The Environment Protection Department (EPD) has launched a dedicated monitoring initiative to assess sulfur dioxide levels in Faisalabad’s atmosphere, aiming to prevent potential health and environmental risks associated with the pollutant.

The initiative was announced by Deputy Director Environment Protection Department Usman Azhar during an interactive awareness session with media representatives ahead of World Environment Day, which will be observed on June 5.

Speaking on the occasion, Azhar said Faisalabad, being one of Pakistan’s largest industrial hubs, faces a range of environmental challenges that require proactive intervention.

He noted that many industries in the district rely on coal-fired boilers and diesel-powered facilities, both of which release sulfur dioxide during combustion.

“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.

According to the deputy director, the department has initiated sulfur dioxide sampling and monitoring at various locations across the city. Laboratory analysis is underway, while industries are being encouraged to install pollution-control technologies capable of reducing emissions at the source.

He explained that sulfur dioxide is a major contributor to acid rain and can pose serious risks to public health and the environment if concentrations rise beyond safe limits.

“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 stated that the department is working closely with the district administration and other institutions to conduct detailed assessments of air quality and potential health impacts. He described the initiative as the first focused effort in Faisalabad to study sulfur dioxide concentrations on a broader scale.

The official said environmental authorities have already moved beyond addressing visible forms of pollution such as smog and particulate matter.

“In recent months, severe smog conditions were not observed and visibility remained relatively stable. We are now focusing on pollutants that are invisible to the human eye but continue to affect respiratory health and environmental quality,” he added.

Previously, the department’s efforts concentrated on controlling PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter, which directly affect visibility.

The current phase aims to identify and manage gaseous pollutants that can accumulate in the atmosphere without being immediately noticeable.

Azhar noted that sulfur dioxide differs from particulate pollution because it remains suspended in the atmosphere for extended periods and can gradually accumulate over time.

Environmental experts warn that elevated sulfur dioxide concentrations can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, aggravate breathing disorders, damage crops, affect plant growth, and contribute to the deterioration of buildings and infrastructure through acid rain.