Parents urged to limit outdoor activities

INTERNATIONAL BUREAU —Severe smog gripping Muzaffargarh has triggered concerns about its impact on public health, particularly children and elderly people, prompting health experts to urge parents and schools to take precautionary measures. An expert, Dr Fakharul Islam, warned that prolonged exposure to polluted air could affect children's respiratory health and aggravate existing breathing problems.

He said smog could cause breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, throat irritation, eye inflammation and allergic reactions. He advised parents to discourage unnecessary outdoor activities, ensure that children wear good masks while travelling to and from schools and restrict outdoor sports amid intense smog.

He also recommended keeping doors and windows closed when pollution levels were high, ensuring adequate water intake and maintaining hygiene. Children experiencing persistent coughing, breathing difficulties or chest discomfort should receive timely medical attention, he added. The doctor urged school administrations to monitor air quality, limit outdoor activities during severe smog and educate students about preventive measures.

A housewife. Madeeha Qureshi, expressed concern over deteriorating air quality, saying protecting children from smog had become a major challenge for parents, particularly mothers. She urged authorities to take effective measures to protect children from pollution and called for coordinated efforts by government departments, educational institutions and parents to minimise their exposure.

She also stressed that parents should not ignore even minor symptoms of respiratory discomfort among children.