EPD begins campaign to curb sulfur pollution

FAISALABAD: The Environment Protection Department has begun a targeted monitoring campaign in Faisalabad to measure sulphur dioxide in the air, as authorities move to assess a pollutant they say can pose risks to both public health and the environment.

The initiative was announced by Deputy Director Environment Protection Department Usman Azhar during an interactive awareness session with media representatives held ahead of World Environment Day on June 5. He said Faisalabad, as one of the country’s major industrial centres, faces multiple environmental pressures that require timely action.

Azhar said a large number of industrial units in the district use coal-fired boilers and diesel-run facilities, both of which release sulphur dioxide when fuel is burned. He said coal and diesel contain sulphur naturally, and their combustion results in the gas being emitted into the atmosphere.

Addressing the current situation, Azhar said existing readings remain within permissible levels but the department does not want the problem to worsen over time.

"Coal and diesel naturally contain sulfur. When these fuels are burned, sulfur dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere. Although current levels remain within acceptable limits, we do not want the situation to become unmanageable in the future," he said.

Sampling under way across the city

According to the deputy director, sulphur dioxide sampling has started at several points in the city and laboratory testing is in progress. At the same time, industries are being urged to adopt pollution-control systems that can cut emissions at the source.

He said sulphur dioxide is one of the main causes of acid rain and can become hazardous for people and the wider environment if concentrations rise above safe thresholds. He added that while monitoring data currently show controlled levels, Faisalabad’s large industrial footprint means that even emissions that comply individually with limits can add up to a sizeable environmental load.

"At present, monitoring data indicate that sulfur dioxide levels remain within controlled ranges. However, Faisalabad's extensive industrial base means that even emissions within permissible limits can collectively create a significant environmental burden," he said.

Azhar said the department is coordinating with the district administration and other institutions to carry out more detailed studies of air quality and related health effects. He described the exercise as Faisalabad’s first dedicated effort to examine sulphur dioxide concentrations on a broader scale.

Focus expands beyond visible pollution

The official said environmental authorities are now looking beyond visible pollution, including smog and particulate matter. He said severe smog had not been seen in recent months and visibility had remained relatively stable, prompting the department to shift greater attention to pollutants that cannot be seen but still affect respiratory health and environmental quality.

He said earlier departmental efforts were concentrated on PM2.5 and PM10 particles, which have a direct effect on visibility. The present phase, he added, is intended to detect and manage gaseous pollutants that may build up in the atmosphere without immediate visual signs.

Azhar noted that sulphur dioxide differs from particulate pollution because it can remain suspended in the air for long periods and accumulate gradually. Environmental experts have warned that higher concentrations can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, worsen breathing problems, damage crops, affect plant growth, and contribute to the deterioration of buildings and infrastructure through acid rain.