Smog continues to choke Punjab
As many as 12 people have been injured in a traffic accident involving a tractor trolly due to smog at Vehari
November 03, 2017
Lahore: Residents of various parts of Punjab continue to face health and commutation problems as smog engulfs most parts of the province, including province's capital Lahore.
According to Motorway officials, visiblity has plunged to 25 -50 meters from Lahore to Bhera, as as thick smog – an unwanted by-product of fog and pollution – continued to persist in the air.
As many as 12 people have been injured in a traffic accident involving a tractor trolly due to smog at Vehari.
The motorway police have issued instructions to drivers to reduce speed and switch on fog lights to avoid any untoward incident.
What is smog?
Smog, also known as ground-level ozone, is a thick yellowish black fog which suspends in the air.
It is caused when air pollution, emissions and fumes combine with fog and sunlight, forming a thick layer of smoke-like film in the atmosphere. According to experts, emissions from industries and vehicles and cutting of trees worsen the phenomenon.
The Met Office has released a weather warning describing the smog — comprising nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and other aerosols — as a result of cold high pressure in the upper atmosphere. Suspended matter accumulates in the lower atmosphere, colliding with water vapour which causes a chain reaction that produces smog.
People may experience short-term skin and respiratory conditions such as eye irritation, coughing, throat/chest irritation and skin irritation as a result of smog.
Health experts recommend artificial tears for eyes as one way of dealing with smog. The public is also advised to adopt preventative measures such as avoiding the outdoors and using face masks when going out, especially young children, elderly and patients.
