Have you witnessed a hazy sky? If you're in Pakistan, you indeed haven't seen a clear sky by the end of October. You get it right. It'sIt's SMOG season. The issue is getting worse with every passing year.

About 90% of the world's population is breathing air that is not meeting the WHO guidelines. The issue of smog is more common in build-up cities. Two of the cities of Pakistan are among the top ten polluted cities in the world. So, the air quality index (AQI) of big cities is relatively high. However, smog is an issue in the whole nation that gets worst in winter. 

Smog leads to multiple health issues, such as respiratory illnesses, increasing heart issues, and skin and eye diseases. This article will give you a brief overview of smog and how you can protect yourself. 

So without further ado, let's get into the topic.

What is smog?

By the name, you can indicate it's a mixture of smoke and fog. But you might have witnessed smog on days when there is no fog. The air pollutants react in the lower atmosphere in sunlight, forming a blanket of haze. 

However, the air pollutants in winter usually don'tdon't get dispersed, resulting in smog throughout the season. Officially we can replace "Cold season" with "Smog season" in Pakistan. Well, who can deny this?

You might think you can do nothing to avoid the air you breathe. But there are a few ways to protect yourself from smog'ssmog's ill effects.

Stay updated

Smog has become an environmental issue throughout the year. So, you must check the AQI of your area and plan your activities accordingly. Further, staying up-to-date helps you to keep your safety kit, such as mask, glasses, and inhaler (in case you're asthmatic), to avoid any inconvenience.

Reduce your exposure

Multiple pollutants are released into the atmosphere each day. Name it Greenhouse gases, PAHs, PCBs, POPs, and anything you can imagine. The first thing is to reduce your exposure because you inhale them directly as they stay in the air for a long time. 
You might have observed a peculiar smell in winter. That are stagnant pollutants. So, try to stay at home as much as you can. 

However, if you're a student or someone who can't limit exposure to the outside, explore other ways.

Cover your face

Breathing polluted air affects the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. Besides this, it affects the upper respiratory system. It is advisable to wear a mask to avoid being directly exposed to polluted air.
Pollutants in the air often cause eye irritation, inflammation, and left dry eyes. Therefore, it is advisable to wear an eye protection mask or glasses. 

Stay hydrated

Water detoxifies your body. It flushes out harmful chemicals excessively. So, try to stay hydrated. Consuming fruit and vegetable juices would be the cherry on top, as they're good for gut health.

Add Green to your house

We mostly stay indoors, thinking we are safe from outdoor pollution. However, Indoor air is often getting impure from dust and chemicals. Plants accumulate pollutants and keep indoor air clean. Therefore, make your home a little greener. 

Takeaway

Smog is the most significant environmental issue in Pakistan. It causes the majority to get ill such as runny nose, tightness in the chest, and eye inflammation. Take the above-mentioned preventive measures to keep yourself and your family healthy. Besides this, learn how you can improve your footprint to avoid the smog episode next winter.