Kathmandu Air Pollution Rises, Sky Turns Hazy

In recent days, air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has increased a lot, making the sky look hazy.

About a week ago, the mountains could be seen clearly from the valley, but now it is difficult to see them. Experts say the air has become thick because of dry seasonal winds, dust from construction sites, and very fine particles of pollution.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in different parts of Kathmandu has reached between 180 and 250, which is considered unhealthy. At this level, even healthy people can feel its effects, and the risk is even higher for people with asthma, allergies, or heart and lung problems.

PM2.5 particles are extremely small smaller than 2.5 microns and cannot be seen with the eyes. But they can enter the body through the nose and lungs. When these particles increase too much, they can cause low visibility, eye irritation, throat discomfort, tiredness, and, in the long run, increase the risk of lung and heart diseases.