Students educated on smog effects and safety measures

Environmental degradation is one of the major issues being experienced globally whose one of the toxic after impacts is smog, said speakers on Tuesday during a programme organised at the Defence Authority Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zaid (SKBZ) College to create awareness on smog, its hazardous effects and its precautionary measures. 

Lahore and its adjoining districts are engulfed with dense blanket of smog these days, causing harmful atmospheric pollution, reduced visibility, irritation of eyes and respiratory problems. The smog contains toxic chemicals like nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and other pollutants, which are extremely harmful to health. 

The smog or thick fog is believed to be due to cross border emissions of air pollutants, less downpour, unsafe operation of steel mills and unabated construction work causing intense dust and air pollution. 

Students highlighted the hazardous effects of smog in form of presentations, speeches and different skits. The school choir presented national songs on the occasion. Students and experts, including medics, made informative speeches on the subject.

The medics stressed on the precautionary measures to be taken in smoggy weather, suggesting the attendees to avoid roaming outdoors without wearing masks, drinking two to two-and-half litres water daily, shutting down house windows tightly, taking cool shower, washing eyes repeatedly, using moist towel and avoiding running and exercising in open air.  They said special care should be taken for children because smog may lead to asthma, eye and throat irritation.

The chief guest, Mrs Shahid Hassan Ali, wife of DHA Administrator Brig Shahid Hassan Ali, appreciated the presentations made by students to highlight the contemporary problem of atmospheric smog. She said small messages conveyed by students through speeches and skits for maintaining a healthy, clean and green environment were inspiring and meaningful.

She emphasised that such messages should be conveyed to the next generation for a brighter and progressive future.