- Karachi dust and poor air quality increase health risks, visibility problems and respiratory viral illnesses
International researchers analyzed that the air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any physical, chemical as well as biological agent that modifies the natural properties of the atmosphere. There are various sources of air pollution such as household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires.
Pollutants of key public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
It is said that indoor and outdoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases and are significant sources of morbidity and mortality. World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics showed that almost all of the global population (99 percent) breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income states suffering from the highest exposures.
Air quality is closely associated to the earth’s climate and ecosystems globally. Many of the drivers of air pollution are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Strategies to reduce air pollution, therefore, offer a win-win long term policy for both health and climate, lowering the burden of disease attributable to air pollution, also contributing to the near- and long-term mitigation of climate change.
Pakistan in the list of developing countries, faces severe air pollution, consistently ranking among the world’s most polluted countries, with high PM2.5 levels causing over 128,000 premature deaths yearly, driven through vehicle emissions, industry, and burning fuels, leading to widespread respiratory problems, though some cities show slight improvements over time. Major statistics include population-weighted average PM2.5 of 58 µg/m³ (2017), placing approximately everyone above WHO limits, with main cities.
Statistics also showed that in Karachi dust and poor air quality are increasing on the daily basis, with PM₂.₅ levels almost 50 to 70 µg/m³, much higher than WHO’s safe limit of 5 µg/m³. Hot, dry weather and strong winds carry dust from bare land and construction sites into the city. Rapid urban growth, unplanned construction, heavy traffic, and exposed soil further worsen air quality. Together, natural situations and human activity are contributing to health risks and lowering visibility across the city.
Experts mentioned that strong winds blow dust from dry areas, while construction sites, vehicles, factories, and burning waste add more particles to the air. Longer dry periods, hotter temperatures, stronger winds, and irregular rainfall dry out the soil, are making dust storms more frequent and intense. This combination of hot, dry weather and strong winds rises dust in the air, affecting health, lowering visibility, and disrupting daily life, explaining how environmental and climate changes worsen Karachi’s air quality.
In Karachi dust and poor air quality create various challenges, mainly for people’s health. Children, the elderly, and those with lung or heart situations are most at risk.
Health related sources recorded that dust and fine particles can cause coughing, breathing challenges, and eye irritation. Low visibility during dust events also makes travel by road or air dangerous. Daily life in Karachi continues, but working outdoors has become harder and more hazardous due to dry, dusty winds. Being exposed to dust repeatedly over time can cause serious lung and heart issues, making this a long-term health concern.
Respiratory and viral illnesses different reports showed, are increasing in Karachi, likely due to rising dust and poor air quality. By mid-February 2025, the Sindh Health department registered 248 cases of respiratory diseases, counting 119 confirmed H1N1 influenza cases and 95 cases of Influenza A or B. In October in this year, hospitals in the city recorded 150 to 200 patients each day with flu-like symptoms such as cough, high fever and body aches, and daily emergency visits reached 1,200 to 1,600. As a result dusty and polluted situations are affecting people’s health, making respiratory and viral infections more common and severe. Shifts in climate and hotter situations are adding to the severity of the condition. Higher temperatures, longer dry periods, stronger winds, and irregular rainfall dry out the soil, making it easier for dust to rise into the air. Dry, dusty winds are becoming more frequent and intense, which can harm health, reduce visibility, and disturb daily life.
Conclusion
No doubt, climate change is worsening these conditions, making dusty and dry weather more frequent and severe. The public and government both can take steps to decline the impact of dust and poor air quality. The government can enhance city planning to cover exposed soil, plant more trees and green areas to stabilise the ground, control dust at construction sites, and enforce rules to limit pollution from factories, vehicles, and waste burning. Citizens can stay safe by keeping track of air-quality updates, staying indoors during dusty days, wearing masks and ensuring outdoor workers have protective gear and adjusted work hours. Sharing information by awareness programmes and improving air-quality monitoring can assist people stay informed and protect their health.