Lahore has become the most polluted city in the world, and with that, there is a growing concern over a rapid increase in respiratory diseases in the city.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 332, while Faisalabad’s Air Quality Index stands at 325.
On Monday morning, Lahore’s Air Quality Index deteriorated severely, placing the city among the most polluted cities in the world. In addition, Sheikhupura recorded 311, Dera Ghazi Khan 239, Gujranwala 233, and Multan’s AQI is 224.
An index from 0 to 100 is considered clean and positive, while from 101 to 200 it is classified as slightly polluted but tolerable, according to the classification of the Environmental Protection Department of Pakistan.
Indexes ranging from 300 to 500 fall into the polluted and highly polluted category, where prolonged exposure to air pollution can cause breathing difficulties for heart and lung patients.
An Air Quality Index above 500 means the air is extremely polluted, and even healthy individuals may be affected, according to the Environmental Protection Department’s classification.
