According to the statement issued by the United Nations Fund in Islamabad, many people, including dozens of children, were admitted to hospitals last week due to record air pollution in Lahore and Multan.
Abdullah Fadal, head of UNICEF in Pakistan, says that air pollution is so high that it is now visible from space.
Abdullah Fadil said that I am very concerned about the health of the children who are breathing in this polluted and toxic air. In the most affected districts of Punjab, more than one crore children under the age of five are at risk of smog.
Abdullah Fadal said that before the record level of air pollution, 12 percent of children under 5 years of age in Pakistan died due to poor air quality.
He said that the effects of abnormal smog will be assessed some time, but we know that doubling and tripling the amount of pollution will have devastating effects on pregnant women and especially children.
Abdullah Fadal said that children are more affected by air pollution because their lungs are weak and their immunity is low.
He said that polluted particles can greatly affect the development of children’s lungs and brain, breathing in polluted air can affect brain tissues.
He further said that when pregnant women breathe in polluted air, their babies are more likely to be born prematurely, while the birth weight of these babies may also be low.
He requested the authorities to immediately strictly implement the laws and strengthen the regulations on discharge of pollutants for long-term safety.
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**Interview with Abdullah Fadal, Head of UNICEF in Pakistan**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Fadal. The recent spike in air pollution levels in cities like Lahore and Multan has been alarming, particularly for the health of children. Can you elaborate on how this pollution is impacting their health?
**Abdullah Fadal:** Absolutely. The air quality has deteriorated to such a degree that it is visible from space. This poses a serious risk to the health of children, especially those under five, who are among the most vulnerable. Poor air quality significantly increases the risk of respiratory and developmental issues. We already know that 12 percent of children in this age group face mortality due to air pollution-related issues.
**Interviewer:** That’s deeply concerning. You mentioned the long-term effects of this smog. Can you detail what those might be?
**Abdullah Fadal:** Certainly. The smog and increased pollution levels can lead to serious health problems for both children and pregnant women. Children’s lungs and immune systems are still developing, making them particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of polluted air. It can hamper lung development and even affect brain function. For expectant mothers, inhaling polluted air can lead to premature births and lower birth weights in their babies.
**Interviewer:** What steps are being taken to address this issue?
**Abdullah Fadal:** We are urging local authorities to implement stricter regulations on pollutants and improve enforcement. This is crucial for the long-term safety and health of our children.
**Interviewer:** Given that such systemic change is often slow, what can individuals do to protect themselves and their families in the meantime?
**Abdullah Fadal:** While systemic change is imperative, individuals can also take steps like using air purifiers at home, minimizing outdoor activities during peak pollution times, and advocating for cleaner air policies in their communities.
**Interviewer:** It seems this situation really puts a spotlight on government accountability. Do you think there is enough public awareness and action being taken regarding this public health crisis?
**Abdullah Fadal:** There is indeed a need for greater public awareness. Awareness drives action. The community should be aware of the dangerous health effects of air pollution to demand change from our policymakers. If people were more informed about how pressing this issue is, I believe we would see stronger advocacy for cleaner air.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Fadal. To our readers, how do you feel about the measures being taken by the government to combat air pollution? Do you think more can be done? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
