Every winter, cities in upper and central part of Pakistan wear a blanket of fog; which is primarily due to a particular climate zoning, but the problem is getting worse with each passing year. The pollutants emitting from the surface adds to the fog and thickens it creating `smog`.

The problem has intensified during the past few decades due to rapid and sustained industrialisation and addition of thousands of vehicles. During December and January, smog slows down everything and on some occasions brings life to a standstill.

Punjab is a densely populated province and in terms of `human productivity loss`, one can calculate the negative impact on the financial health of the country if a large proportion of the population is rendered unproductive.

Lahore also falls amongst the worst smog affected cities in the world.

Here are some tips to safeguard your family and yourself from smog.

For people

• Use surgical or other face masks

• Remove contact lenses and use regular reading glasses

• Do not smoke and if not possible reduce intake

• Drink extra water and hot tea

• Blow nose regularly to clean out contaminants

• Wash hands, face and any exposed body part every time you come indoors after having gone outside

• Avoid going out unnecessarily

Indoors

• Seal vents, windows and other inlets of the house with masking tape or place moist towels or a cloth under doors and windows

• Use air purifiers

Outdoors

• Do NOT stop on the road even if you can’t see. Pull over to the side of the road away from traffic.

• Slow down when driving

• Use fog lights

• Do NOT use high beams

• Avoid going to crowded areas especially those prone to traffic jams