ALARMING RISE OF

SMOG IN TWIN CITIES

RAWALINDI AND ISLAMABAD
 PRESENTED BY
• Irsa Qadeer
• Eman Shehzad
• Husna Abbas
• Iqra Noreen
• Fariha Niaz
• Shamim Latif
 INTRODUCTION
• Rapid economic growth, urbanization, and
industrialization leading to increased air
pollution and smog - Smog a major public
health concern and environmental issue in
Pakistan - Poor air quality due to population
growth, urbanization, industrial activities, and
increasing traffic loads -
• Air pollution, including smog, causes over
22,600 deaths annually in Pakistan - Dust and
smoke levels twice the global average and
five times higher than in developed
countries.
 SIT E D E SC R IPT IO N : T WIN
C IT IE S O V ERV IE W
Title: “Twin Cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad”
Combined population of over 15 million -
Third largest metropolitan area in Pakistan -
Similar elevation (500-540 meters above sea level) -
Semi-arid climate with hot summers, monsoon rains,
and cold winters -
Distinct five-season cycle (winter, spring, summer,
monsoon, and autumn)
 Smog, a harmful
Factors contributing
type of air pollution,
to smog: vehicular
increasingly
emissions, industrial
affecting the region.
activities, and crop
Focus of this
burning -
research will be : -

SMOG
Impact of smog: Objective: identify
significant risks to effective strategies
human health, to mitigate smog
environment, air effects and improve
quality, and air quality in the
economy - region
 WHAT IS
SMOG?
• -The term “smog” was first
used in 1905 to describe the
thick fog and smoke that
blanketed European cities, but
today it refers to a harmful
type of air pollution. -
• Smog is a toxic mixture of
nitrogen oxides and volatile
organic compounds (VOCs)
that react in sunlight to form
ozone, a major air pollutant.
 Smog poses serious health risks,
including respiratory problems, skin
irritation, and other health issues, by
SMOG releasing harmful ozone into the air. -
LEADING TO
HEALTH
ISSUES
To protect public health and the
environment, it is crucial to identify
and reduce the sources of smog and
air pollution.
 TYPES OF SMOG:

Photochemical
- Smog comes Sulphurous
Smog (Los
in two primary Smog (London
Angeles
forms: - Smog) -
Smog)
 1) SULPHUROUS SMOG
(LONDON SMOG) -

Caused by high levels of Sulphur

oxides in the air -
• Primarily resulting from
combustion of sulfur-containing
fossil fuels like coal -
• Exacerbated by dampness and high
concentrations of suspended
particulate matter
 2) PH O TO C H E MIC A L SMO G
(L O S A N G E LE S SMO G ):
• Caused by reaction of nitrogen oxides and
hydrocarbon vapors emitted by automobiles
and other sources -
• Undergoes photochemical reactions in the
lower atmosphere -
• Most common in urban areas with high vehicle
density
 CAUSES OF SMOG: -
• Coal emissions: Burning coal releases smoke that contributes to
smog formation, particularly in areas with large-scale coal
combustion. -
• Vehicular emissions: Automobiles emit pollutants like carbon
monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitric oxides, which react to form
smog.
• - Industrial emissions: Toxic industrial emissions contain volatile
organic compounds and nitric oxides that contribute to smog. -
• Natural phenomena: Volcanic eruptions release sulfur dioxide,
causing vog, a natural form of smog. Certain plants with
radiocarbon content may also emit smog-causing agents.
 CAUSES OF SMOG
• Photochemical reactions: The interaction of nitrogen
oxides, volatile organic compounds, and sunlight
triggers photochemical smog, a brown mist-like layer
over cities, commonly seen during summer -
• Agricultural activities: Crop burning, fertilizer use,
and pesticide applications can release pollutants that
contribute to smog.
• - Waste management: Improper waste disposal,
especially burning trash, can release harmful
chemicals that form smog. -
• Population growth and urbanization: Increased human
activity, energy consumption, and industrial processes
in urban areas can lead to smog formation.
 Respiratory
Accidents:
problems:

Cardiovascular
- Eye irritation:
issues:
IMPACTS OF
SMOG ON
HEALTH: Premature aging:
Reproductive
Neurological
issues:
impacts: -

Skin problems:
 • Ozone and PM are particularly damaging.
• Ozone harms plant cells, inhibits growth, and reduces
carbon dioxide intake during photosynthesis, leading to
lower crop yields.
• Smog reduces visibility and prevents sunlight from
reaching the ground effectively. This impacts plants’
ability to photosynthesize properly.

IMPACT OF • Air pollutants in smog like particulate matter and gases

can damage foliage and crops over time.
SMOG ON • Smog pollution raises ground-level ozone
ENVIRONMENT: concentrations
• raise the acidity of soil and water bodies unsuitable for
many organisms.
• It can damage lungs and cardiovascular systems of birds,
insects and other wildlife.
• It speeds up the erosion of marble, limestone and other
materials.
• smog pollutants can harm aquatic life
LITERATURE REVIEW
THE IMPACT OF SMOG ON
URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
SMOG
 LITERATURE REVIEW
• Smog is a hazardous blend of smoke and fog
• Causes of smog includes industrial
emissions ,vehicular pollution, meteorological
conditions and agricultural practices .
• Pollutants include sulphur dioxide, nitrogen
dioxide, volatile organic compounds and
particulate matter which leads
to health problems.
 HEALTH EFFECTS OF SMOG

Adverse health effects:

Successes in mitigating
respiratory Increased hospital
smog : stricter regulations,
illnesses ,cardiovascular admissions in
inadequate public
diseases, premature areas with high smog levels.
awareness.
mortality.
 RESEARCH GAPS

Gaps in
Consequences of failing to
research :understanding
address smog: increased
long term health impacts,
healthcare costs, reduced
identifying effective
productivity, damage
mitigation strategies,
to ecosystems and
developing innovative
agriculture.
technologies.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF
AT M O S P H E R I C A E R O S O L S
I N L A H O R E , PA K I S TA N ( 2 0 1 1 )

• This study provides

insights into the
composition and sources
of atmospheric aerosols
in Lahore, Pakistan,
highlighting industrial
emissions as a major
contributor to air
pollution.
I M PA C T O F V E H I C U L A R E M I S S I O N S O N
U R B A N A I R Q U A L I T Y I N R A WA L P I N D I -
I S L A M A B A D , PA K I S TA N ( 2 0 1 5 )

• This study assesses the impact of

vehicular emissions on urban air
quality in Rawalpindi –
Islamabad ,Pakistan highlighting the
contribution of vehicle exhaust to air
pollution levels in the twin cities.
EFFECTS OF AMBIENT AIR POLLUTION
O N D A I LY H O S P I TA L A D M I S S I O N S F O R
R E S P I R AT O R Y A N D C A R D I O VA S C U L A R
D I S E A S E S I N L A H O R E , PA K I S TA N ( 2 0 1 5 )

• This research investigates the

impact of ambient air pollution on
daily hospital admissions for
respiratory and cardiovascular
diseases in Lahore,
Pakistan ,highlighting the adverse
health effects of smog exposure.
SURVEY OBJECTIVE:
• Primary source=survey-based approach
• Secondary source= research/news articles
• Focused on Rawalpindi and Islamabad
regions
• Comprehensive assessment of causes,
effects, preventions, and awareness
Structured questionnaire developed using
Google Forms
• Four distinct sections to address objectives
thoroughly
SURVEY OBJECTIVE:
• Survey aims to comprehensively
assess smog severity and its impact on
daily life, health, and well-being.
• Seeks to identify key contributors to
smog, such as industrial emissions
and vehicular pollution.
• Aims to devise effective strategies for
mitigating smog’s adverse effects and
enhancing air quality through
community engagement.
 DEMOGRAPHIC DATA:
• Gathers demographic data essential for
analyzing responses, including age, occupation,
location, and gender, allowing for a nuanced
interpretation of survey results.
 • Sample questions and analysis revealed
perceptions on encountering smog, the
role of industrial pollution, government
actions, and the impact on daily
routines.
SAMPLE • The administration is taking strict action
QUESTIONS in accordance with law against the
AND violators of smog standard operating
procedures (SOPs) and lodged 46 first
ANALYSIS: information reports (FIRs) besides
imposing fines amounting to Rs1 million
on them during anti-smog operations
conducted in the Rawalpindi Division in
December
 O B JE C TIV E S O F T H E
ST U D Y:
• Primary aim: to investigate public
perceptions
• identify key areas of concern
• actions to reduce smog related issues
 A N A LY SIS O N PU B LIC
H E A LTH :
• Further analysis showed perceptions on the
threat to public health, the priority of
addressing smog, the importance of reducing
industrial pollution, and the association with
traffic accidents.
• According to former Environment Protection
Agency-Pakistan head, Asif Shuja Khan, “In
the last 15 years, Punjab’s vehicles have
increased by 268% (motorcycles by 439% and
private vehicles by 327%).
 A N A LY SIS O N
D E FO R ESTAT IO N :
• We also examined perceptions on causes
like deforestation, susceptibility based on
occupation, impact on social life and
education, and personal health concerns.
• “The situation is critical but our
departments are getting embroiled in
debating whether it is fog or smog at a
time when the whole world is telling us
that we are living in the most polluted
city,” Deputy Director Farooq Alam.
ANALYSIS ON TRANSPORTATION:
• Lastly, we looked at perceptions on promoting alternative transportation
and the importance of electric vehicles in combating smog pollution.
 P R A C T I C E E VA L U AT I O N O F
SMOG AMONG RESPONDENTS

• Importance of understanding public

perception
• People experience and perception is
important
• Public awareness : help reduce smog
 S U RV E Y
METHODOLOGY AND
K E Y S U RV E Y F I N D I N G S

• Proactive measures
• 78.4 percent people use
face mask
• Protection against
harmful chemicals
• Personal hygiene
• 21.6 percent do not use
 78.4 percent people :
wash hands and face

minimize
accumulation of smog
HYGIENE
PRACTICES
strong awareness of
personal hygiene

21.6 percent do not

wash
 B E H AV IO R A L
A D A PTAT IO N
• 73 percent people : limit outdoor
activities
• Awareness about health risks
associated with polluted air
• 27 percent do not limit outdoor
activities
TRAFFIC AVOIDANCE
• 70.3 percent : avoid high traffic areas
• Reduce smog exposure
• Shows Conscious efforts
• 29.7 do not avoid
 EYE PROTECTION
• 51.4 percent use goggles for eye
protection
• Shows awareness about specific
health risks
• 48.6 percent do not take this
precaution.
P O L I C Y A N D M I T I G AT I O N
S T R AT E G I E S T O R E D U C E
SMOG

 Ways to control smog

 Smog has become a major
problem in Rawalpindi and
Islamabad due to industrial and
air pollution. It cannot be fully
prevented ,but can be
controlled.
 There are some strategies to
reduce Smog.
 Government level Strategies
 Individual level Strategies.
GOVERNMENT LEVEL
• Regulations and Enforcement
• Enforce laws and regulations to
industrial emission, vehicles, and waste
management.
• Conduct regular inspection.
• Promote sustainable practices like,
reducing energy consumption and waste
reduction.
• Industrial area should be citied far away
from residential area.
 Launch national plantation campaign
Launch to promote the importance of plants.

ENCOURAGE Need to allocate special budget for

Need this project.
PLANTATION

Pass laws and regulations to protect

Pass forests.
 AWARENESS
CAMPAIGN
• To educate citizens about the causes,
effects, and prevention of smog,
promoting collective action for a
cleaner environment.
• Target Audience: General public,
especially residents of the affected
areas, school children, and industrial
stakeholders.
• Engage with industries, promoting
sustainable practices and emission
reduction.
• Offer workshops and training sessions
for industrial workers.
 INCENTIVE FOR CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES

• Subsidies: Provide financial support for businesses

and individuals investing in clean technology.
• Research funding:
• Workforce training:
• Offer training and development programs for clean
technology professionals.
• Public-private partnerships:
• Collaborate with private sector companies to
develop and implement clean technology projects.
 INDIVIDUAL
LEVEL
• Efforts of the government are
not enough to control smog.
• Individual efforts make a
significant difference in
reducing smog and improving
air quality.
• Individuals also take part in
the reduction of air pollution
by focusing on the following
approach.
S TAY I N G I N D O O R A N D L I M I T I N G
POLLUTION

• Limit outdoor activities.

• Reduce number of trip in cars.
• Ensuring good ventilation.
• Avoid burning waste, which can
contribute to outdoor pollution.
• Using proper waste disposal.
• Result; prevent the release of harmful
pollutants in the air.
 U SIN G L O C A L
T R A N SPO RT
• Avoid access use of private cars and
using public transport is one the best
way to improve air quality.
• Public transportation reduce
congestion on roads as well as turn
down the harmful effects of air
pollution. CO2 emission per
passenger of a train or coach on
average , six to eight time lower than
the car travel.
 WALKING/CYCLING
• Walking ,cycling, or even scooting is a fantastic way to
start a day.
• Also encourages physical activities
• Reduces air pollution: Fewer vehicles on the road means
less air pollution from exhaust pipes.
• Walking and cycling promote sustainable transportation
habits and raise awareness about the importance of
reducing smog.
• By promoting walking and cycling to school, we can
reduce smog, create a healthier environment.
 SHARING
RIDES
• People of similar locations
can share their rides.
• Reduce the number of
vehicles on road, which in
turn reduces air pollution.
• Less fuel consumption.
• Not only good for the
environment but it also save
your money on fuel.
 • In short, the increase in air pollution due to access
transportation and industrial emission enhance
level of smog.
• There are some important multifaceted steps;

CONCLUSION:
• Emission standards, cleaner transportation, better
rules for factories.
• This issue requires solution like, collaboration
among governments, industrial community, and
individual.
• Leads to safe planet for future generation.