KARACHI: Karachi becomes seventh most polluted city in world as eastern winds bring air quality to an unhygienic level. According to Air Quality Index, air pollution in Karachi is recorded at 163 particulate meters which is unhealthy for Karachiites. Earlier, health experts described Karachi’s air quality as “Very unhealthy” and advised citizens to restrict their outdoor activities especially during peak pollution hours. AQI as high as 151-200 is considered unhealthy, while an AQI reading between 201 to 300 is more harmful and AQI reading over 300 mark is extremely hazardous.

Experts said that air becomes heavier in winter, causing poisonous particles in atmosphere to move downwards and making atmosphere polluted. As result, layer of polluted particles including large amounts of carbon and smoke, covers an area. Smoke produced by factories or by burning coal, garbage, oil or tyres enters atmosphere and its impact appears at onset of winter and remains till end of season, experts said. Although southwestern winds blowing from sea in Karachi, work as filter for air, these winds remain mostly suspended during winter, experts said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 18 2024

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