Kathmandu Valley braces for another season of air pollution

According to air quality data recorded by IQAir, a Swiss group that collects air quality data from around the world, air quality in many places in the Kathmandu Valley reached unhealthy levels on Thursday morning. The data show that Mid-Baneshwar area recorded the highest PM2.5 concentration at 153 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m³), followed by Shantichowk in Bhaktapur at 151, Tarakeshwar at 147, Ranibari at 145, Teku at 139, Gaushala Chowk and Chhetrapati at 138 each, and Balaju at 134.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index , a PM2.5 reading of 101 to 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, who may experience adverse health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

A reading of 151 to 200 is considered unhealthy for everyone, and people may experience health effects, and members of sensitive groups could experience more serious effects, according to the agency. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter (solid or liquid droplets) in the air that is less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter.