Pakistan include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, stubble burning, and solid fuel burning for cooking, heating, and lighting. The government has been criticized for its inadequate response, and there is an urgent need for long-term policies to reduce emissions and protect citizens' health and human rights.

Vehicular pollution

Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world, with 212.2 million inhabitants. The country has some of the worst air pollution levels globally, with its cities creating vast amounts of smoke, haze, and deadly smog. Vehicular pollution is a significant contributor to this issue, with the country's numerous cars, motorbikes, trucks, and buses emitting harmful pollutants into the air.

Lahore, once known as the "city of gardens," is a prime example of the impact of vehicular pollution. In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the city experienced a significant improvement in air quality as vehicles remained off the roads. However, as soon as the restrictions were lifted, smog quickly returned, highlighting the detrimental effect of vehicles on the environment.

Vehicles emit various pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Nitrogen dioxide is particularly concentrated in areas of high traffic, posing health risks to residents. In addition to the vehicle emissions, the burning of low-quality fuel further exacerbates the problem. Outdated and unsafe engines, commonly found in Pakistan's vehicles, release unsafe levels of pollution.

The impact of vehicular pollution on human health is significant. The poor air quality in Pakistan increases the rate of respiratory ailments, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, and aggravated asthma attacks. The high levels of pollution can even cause asthma in individuals who previously showed no signs of the condition, with young children being particularly vulnerable.

To address the issue of vehicular pollution in Pakistan, it is essential to implement measures such as improving fuel quality, updating engine technology, and promoting alternative forms of transportation. Real-time air quality monitoring and data availability can also help raise awareness among the public and enable them to take protective measures and advocate for effective policies to tackle this pressing issue.

Industrial emissions

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in width, which is incredibly small and capable of penetrating deep into the lung tissue. The high levels of PM2.5 in Pakistan's air have been associated with increased rates of respiratory ailments, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD encompasses a range of respiratory issues, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, and aggravated asthma. The impact of PM2.5 on asthma is particularly concerning, as it can induce asthma attacks and even trigger the onset of asthma in previously healthy individuals, with children being the most vulnerable.

In addition to particulate matter, industrial emissions in Pakistan produce other harmful substances. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are commonly found in the air, with NO2 being particularly concentrated in areas of high traffic. These gases contribute to the formation of smog, which has become a persistent issue during the "smog season" from October to January. The dense smog results in hazardous air quality, prompting advisories for people to avoid outdoor physical activities.

Furthermore, industrial activities in Pakistan emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene. VOCs are labelled as "volatile" due to their propensity to transform into gases at very low temperatures, making them easier to inhale once released into the air. The burning of plastics, a byproduct of industrial processes, generates toxic chemicals, including dioxins, furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and hazardous metals like lead. These emissions pose significant risks to both the environment and human health.

To address the issue of industrial air pollution in Pakistan, the court-appointed Smog Commission made several recommendations in 2018. These included the immediate implementation of the Punjab Clean Air Action Plan and the adoption of technologies to reduce harmful emissions from brick kilns. However, these suggestions have seen limited or partial implementation. There is an urgent need for a fundamental shift in Pakistan's industrial practices to prioritize the reduction of harmful emissions and protect the health and human rights of its citizens.

Solid fuel burning

Households that use solid fuels for cooking and heating are predominantly located in poor, rural communities. The combustion of these solid fuels in inefficient stoves or open fires, often in poorly ventilated kitchens, results in high exposure to multiple toxic products of incomplete combustion. The concentrations of pollutants can be up to 10 to 20 times higher than commonly accepted health guidelines. This puts vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, at an even higher risk of adverse health effects.

The health impacts of solid fuel burning are significant and wide-ranging. The microscopic particles (PM2.5) released during combustion can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and reach vital organs such as the heart and brain. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution has been linked to respiratory ailments, including pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, and aggravated asthma attacks. It is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, lung cancer, and chronic pulmonary disease.

In Pakistan, the use of solid fuels for cooking and heating, especially in rural areas, contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution. While specific data on the impact of solid fuel burning in Pakistan may not be readily available, studies from neighbouring countries like India offer insights into the potential health and environmental consequences. The incomplete combustion of solid fuels in households releases pollutants that contribute to the national burden of disease, with respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease being significant concerns.

Addressing the issue of air pollution from solid fuel burning requires a comprehensive approach. This includes improving access to cleaner and more efficient energy sources and technologies, promoting better ventilation in homes, and raising awareness about the health risks associated with solid fuel combustion. By taking concerted actions, Pakistan can reduce the negative impact of solid fuel burning on the environment and the health of its citizens, particularly those in rural and disadvantaged communities.

Stubble burning

However, the environmental and health costs of stubble burning far outweigh the short-term economic benefits for farmers. Stubble burning not only contributes to air pollution but also leads to nutrient loss, depletion of soil organic matter, reduction in beneficial soil biota, and soil fertility by 25% to 30%. It also undermines the soil's capacity for water retention. The excessive reliance on crop burning can be attributed to a market failure where the true social cost of crop burning is not recognized, and the private costs incurred by farmers when burning stubble are relatively low.

To address this issue, the Punjab Agriculture Department launched a programme in 2020 to subsidize equipment such as Rice Straw Shredders and Happy Seeders. These machines make rice stubble more manageable and allow it to be incorporated back into the soil, eliminating the need for burning. In 2021, the government agreed to pay 80% of the costs (around US$2100) for 500 farmers selected through a lottery system. The Happy Seeder equipment has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% per hectare. Researchers are currently evaluating the impact of this initiative, including the short-term impact on pollution levels and the factors influencing the uptake of this technology, especially in the context of heavy government subsidies.

Another policy option for reducing stubble burning is the implementation of payments for ecosystem services (PES), where farmers who adopt environmentally and ecologically friendly practices are financially compensated. This can be executed through a conditional cash transfer (CCT) programme via Pakistan's social protection platform, Ehsaas, with support from the Department of Agriculture. CCT programmes have been successful in restoring efficiency and improving equity in similar contexts, making environmentally friendly alternatives more economically viable for farmers.

Poor fuel quality

Pakistan is facing an air pollution crisis, with cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad suffering from severe air pollution. One of the contributing factors to this crisis is poor fuel quality.

Pakistan's power sector is facing significant challenges, including a large circular debt and deep structural issues. The country relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, which currently account for 40% of its primary energy supply. This reliance on fossil fuels has made Pakistan vulnerable to global price hikes, such as those driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As a result, Pakistan has struggled to secure supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and has had to increase its use of coal and furnace oil.

The use of low-quality fuel in vehicles is a major concern. Two-wheelers, which are common in Pakistan, use 45% of the country's total petrol. This low-quality fuel can cause engine knocking, leading to engine damage. To mitigate this, additives are mixed into the fuel, but these additives contribute to air pollution and have negative impacts on public health. In 2016, allegations surfaced that petroleum marketing companies, including Pakistan State Oil, were selling adulterated petrol. While initially denied, these allegations were later confirmed by the Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan. Despite this, refineries have resisted measures to improve fuel quality and adhere to updated fuel standards, prioritizing profits over environmental and health concerns.

The impact of poor fuel quality is evident in the high levels of PM 2.5 emissions found in Lahore and other Pakistani cities. These emissions have been linked to carbon monoxide (CO), which is a byproduct of incomplete combustion in fossil fuel engines. The use of furnace oil in thermal power plants near Lahore contributes to this issue, as it can contain up to three percent sulphur. Additionally, the country's fuel standards, such as the Pak-2 (equivalent to Euro-2) adopted in 1998, are outdated compared to the Euro-5 and Euro-6 standards being adopted internationally.

The consequences of poor fuel quality are dire, with air pollution leading to various health issues for Pakistan's citizens. The World Health Organization's air quality guidelines, if met, could result in a significant increase in life expectancy for Lahore's residents. It is crucial for Pakistan to address its fuel quality issues and implement evidence-based policies to improve air quality and protect the health and well-being of its population.

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