ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has voiced concerns over the recently released World Health Organisation’s (WHO) air quality database 2022 that shows that people around the globe are breathing unhealthy air.

According to the report the particulate matter, PM10 and PM2.5, has raised six fold as compared to the data base 2011 which is very alarming.

The report also shows the presence of soaring level of NO2, which is the outcome of burning of fossil fuel at high temperature.

Particulate matters and nitrogen dioxide are able to travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and bloodstream can cause severe respirator, lungs, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and other diseases.

According to a statement, PMA has been continuously raising its voice and demanding to take necessary steps to control environmental pollution in Pakistan to save the health of people.

In this regard the Sind High Court has thrice ordered the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to overcome pollution but unfortunately nothing has been done to improve the situation.

PMA Secretary General Dr Qaisar Sajjad said air pollution was a major problem confronting Pakistan, with cities like Lahore and Karachi ranking among the most polluted worldwide.

“According to the latest global environment performance index (EPI), Pakistan ranks in the list of countries which suffer from poor air quality. This shows the poor environmental condition of country which is deteriorating day by day. The emission of carbon from vehicles, factories, generators and burning of garbage is polluting environment and making cities unliveable,” he said.

“In Pakistan, one in 10 deaths in under-5 children is caused by air pollution. Due to this air pollution diseases of ear nose and throat (ENT) and chest are increasing geometrically including nasal allergy, sour throat, sinusitis, laryngeal cancer, nasal obstruction, bronchitis and lungs cancer.

“To lessen our environmental issues we need to have a proper sewerage system. Hospitals and factories should properly dispose of their waste to prevent environmental pollution and serious health issues.

“Proper areas should be allocated to throw waste. Untreated water should never fall into oceans, lakes and rivers. We need to plant more trees and conserve our forests.

“Cutting of trees should be stopped to prevent air pollution, noise pollution, global warming and to reduce the sides effects of climate changes.

“Forestation should be increased in cities which are overcrowded to prevent environmental pollution.

“The laws regarding environment should be implemented strictly with letter and spirit,” Dr. Sajjad said.

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2022