Kathmandu, November 6
Air pollution levels have started rising in the Kathmandu Valley with the onset of the dry season, with air quality reaching unhealthy levels in several parts of the valley.
According to IQAir, a Switzerland-based air quality monitoring organisation, pollution levels remained unhealthy in several areas on Friday morning, as they had on Thursday. The forecast suggests that air quality will remain at unhealthy levels until Sunday.
Data published by IQAir showed that the valley’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 111 on Friday morning. On Thursday, the AQI in Kathmandu’s Baneshowr area had reached 153. By 9.15am on Friday, it had fallen to 127 in the same area.
According to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s air quality monitoring dashboard, air quality was unhealthy in several areas, including Swayambhu, Balaju, Teku, Dallu, Thapathali, Kshetrapati, Jadibuti, Asan, Kamaladi, Shantinagar, Chabahil, Lainchaur and Handigaun.
The metropolitan city has urged concerned parties to refrain from activities that contribute to air pollution.
Air quality in the valley generally deteriorates during the dry season as rainfall becomes less frequent and dust and other pollutants accumulate in the atmosphere.
Under the Air Quality Index classification, PM2.5 concentrations corresponding to an AQI of 101 to 150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. People particularly at risk include those with respiratory illnesses, older people, children and people with chronic health conditions.
An AQI of 151 to 200 is considered unhealthy for everyone.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres. It is among the most harmful air pollutants because the particles can pass through the body’s natural defences in the nose and throat, penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Doctors warn that exposure to such particles can increase the risk of serious illnesses, including cancer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the annual average concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed five micrograms per cubic metre of air. Its recommended limit for the 24-hour average is 15 micrograms per cubic metre.
Air pollution reaches severe levels in India, Delhi AQI crosses 400
In neighbouring India, air quality has deteriorated to severe levels in several parts of the capital, New Delhi, with the AQI crossing 400.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s air quality had reached the ‘severe’ category, with an AQI of 422 recorded at 8am on Friday.
The AQI was recorded at 421 near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and 414 in Najafgarh. The reading in the Chandni Chowk area stood at 391.
The CPCB classifies an AQI of 401 to 500 as ‘severe’. At this level, air pollution can affect even healthy people and cause serious health problems for those with existing illnesses.
An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘very poor’. Prolonged exposure to air at this level can lead to respiratory illnesses, according to the CPCB.
The board classifies an AQI of zero to 50 as ‘good’, while readings of up to 100 are considered ‘satisfactory’.
