Air Pollution in Nepal: How to save 3-5 Years of Your Life
Did you know?Air pollution in Nepal reduces life expectancy by 3.4 years which is more than the years reduced by any other factors like tobacco (1.9 years) and high blood pressure (1.5 years).
Air pollution of Nepal has been increasing at an alarming rate in Nepal and is especially in major cities like Kathmandu. Studies have shown that Nepal’s average annual particulate pollution increased by 49 percent from 1998 to 2022. The pollution in Kathmandu has been mostly unhealthy according to IQ Air statistics of Air quality index.
What is the Air Quality Index?
AQI or Air Quality Index is a numerical indication of the level of pollution in the air. AQI is calculated on the basis of concentration of the following pollutants:
| Pollutant | Description | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) | Particles smaller than 2.5 microns that penetrate deep into the lungs. | Combustion of fuels by vehicles or industries. |
| PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) | Particles smaller than 2.5 microns that penetrate deep into the lungs. | Industrial Pollution, Construction, Road Dust, Household Pollution |
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) | Colorless, odorless gas that reduces oxygen supply in the bloodstream. | Household Pollution |
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) | A gas that irritates the respiratory tract and contributes to acid rain. | Industrial Pollution, Burning of fossil fuels |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) | A toxic gas that leads to lung diseases and smog formation. | Vehicle Emissions |
| Ground-Level Ozone (O3) | A major component of smog that can trigger asthma attacks. | Pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants |
Air Quality Index makes it reality easy for us to understand the state of air quality in a scale of 0-500 where
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Moderate
- 101-150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
- 151-200: Unhealthy
- 201-300: Very Unhealthy
- 301-500: Hazardous
How Poor AQI Affects Your Health?
Short-Term Effects
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Shortness of breath and wheezing.
- Increased risk of respiratory infections.
- Fatigue and headaches.
Long-Term Effects
- Chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis.
- Increased risk of stroke and heart disease.
- Reduced lung function over time.
- Premature aging and weakened immune system.
- Higher risk of lung cancer.
AQI and Life Expectancy
A recent study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) found that prolonged exposure to PM2.5 reduces life expectancy by 3.4 years in Nepal.
In the Terai region, the pollution is much higher due to which the life expectancy is reduced by 4.8 years considering the pollution level doesn't change in the future.
The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Report also ranks air pollution as the leading environmental health risk in Nepal.
How to Protect Yourself from High AQI Levels
1. Monitor AQI Daily
- Use air quality monitoring apps like AirVisual, AQICN to check AQI levels before going outdoors even though Nepal does not have many air quality monitoring devices placed, it can give a very thin idea of the state of the air quality.
2. Wear a Mask
- Masks make a big difference in fighting air pollution. Use N95 or N99 masks to filter out PM2.5 and other harmful pollutants when AQI is high.
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality
- Use air purifiers to filter indoor pollutants.
- Keep windows closed on high AQI days.
- Avoid smoking indoors.
- Use exhaust fans and air filtration systems.
4. Reduce Personal Pollution Contribution
- Use electric vehicles (EVs) or public transport instead of fuel-powered vehicles.
- Support green energy solutions like solar power.
- Plant trees and grow indoor plants such as aloe vera and spider plants that improve air quality.
5. Eat Foods that Detoxify the Body
- A diet rich in antioxidants helps mitigate the effects of air pollution. Consume foods high in:
- Vitamin C (oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits)
- Vitamin E (almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseeds, walnuts)
6. Exercise Safely
- Avoid outdoor exercise when AQI is above 150 which is quite rare in Kathmandu but very possible in Terai regions. Go for indoor workouts or exercise early in the morning when pollution levels are lower.
7. Advocate for Clean Air Policies
- Encourage authorities to:
- Enforce stricter emission standards for vehicles and industries.
- Increase green spaces to absorb pollutants.
- Ban open waste burning and promote waste management programs.
Government Efforts to Improve AQI
1. Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- The reduction on taxes for EVs has been one of the initiatives that the Nepal government has taken which has increased the number of EVs dramatically in recent years.
2. Stricter Industrial Regulations
- Efforts are underway to transition brick kilns to cleaner technology and enforce environmental standards.
3. Banning Open Waste Burning
- Several municipalities at the local level have imposed bans on waste burning to curb air pollution.
4. Expanding Air Quality Monitoring Networks
- Nepal is expanding real-time AQI monitoring stations across major cities to provide better data on pollution trends.
Conclusion
Air pollution in Nepal is a serious and the biggest public health issue often overlooked by many. Poor AQI levels significantly impact life expectancy. Understanding AQI, its technical components, and the right protective measures can help individuals safeguard their health. By staying informed, adopting protective habits, and supporting clean air initiatives, you can help combat air pollution and potentially add 3-5 years to your life.
If you ever feel any of the health problems mentioned above contact Doctors House Call Service Nepal for an immediate in house check up from one of the best doctors in Kathmandu. Doctors House Call Service is the best Home Health Service provider in Kathmandu that has been working in this field for more than 4 years. Check out all the services here.