Kathmandu Ranks Second Globally for Air Pollution; AQI Reaches 'Very Unhealthy' Levels
Summary
Kathmandu's air pollution has worsened, ranking second globally with an AQI of 195, reaching very unhealthy levels that pose significant public health risks.
Key Points
- Kathmandu ranks second globally among the most polluted cities with an AQI of 195 as of 1 PM on Tuesday.
- The air quality in Lazimpat recorded the highest pollution with an AQI of 226, and other valley areas also showed very unhealthy levels.
- Pollution sources include vehicles, emissions from India, brick kilns, industries, and forest fires, with poor air circulation worsening the situation.
- WHO standards state air pollution should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter; Nepal's air pollution level currently is about eight and a half times higher, causing significant health risks.
- Data from 2019 indicates approximately 42,000 deaths annually in Nepal due to air pollution-related diseases.
