Lahore:The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an urgent advisory for Lahore residents, urging them to take precautionary measures against the severe air pollution in the city. The advisory comes as Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remains at hazardous levels, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching 30.2 times the World Health Organization’s annual guideline value.
The NIH warned that the toxic substances in the air, coupled with the cold weather, pose a serious health risk, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The advisory recommends wearing masks when outdoors and avoiding unnecessary exposure to the polluted air.
The health department stressed that cities such as Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi are most affected by the ongoing smog, which is expected to persist in the coming days due to dry weather conditions across the region.
In response, Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin has directed all relevant authorities to ensure the implementation of anti-smog measures. Public health experts have urged both government and citizens to take immediate action to mitigate the harmful effects of the toxic air.