A recent study by Karachi University’s Institute of Environmental Studies (IES) has revealed that Karachi’s air is consistently polluted with hazardous particles, posing a severe threat to public health.
The research team, led by Dr. Aamir Alamgir and including Dr. Noor Fatima, Effah Malik, Shahzaib Shamim, and Abdul Basit, investigated levels of PM2.5 and PM10 at 22 locations across seven districts. Monitoring was conducted daily for 10 hours over 12 months.
The selected areas for the study were: New Karachi, F.B Area, Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Hyderi Market, Hasan Square, Nursery, Sohrab Goth, Jackson Market, Naurus Chowrangi, Model Colony, Landhi, Shan Chowrangi, Shama Market, Jinnah Square, Quaidabad, Port Qasim, Kala Pul (DHA), Tibet Centre, Surjani Town, and Orangi Town.
The study used the air quality index (AQI) tool and found that AQI values at most locations ranged from 201 to 300, categorizing the air quality as “very unhealthy.”
(AQI values: 0-50 is Good, 51-100 is Moderate, 101-150 is Unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 is Unhealthy, 201-300 is Very Unhealthy, 301+ is Hazardous.)
Dr. Alamgir expressed concern, emphasizing the need for urgent action: “Inaction has brought us to this shocking stage. We must act now and take corrective measures.”
He cited several studies linking prolonged exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 with serious health issues, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases like asthma.
Criticizing the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) for deviating from WHO air quality standards, Dr. Alamgir called for aligning local standards with international norms. He stressed the importance of incentivizing industries to comply with air quality standards and enforcing regulations.
Additionally, he recommended policies and investments in cleaner transport, power generation, better municipal waste management, and energy-efficient homes to reduce key sources of outdoor air pollution.