KARACHI: Karachi became the sixth most polluted city in the world on Sunday, as eastern winds brought the air quality to an unsanitary level.
According to the Air Quality Index, Karachi’s air pollution level is 163 particulate meters, which is harmful for the city’s residents.
Earlier, health authorities labeled Karachi’s air quality as “very unhealthy” and encouraged residents to limit their outside activities, particularly during peak pollution hours.
It should be noted that an AQI reading of 151-200 is considered unhealthy, an AQI reading of 201 to 300 is more detrimental, and an AQI reading of 300 or above is exceedingly dangerous.
According to experts, the air grows heavier in the winter, allowing harmful particles to drift downhill and contaminate the environment. As a result, a layer of contaminated particles, including high volumes of carbon and smoke, forms over a region.
As per the specialists, smoke created by industries or the combustion of coal, waste, oil, or tires enters the atmosphere and has an influence that begins at the start of the winter and lasts until the conclusion of the season.
Although southwestern winds sweeping from the sea in Karachi act as a filter for the air, they are generally suspended throughout the winter, scientists say.
Maria Ghanchi