MoHP urges precaution against increasing air pollution

Kathmandu, March 9: The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has urged the public to exercise precautions to protect themselves from increasing air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley as well as other major cities across the country.

The Ministry made the appeal in light of the rising air pollution level in the Kathmandu Valley and other places.

Ministry's Spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki warned that the air pollution could lead to various health problems affecting the heart, blood vessels, lungs, asthma patients, eyes, kidneys and other organs and could increase risk of cancer. He thus called upon everyone to remain cautious and take preventive measures. 

Spokesperson Budhathoki said that the air pollution could severely affect people with chronic illness and pregnant women. Therefore, he requested these vulnerable groups to avoid going outdoors unless absolutely necessary. 

Considering the fact that children, senior citizens and people suffering from respiratory related complications such as asthma and chronic coughs are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, he suggested them to exercise special precautions. 

Spokesperson Budhathoki noted that the rise in air pollution is mainly due to emissions from old vehicles, forest fires, industrial activities and smoke and dust generated from construction materials.

Furthermore, the Department of Environment mentioned that the pollution levels have been rising in different parts of the country in the recent days due to unfavorable weather condition. 

The Department also noted that the concentration of fine particles has notably increased in major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara and indicated that the air pollution is likely to persist in Kathmandu Valley for about another week. 

The Ministry advised people to avoid going outdoor during mornings and evenings and compulsorily wear masks if they must go out. (RSS)