Lahore Air Turns Hazardous as AQI Crosses 500

Air quality in Lahore deteriorated sharply on Monday morning as the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the hazardous level in several parts of the city. According to monitoring data recorded around 8:00 am, DHA Phase 8 reported an AQI of 517, driven mainly by dangerously high levels of PM2.5, measured at 333.7 micrograms per cubic metre, far exceeding safe limits.Health experts warned that such pollution levels pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions. Residents were advised to limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and use protective masks where possible. Low wind speeds and high humidity trapped pollutants near the ground, worsening smog conditions across the city.