After brief relief, Kathmandu air slips back to unhealthy
Summary
Air quality in Kathmandu deteriorated to very unhealthy levels amid forest fires and agricultural burning, posing serious health risks and economic costs.
Key Points
- Air quality in Kathmandu Valley worsened to very unhealthy levels with PM2.5 close to or exceeding 200 micrograms per cubic metre.
- Forest fires and agricultural residue burning are major contributors to the deteriorating air quality.
- Air pollution is now the leading risk factor for death and disability in Nepal, causing approximately 26,000 premature deaths annually.
- Poor air quality leads to substantial economic costs, estimated to exceed six percent of Nepal's GDP each year.
