Abstract
Background: Atmospheric pollution, or smog, poses a significant public health threat. Pakistan, particularly Lahore,
faces severe air pollution challenges due to rapid urbanization . Despite efforts by the Pakistan Environmental
Protection Agency, particulate matter levels remain alarmingly high, posing health risks to inhabitants. Effective
measures are crucial to mitigate the adverse impacts of smog on human health.
Objectives: To investigated smog perceptions and behaviour.
Method: Within 3 months, 96 volunteers were recruited using non-probability sampling. Data were collected through a
pre-designed questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 25. Demographics, perceptions, awareness, and
behaviours were assessed. Frequencies, percentages, and Chi-square tests were used to compare outcomes.
Stratification for confounders like education, gender, age, and diabetes was performed. p-value of <0.05 was
considered significant. The study aimed to understand smog's impact on human health.
Results: The study included 96 participants with diverse demographics. All participants reported awareness of smog,
with 94.8% identifying its causes and 95.8% recognizing its health effects. A significant portion expressed concern
about its seriousness, with 60.4% considering it a very serious issue. 88.5% supported government regulations to
control smog. Participants demonstrated a proactive approach, with 70.8% planning to use public transport and 81.3%
intending to adopt energy-efficient appliances to mitigate smog. Statistical analysis revealed significant relationships
between demographics and understanding of smog
Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of education and awareness campaigns in enhancing smog literacy.
The findings support that there is need for targeted interventions, including government regulations, individual actions, and
community engagement, to reduce smog.