Air Pollution Causes Nearly 42,000 Annual Deaths in Nepal, Ministry Spokesperson States

Around 42,000 people die annually in Nepal due to air pollution, according to data presented. Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, stated that 21 percent of these deaths involve children under five years of age.

He further explained that air pollution leads to respiratory diseases such as asthma, heart disease and cardiac arrest, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and memory impairment.

Experts note that pollution also causes respiratory problems in children, increases the likelihood of heart-related diseases, raises infant morbidity rates, increases the risk of childhood cancer, delays brain development, causes abnormal behavior, and contributes to malnutrition. Additionally, issues such as low birth weight, anemia, infertility, gestational diabetes, and mental health problems are also observed.

Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Budhathoki informed that air pollution in Nepal is observed to be eight times higher than the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). He mentioned that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Nepal reached up to 185 on Thursday.

According to WHO standards, the annual average concentration of fine particulate matter considered harmful to health should not exceed five micrograms per cubic meter. Dr. Budhathoki explained that if the fine particulate matter is lower than that threshold, it can remain suspended in the air and reach the lungs through the respiratory process. He confirmed that pollution in Nepal exceeds WHO standards.

An AQI reading of 0 to 50 is considered healthy, 51 to 100 is cautionary, and 101 to 151 is considered harmful for sensitive groups (the elderly, those with chronic diseases, and children). An AQI above 151 is deemed unhealthy.

It is estimated that if air pollution levels are brought within WHO standards, the average lifespan of Nepalis could increase by 3.3 years annually. Globally, air pollution causes 7.9 million deaths each year, 90 percent of whom are citizens of low- and middle-income countries.

Air pollution primarily stems from vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, smoke released from the open burning of garbage and organic matter, dust from roads and construction, forest fires, and the use of pesticides and insecticides.