Lahore retained its dubious distinction as the world's most polluted city

Lahore retained its dubious distinction as the world's most polluted city on Monday, with an average pollution reading of 415, according to ARY News.

The Indian capital, New Delhi, followed closely behind with an AQI reading of 325.

Data from the Punjab Environment Protection Department revealed that Upper Mall was the most polluted area in Lahore, with an AQI reading of 508. Polo Ground Lahore Cantt, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Town Hall Lahore registered AQI readings of 491, 297, 250, and 299, respectively.

An AQI reading between 151 and 200 is considered unhealthy, while an AQI between 201 and 300 is considered harmful. An AQI above 300 is considered extremely hazardous.

Experts attribute the rise in air pollution during the winter months to changes in wind speed and direction, as well as sliding minimum temperatures.

During the winter, the air becomes denser, causing harmful particles in the atmosphere to settle downwards and exacerbate air pollution. A layer of polluted particles, including large amounts of carbon and smoke, then covers the area.

Smoke from burning crop remnants, factories, and coal, garbage, oil, or tires enters the atmosphere, and its impact becomes most apparent at the onset of winter, persisting until the end of the season.

As a result, air pollution reaches extremely hazardous levels, posing a severe threat to air quality.

The AQI is calculated based on five categories of pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.