RAWALPINDI (Staff Reporter)
The Rawalpindi Health Authority has issued a public health advisory, warning that the harmful effects of smog are now visibly impacting citizens’ health, leading to a surge in cases of fever, flu, cold, and respiratory distress.
According to Dr. Waqar, spokesperson for the Rawalpindi District Health Authority, hospitals are reporting a significant increase in patients suffering from eye, throat, and lung diseases. “Most patients are complaining of headaches, eye irritation, and breathing difficulties,” Dr. Waqar stated.
The health advisory urges citizens to adopt several precautionary measures, including:
- Making a habit of wearing masks.
- Increasing water intake.
- Avoiding visits to parks during the evening and night.
Dr. Waqar further emphasized the need to spread awareness at the community level to combat the effects of smog.
In a related context, a spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that smog is not a natural disaster but a man-made one, and that measures to mitigate it are ongoing. The spokesperson stressed that everyone must work together to ensure effective actions are taken to control the smog crisis.
Experts have warned that the effects of smog on human life are becoming increasingly pronounced, with a rise in skin diseases and adverse effects on the lungs and eyes, including an increased risk of cataracts.
The health authority’s alert underscores the urgent need for public cooperation and proactive measures to safeguard against the deteriorating air quality.