Lahore: Pakistan is underway to fight against a crisis in air pollution which arouses fears of a national emergency for health.
In Punjab, the most populous province in Pakistan, more than 11 million children under the age of five are exposed daily to toxic air, according to the United Nations.
The Swiss air quality tracker Iqair frequently classifies Lahore, the capital of Punjab, among the three most polluted cities in the world, its air quality index often exceeding 100 – at unhealthy levels.
In addition, the daily quantity of PM2.5 – fine atmospheric pollutants dangerous for health – registered frequently exceeds the air quality guidelines for the organization of global health of 15 micrograms per cubic meter.
The World Health Organization has qualified air pollution one of the greatest threats to children's health.
Students from the provincial capital have raised complaints that polluted air injures their eyes.
“Many do not know that poor air quality is not only a night of the lungs,” said student Kashaf Zahra.
“In Lahore, many (students) suffer from the deterioration of sight. When exposed to this polluted air, harmful particles can go into the eyes. ”
