Air quality (particulate matter) at heavy traffic sites in Lahore, Pakistan

The transport sector is a major contributor towards air pollution, particularly in the urban areas. Air quality at two major heavy traffic roads of Lahore, Pakistan was evaluated. Particulate matter (PM) was monitored for twenty four hours at each sampling sites. The total number of vehicles passing was also noted and correlated with the PM levels. The vehicular congestion as well as meteorological factors had a positive association with the PM levels. PM concentrations were significantly higher than the WHO recommended levels. It is necessary to control emissions from vehicular exhaust to reduce the level of pollutants in the ambient air in urban areas.