Revealing the Dangerous Impact of Air Pollution on Public Health in Pakistan

A recent study has revealed that air pollution is having a dangerous effect on public health in Pakistan, with significant increases in health risks in major urban centers such as Islamabad and Peshawar.

The study highlights the threat to human lives. The comprehensive research, led by Dr. Razia Safdar, Senior Policy Advisor at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), outlines the health impacts of PM 2.5 on the residents of Peshawar and Islamabad.

Using the World Health Organization’s Air Quality Tool, the study estimated the health outcomes of exposure to PM2.5 particles, revealing that these dangerous particles are deeply impacting life expectancy, mortality rates, and the spread of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

According to the report, PM2.5, which consists of airborne particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, is the most hazardous form of pollution.

These particles can penetrate the lungs and blood vessels, causing serious health issues.

The research indicates that only targeted policies, strong data collection, and public health campaigns can help reduce the burden of air pollution and protect citizens’ health.

The report also states that Pakistan is one of the five countries with the worst air quality in the world.

In 2023, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 160, with PM2.5 levels being 14.7 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit.

The report emphasizes the urgent need to address these harmful effects, with the study pointing out that air pollution in Pakistan causes approximately 256,000 premature deaths annually and reduces the average lifespan by around four years.

In Peshawar, air pollution has become a major cause of death from heart diseases (IHD), stroke, and lung cancer.

In Islamabad, the higher levels of PM2.5 have contributed to increased deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.