Kathmandu ranked third most polluted city in the world

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu has been ranked as the third most polluted city in the world, according to today’s Air Quality Index (AQI) report.

As of 11:12 AM, the city’s AQI reached 183, indicating unhealthy air conditions.

Karachi, Pakistan, tops the list with an AQI of 227, followed by Wuhan, China, in second place.

Kolkata, India, stands at fourth place.

AQI levels up to 150 are considered satisfactory, while readings between 151-200 are classified as unhealthy.

An AQI between 201-300 is deemed very unhealthy, and anything above 301 is regarded as hazardous.

Serious Health Risks Due to Air Pollution

Medical experts warn that increasing air pollution is having severe impacts on human health. Contaminated air enters the body through respiration, causing both short-term and long-term health complications.

The presence of toxic particles in the air raises the risk of respiratory infections, lung cancer, and other serious illnesses.

According to pulmonologist Dr. Neeraj Bam, individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions are directly affected by pollution. It can exacerbate asthma, increase coughing in tuberculosis patients, and cause blood in phlegm for those with bronchitis.

Additionally, it contributes to diabetes, high blood pressure, lung infections, and complications during pregnancy. Residents in highly polluted areas may experience throat irritation, persistent cough, viral infections, and an increased risk of respiratory diseases.

Prolonged exposure to pollution can also lead to skin irritation, eye redness, and itching. Doctors advise staying indoors as much as possible during high pollution periods and wearing masks when going outside.

However, they emphasize that masks alone cannot fully prevent health risks, highlighting the urgent need for pollution control measures.