Lahore's poor air quality stems from a combination of factors that lead to heavy smog formation. The city of 14 million people experiences periods of severe air pollution due to a blend of specific conditions and emissions.
Here's a breakdown of the key contributors:
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Smog Composition: Lahore's air is often thick with smog, which is a mixture of fog and various pollutants.
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Low-Grade Diesel Fumes: Vehicle emissions, particularly from older vehicles using low-quality diesel, release harmful particulate matter into the atmosphere. This is a significant contributor to air pollution as stated in the provided reference.
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Seasonal Agricultural Burning: After the harvest season, farmers often burn crop residue in their fields. This widespread agricultural burning releases large quantities of smoke and pollutants, which worsen air quality, especially during certain times of the year, according to the provided reference.
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Winter Cooling: The need for heating during winter months leads to increased combustion of fuels, adding to the pollution burden.
| Contributing Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Low-Grade Diesel Fumes | Emissions from vehicles using low-quality diesel fuel contribute significantly to particulate matter. |
| Seasonal Agricultural Burning | Smoke from burning crop residue after harvest seasons releases pollutants into the air. |
| Winter Cooling | Increased fuel combustion for heating during winter adds to overall pollution levels. |
In summary, Lahore's bad air quality is a complex issue resulting from vehicle emissions, agricultural practices, and seasonal factors.
