KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Valley ranks second globally for air pollution today, dropping from its position as the world’s most polluted city yesterday. New Delhi, India, has now taken the top spot for air pollution.
Experts attribute the high levels of pollution in Kathmandu to dust that has accumulated in the air due to the lack of rain for an extended period, coupled with smoke from forest fires around the valley.
According to the ‘Air Quality Index’ (AQI), Kathmandu stands in second place for air pollution worldwide today.
As of 7:25 am, the air quality index for Kathmandu is 249, indicating unhealthy levels of pollution. In comparison, Delhi’s AQI is 353, placing it at the highest level of pollution today.
Lahore, Pakistan, ranks third with an AQI of 178.
Doctors have warned that the air quality in Kathmandu is now harmful to human health. They recommend staying indoors, especially in the morning, to reduce exposure to the toxic air.
The World Health Organization (WHO) sets a safe AQI threshold of below 35 for human health.
An AQI between 51 and 100 is considered moderate but caution is advised. An AQI of 101 to 150 may impact individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, while levels above 150 are categorized as unhealthy.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is deemed very unhealthy, and anything above 301 is considered dangerous, with AQI values reaching 401 to 450 regarded as extremely hazardous.
The Air Quality Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2076 BS, states that an AQI above 300 constitutes a disaster.
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