Lahore's air quality index crosses 530 as pollution reaches hazardous levels

LAHORE: Air pollution in Lahore reached hazardous levels on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 530 and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations climbing to 343 micrograms per cubic metre. Several other cities in Punjab also recorded extremely high pollution levels, according to air quality monitoring platform IQAir. At 8am, IQAir recorded an AQI of 535 in Lahore, placing the city in the hazardous category. PM2.5 concentration, referring to tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, stood at 343µg/m³. Air quality had already…