KARACHI, PAKISTAN: Karachi’s air has witnessed an almost 100 per cent increase in the level of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide and lead in the past six years, according to the initial reports of the city’s air quality assessment.

The evaluation is being made by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmospheric Research Commission (Suparco), at the behest of the City District Government Karachi (CDGK). The move is part of CDGK’s efforts to prepare a comprehensive transport plan for the city, plagued by congestion and pollution.

"The parts per million molecular prevalence of CO in the ambient air of Liaquatabad alone has risen to 13-14, as compared to five-six mentioned in a 1998 study," Badar Ghauri, head of Suparco’s space and atmospheric research, says. The threshold limit for CO is 10 parts per million molecules. Suparco’s scientists have identified 28 busiest traffic spots for collecting data, which would include vehicle count as well as blood sampling of 25 people from each spot. They also plan to study the impact of the pollution on the vegetation and will collect leaves for the purpose.

Source: Down to Earth, 15 April 2005 in CANN News of the Day - 29 April 2005