Kathmandu tops global pollution, surpassing Delhi & Lahore

KATHMANDU: In recent days, the Kathmandu Valley has once again been severely affected by air pollution.

As of 7:55 AM today, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kathmandu reached a hazardous level of 270, making it the most polluted city in the world.

Delhi, the capital of India, holds the second spot with an AQI of 265, while Lahore, Pakistan, ranks third with an AQI of 199.

According to health experts, the air quality in Kathmandu is now extremely harmful to human health. Although the winds a few days ago helped reduce the pollution to some extent, the situation remains critical.

Experts attribute the deteriorating air quality to a long period of no rainfall and ongoing forest fires around the valley, which have led to dust and smoke engulfing the sky.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that an AQI of 35 or lower is ideal for health.

Here is a breakdown of the AQI scale:

• 0-50: Good

• 51-100: Moderate (caution required)

• 101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups (affects those with respiratory or heart conditions)

• 151-200: Unhealthy

• 201-300: Very Unhealthy

• 301-400: Hazardous

• 401-450: Extremely Hazardous

Currently, Kathmandu’s AQI of 270 falls under the “Very Unhealthy” category, posing a significant risk to people of all ages.

The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain cautious and advised avoiding outdoor activities, especially during the morning and evening.

Special precautions have been recommended for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

According to the Air Quality Management Action Plan implemented in 2076, if the AQI in Kathmandu exceeds 300, it will be treated as a disaster, prompting emergency measures.

How to Protect Yourself from Air Pollution: Practical Steps for Safety

To protect yourself and your family from the dangers of air pollution, it’s essential to understand its sources, the risks it poses, and most importantly, what steps you can take to minimize exposure. Here’s a guide to staying safe in polluted environments.

1. Stay Informed About Air Quality Levels

One of the most important actions you can take is to stay updated on the air quality index (AQI) in your area. The AQI is a measure of air pollution levels and provides real-time data on how clean or polluted the air is. Various apps and websites, such as the AirVisual app, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, and local weather services, offer live updates on air quality. In places with high pollution levels, the AQI can help you decide when to take extra precautions.

When the AQI reaches unhealthy levels (e.g., above 100), it’s crucial to limit outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups like children, elderly people, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

2. Limit Time Spent Outdoors

If the air quality is poor, try to limit the time you spend outdoors. Long periods of exposure to polluted air can lead to negative health effects. Avoid strenuous activities like running or cycling in areas with high pollution levels, as this can exacerbate respiratory issues. If you must go outside, try to do so in the early morning or later in the evening when pollution levels tend to be lower.

For those living in cities where pollution is a constant issue, consider using indoor gyms, walking on air-conditioned paths, or engaging in physical activities inside your home, especially on days when the air quality is listed as unhealthy.

3. Create a Safe Indoor Environment

When outdoor air quality is poor, it’s essential to make your indoor environment as clean as possible. Here are some practical steps:

• Keep windows and doors closed: During high-pollution days, close all windows and doors to keep polluted air outside. This helps reduce the infiltration of outdoor contaminants into your home.

• Use air purifiers: Consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter. These devices are effective at removing particles such as dust, pollen, and PM2.5. Make sure to choose an air purifier with the appropriate size for your room.

• Ventilate properly: If air pollution levels drop, or if you are in an area with cleaner air, it’s important to ventilate your home by opening windows for short periods. Doing so helps remove indoor pollutants and refreshes the air.

• Houseplants: Certain indoor plants, such as snake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies, have been shown to help improve indoor air quality. While they won’t remove significant amounts of pollutants, they can assist with oxygen production and increase humidity.

4. Wear a Mask

On days with heavy pollution, wearing a face mask can help reduce the amount of harmful particles you breathe in. N95 or KN95 masks are the most effective at filtering out fine particles, including PM2.5. These masks fit snugly around your nose and mouth, preventing pollutants from entering your airways. While surgical masks and cloth masks provide limited protection, they are not effective for fine particulate matter. Therefore, if you live in an area with persistent air pollution, it’s worth investing in high-quality respirators.

For people with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, wearing a mask during high pollution periods is crucial to avoid exacerbating symptoms.

5. Monitor Indoor Air Pollution Sources

While outdoor pollution is a significant concern, indoor air quality can also be compromised by common household activities. Here are a few sources of indoor air pollution to be mindful of:

• Cooking: Certain cooking methods, particularly using gas stoves, can release nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter into your home. To reduce exposure, ensure proper ventilation by using range hoods or opening windows.

• Cleaning Products: Many cleaning supplies contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can negatively impact air quality. Opt for eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products and use them in well-ventilated areas.

• Cigarette Smoke: Smoking indoors can severely degrade air quality and increase the concentration of harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde. To minimize exposure, avoid smoking indoors and ensure smokers do so in well-ventilated outdoor spaces.

6. Consider Health Monitoring

If you live in an area with consistently poor air quality, monitoring your health regularly can help identify early signs of pollution-related health issues. People with asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable. Consider using a peak flow meter to track lung function at home, or discuss with your doctor the possibility of investing in an air quality monitor that tracks pollution levels inside your home.

Additionally, air quality can affect heart health, so people with pre-existing heart conditions should take extra precautions. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers are essential for managing long-term exposure to pollution.

7. Support Policy Changes and Awareness

One of the most effective ways to combat the dangers of air pollution is to support policies aimed at reducing pollution. Participate in local environmental advocacy efforts, support clean energy initiatives, and raise awareness about the importance of reducing emissions from vehicles, factories, and other industrial sources.

In many parts of the world, pollution levels are still rising. However, governments, local authorities, and individuals can work together to reduce air pollution by embracing policies that promote clean air, including stricter emission standards, better urban planning, and investment in renewable energy sources.

8. Promote Cleaner Alternatives for Transportation

Transportation is one of the leading sources of air pollution. To reduce your carbon footprint, consider using public transport, walking, biking, or carpooling instead of driving alone. Electric vehicles (EVs) are another excellent option that can significantly cut down on emissions from personal transportation.

Advocating for green urban spaces and encouraging others to reduce the use of fossil-fuel-powered vehicles can make a significant difference in improving air quality.