The air quality of the federal capital on Sunday was unhealthy as hazardous pollutants were recorded beyond permissible limits where the health experts warned citizens to avoid prolonged outdoor exertion.

The air quality in the metropolis was unhealthy for people belonging to sensitive groups particularity lungs and heart disease patients, older people, children and teenagers as air pollutant ratio was recorded beyond safer limits. Health experts advised citizens belonging to sensitive groups to wear face masks or coverings, avoid unnecessary prolonged exertion outdoors and immediately contact health physician or doctor in case of serious respiratory issue.

latest data released by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), the particulate of 2.5 (PM2.5) microns which was a hazardous ambient air pollutant causing chronic respiratory diseases and premature deaths was higher than safer limits.

The PM2.5 not only exceeded National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) of 35 micrograms per cubic meter rather World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 20 micrograms per cubic meter.

Citizens avoid outdoor exertion as capital’s pollution soars – Pakistan Observer