'Karachi’s toxic air poses serious respiratory health risks'

KARACHI: A study by the Aga Khan University has unveiled alarming levels of air pollution in Karachi, posing severe respiratory health risks, particularly to men, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing pulmonary conditions. Published in Atmospheric Pollution Research, the study is the first of its kind to focus on Pakistan’s urban population and highlights the growing environmental crisis in the country’s largest city.
The research found dangerously high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), along with sulfate, ammonium, nitrate, and black carbon in Karachi’s air. These pollutants were measured at two busy urban sites—Korangi and Tibet Center on M.A. Jinnah Road—revealing levels far exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Simultaneously, data from three major hospitals—NICVD, JPMC, and AKUH—showed a significant correlation between high PM2.5 levels and an increase in respiratory health issues, including chronic bronchitis, lung infections, and worsening of existing conditions.
“PM2.5 poses the greatest risk to human respiratory systems, primarily due to emissions from human activities,” said Professor Zafar Fatmi, Head of Environmental, Occupational Health & Climate Change at AKU. “This is a crisis that demands urgent action to curb pollution levels and protect public health.”
The study underscores the urgent need for policy measures and public awareness to combat Karachi’s escalating air pollution crisis, which now ranks among the highest globally in both developed and developing nations.